On (the) T at... Han Toebast

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

What does your organization do?

Han: “With my own company, I help entrepreneurs and businesses to grow and innovate. My focus lies on marketing, innovation, and business development. I particularly focus on whether a company is responding sufficiently to trends and innovations. This doesn't stop at advice; whether it's developing a new product or defining a new proposition, I also like to implement. In some cases, I do this together with a broad partner network in Brainport and beyond. One of my dreams is to eventually establish a successful innovation and design agency here at Strijp-T.”

What is your role?

“Being an active entrepreneur gives me a lot of energy, and collaborating with other entrepreneurs is very inspiring to me. I deliberately came to Strijp-T to start and further expand my company here. This is the place where creative and technical companies naturally meet. Here, I can easily tap into the network of 24 hours in business, the Strijp-T community, and meet other like-minded individuals. 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 had many great conversations with various contacts.

Additionally, this atmospheric industrial heritage environment, combined with modern design and high-quality materials, is particularly inspiring. It's no wonder I'm willing to brave the traffic jam daily to work here.”

“I understand very well why you come to the T with a Strijp-T teapot to have special conversations,” says Han. “I also have a teapot in the office to pause and have conversations with each other. It works very well. ‘A cup of tea’ feels very familiar and personal. Important matters quickly come to the surface, not only functionally, but especially personally. This way, we quickly establish a connection. By the way, my former colleague Ad van Berlo always had a teapot with fresh tea ready."

Who would you like us to visit next at the T and why?

For many years, I have had enjoyable and inspiring conversations with Johann Beelen. He works as a business development manager at Brainport Development. “Someone who is very involved in making (international) connections and further developing Brainport Eindhoven. I am curious to know what trends he currently sees that can make Brainport and Strijp-T even more successful.”