Avonturia 45 Year
It all started on September 18, 1976'De Vogelkelder' was entered in the register of the Chamber of Commerce in The Hague. Jan Huybers the founder and founder of Avonturia started selling birds from the basement of his own house, hence the name de Vogelkelder!
Soon the cellar became too small and this rapid growth is due to Jan himself. From the beginning of the opening of his first store, he did everything differently, bigger and with more experience. In 1982 his first real store was already 360m2 in size, but when he opened the 1.000m2 store in 1990 he was declared crazy, isn't that much too big for a pet store? With a large pond with stray and flying animals in the middle of the store, this could never be profitable, could it? But it soon became a success and even this store eventually became too small, in 2010 the largest pet store in the Netherlands was opened, no less than 6.000 m2!
The name "De Vogelkelder” didn't really fit the new store anymore. That is why at the opening of the new location on January 10, 2010 the name was changed to Avonturia "De Vogelkelder† There was more experience, the pond became even bigger, there are all kinds of animals to be found. In addition to the "Pet Shop" with a lot of experience and natural elements, there was now also a real Mini-Zoo (small zoo), a Veterinary Clinic and a Brasserie "de OehOe" for delicious fresh sandwiches and snacks. Children's parties and school trips were organized and, in addition to experience, education also became an important spearhead. Today, the building has even been enlarged to 8000m2 with an extension of another building for B2B purpose of 1500m2.
Jan Huybers has taught us a lot, continues to develop and expand, so we don't stand still. We will continue to expand, innovate and enlarge in the future!
Jan
If you started in 1976 without staff and today have more than 100 people running, you can be proud! But the reason why there are so many loyal staff around is partly because of Jan. You can say what you want about Jan, but this was a very special man.
A large part of the staff is also from the Oude Haagweg and, as Jimmy puts this beautifully, 'It is raining big boys within our company'.
For many staff he was more than a 'boss', he was a mentor and a listening ear. A real people person. Despite the fact that he has not always seen the best side of man over the years, he still had faith in man.
Nothing was too crazy with Jan and he had a lot to say about everything. Everything could be discussed but whether you like it secondly, gold fair!
But what made Jan so special is the safe harbor he offered you and his hugs really came in. He treated everyone as if they were a part of himself. Something that still lives on in the business today.
We therefore have one mission together. We inspire nature and animal lovers in a unique environment where young and old feel right at home.
The woman behind the 45 years of success.
It was always Jan and sons and she thought this was fine. The company moved to the Oude Haagweg in 1999. Then Emely thought 'why not me?'.
In 2016, the time had finally come. A part in Mappa Mundia, the boat, was named after Emely. The boat was named Princess Emely. This was an emotional and romantic moment for Emely. She also got a name within the company.
From her 25th Emely was already behind Jan. Nothing was too crazy for her. Even though she didn't feel good about something, Emely remained loyal to her husband. She trusted him in everything.
She herself looks back with a smile and a tear. These were not always the easiest years in the beginning, but they were the most instructive years.
Emely was more than just the woman behind Jan. She is responsible for the first impression of the store. Everything from the customer's point of view, this was important to her! Until 2019 still scheduled for anything and everything. Emely is a busy bee so she can be found in the shop every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. She helps where needed. She likes to spend the rest of the days with her family, especially her grandchildren.
Jan built the company together with her. This remains the common thread in her life. Emely will never do anything without considering the case.
Emely finds it special how her family has always been part of the business from day 1. Jan passed away in 2016. It was now up to the sons, Jimmy and Donald, to let Jan live his vision. We can say that this was successful!
Jimmy really took the leadership role and thought it was important that everyone spoke transparently with each other. All facing the same direction.
Donald is at his best when he is creative. As early as 1999, Donald's creativity gave the business a boost with his 'insect tasting'. As a result, they provide the family feeling within the company. Each in his own way.
From 2010, Emely saw Tamara in a different way. At first she saw her as Jimmy's partner. Tamara stood behind him and followed him faithfully. Until that moment when Tamara got up and stood next to Jimmy not behind, but next to Jimmy. She took care of her own place. Tamara is responsible for the creation of 'Avonturia's kitchen'. She has the responsibility there and she does it wonderfully. Emely has admiration for this.
In the same year Tamara focused on the administration and the rosters. Everything ran smoothly and that is partly because of her. She did the administration together with Donald's partner, Patricia, but now she chooses for her beautiful family.
Dear Jan,
I hope you, like me, can look back with great pride and satisfaction after 45 years Vogelkelder. ONS Family business!! Unique in its kind.
Love, Emily
