On (the) T with... Han Toebast

This time Cecile Smeets and Boudie Hoogedeure spoke with well-known Strijp-T figure Han Toebast on the T. Han worked in the early years of Strijp-T at the Innovation Powerhouse at VanBerlo Agency. After a few years he consciously returned to Strijp-T and started his own company there, 'Creative Perspectives', six months ago.

What does your organization do?

Han: “With my own company I help entrepreneurs and businesses to grow and to renew. My focus is on marketing, innovation and business development. I concentrate mainly on the question of whether a company sufficiently responds to trends and innovations. This does not stop at advice; whether it concerns the development of a new product or the definition of a new proposition, I also like to implement. I do this in some cases together with a wide partner network in Brainport and beyond. One of my dreams is to someday be able to establish a successful innovation and design agency here on Strijp-T.”

What is your role?

“Being active as an independent entrepreneur gives me a lot of energy, and I find collaborating with other entrepreneurs very inspiring. I deliberately came to Strijp-T to start my business here and to further develop it. This is the place where creative and technical companies naturally meet each other. Here I can easily make use of the network of 24 uur in bedrijf, the Strijp-T community, and I meet other like-minded people. Together we share an inspiring vibe on this site and find each other very easily. At my cool workplace in 'De Zaak' I have already been able to have many great conversations with various contacts.

Moreover, this atmospheric industrial heritage environment, combined with modern design and high-quality materials, is particularly inspiring. It's not for nothing that I am willing to brave the traffic every day to work here.”

“That you come to the T with a Strijp-T-pot to elicit special conversations, I understand very well”, said Han. ”I myself also have a teapot at the office to take a moment and talk with each other. That works very well. ‘A cup of tea’ feels very familiar and personal. Important matters then quickly come to the surface, not only functionally, but especially personally. That way we quickly make a connection. My former colleague Ad van Berlo, by the way, also always had a teapot with fresh tea ready."

Who do you want us to go to on the T next time and why?

For many years now I have had pleasant and inspiring conversations with Johann Beelen. He works as a business development manager at Brainport Development. "Someone who is heavily involved in establishing (international) connections and the further development of Brainport Eindhoven. I'm curious which trends he currently sees that could make Brainport and Strijp‑T even more successful."