Frida Hoekman retires

Her adventurous green fingers
With her high school diploma in hand, 15-year-old Frida followed her passion for gardening and enrolled at a horticultural school, the Middelbare Tuinbouwschool, in Frederiksoord. After that, she worked in several flower shops. Versatile and dynamic work that requires both creativity and customer orientation. But she also worked in flower nurseries. Her love for flowers took her on adventures around the world, from Israel to Australia, working in flower shops and rose nurseries.

Passion for property development takes root
In her early thirties, she felt the pull. Growing up, she had always been fascinated by her father's work in construction. The construction industry had been her true calling, but when she was younger, it wasn’t seen as a career for women. Now, with the times changing, she eagerly began her studies at the technical college Hoger Technisch Instituut. It was a demanding journey, but she was determined to master all aspects of architecture. During her studies, she got a job at a housing association in Deventer that also developed its own properties. She realized that project development was the perfect fit for her, a fascinating and diverse field. Though she enjoyed working at the housing association, she wanted to delve deeper into project development.

Together towards results
Moes Bouwgroep in Zwolle provided her with opportunities for growth. In December 2004, she moved on to BAM Vastgoed for the Northeast region, which later became part of AM.
During the crisis years, she took a sabbatical and travelled around the world for eleven months with her partner Bert. Back in the office, the transition from her nomadic lifestyle to the turbulent times in the construction world was enormous. Together with her colleagues at AM, she made the best of it. And then in March 2017, when the project portfolio of the North and East Netherlands was taken over by the newly established company VanWonen, she, along with 11 other colleagues, embarked on a new joint adventure. “It was a very special time. We brainstormed the positioning and logo together, all while keeping the projects on track,” Frida recalls with a smile. The best thing about project development is the versatility of the profession. It’s incredibly satisfying to complete a great project together with the entire team and all departments. She is proud of the realization of the impressive Stoker and Brander residential towers in Groningen, Kloosterveste in Assen, and the Zwolse Kraanbolwerk. But she also looks back fondly on projects like Heerderhof in Heerde and, recently, 26 homes in Steenbrugge.

Greening the bricks
In the projects, her green sustainable fingers and the bricks come together. The successful completion of Kraanbolwerk is a testament to this. Or the passion for green spaces in projects like Park Nova, with its communal rooftop garden where people can gather. And the recently greened bioswale in Groningen's De Meeuwen neighbourhood, in which children are joyfully playing. “It’s truly rewarding to work together on sustainable and green projects,” says Frida. “The same principle that applies to plants also holds true for the real estate industry: what you give attention to, grows. VanWonen has experienced tremendous growth since 2017, and I’m incredibly proud to have been part of it. Now it’s time for a new chapter in my life.”

Rest and relaxation
On the first of July, Frida retired after 30 years as a project developer. “Sitting still isn’t my thing. First, we’re off on a campervan holiday, and then I’m going to explore volunteer opportunities that match my skills and passions. I have worked full-time for almost 45 years, so it will be a bit of a withdrawal. Rest and relaxation are my first priorities now,” Frida chuckles.

Today was a truly special day: to say thank you to Frida we threw her a nice retirement party on her birthday, together with her family and colleagues. Enjoy your retirement, Frida!