About Us

Rotterdammers Can’t Be Floored

I gradually found my way into this profession," Peter says with a smile. "I originally started as a plasterer and built my career in construction through various roles." Almost by chance, the friendly Rotterdam native discovered the world of flooring. "Decorative aggregate flooring became popular at the time, and that's how it all started. I've worked with partners, started my own business, stopped, started again, built a larger company, downsized, moved to a beautiful showroom here in Schiebroek, and now my son has become an important part of the business. What more could a father wish for?

‘Fancy giving me a hand sometime?’

Carlo nods in agreement. "To be honest, I never planned to join my father's company. I was studying marketing when the COVID pandemic hit, and suddenly more and more people were renovating their homes or installing new floors. My father became incredibly busy and one day simply asked if I'd like to help out for a while." "I did, and I enjoyed it so much that the career choice I'd been postponing suddenly became very clear. Funny enough, when I was younger I couldn't stand hearing the word 'floor' anymore. It was always floors, floors, floors. I kept telling myself I would never work in my father's business." "But my father gave me the freedom to discover everything at my own pace. I was encouraged to explore every aspect of the company, contribute ideas, take care of social media and find my own role within the business. That made all the difference, and it showed me just how many opportunities this company has."

Peter smiles proudly at his son. "Running a family business is a privilege. Working together with your son is one of the best things you can experience. We complement each other perfectly. I may have more than thirty years of experience, but Carlo learns quickly and brings a fresh perspective. That combination makes us stronger."

Small Team, Personal Approach

Peter and Carlo have every reason to be proud of what they've built. Their showroom is impressive, business is thriving, yet they remain down-to-earth. "We're a small team, and we do almost everything ourselves. From the moment a customer walks into our showroom until the new floor or wall finish is completed, we're personally involved every step of the way." "Our customers appreciate receiving honest advice from people who genuinely care. We don't rely on outsourcing. Everything we recommend, we deliver ourselves. That personal involvement is what makes BASE different."

‘Fancy giving me a hand sometime?’

"We genuinely want to make life easier for our customers," Carlo explains. "Renovating your home is stressful enough. You shouldn't have to worry about skirting boards, entrance mats or all the finishing details. We think ahead and make sure everything comes together perfectly." "That's also why we never take on more work than we can handle. We can't be everywhere at once, no matter how much we'd like to. Sometimes that means asking customers to be patient, but it allows us to give every project the attention it deserves." "Durability is just as important to us. Once installed, our floors are designed to last for many years, often for a lifetime."

The Next Generation

Whether another generation of the Leenhouts family will one day join BASE remains to be seen. "Eight months ago I became a proud grandfather," Peter says with a smile. "It's an amazing feeling. But I'm certain Carlo will never pressure his son into joining the business. He'll be free to make his own choices." Carlo laughs. "Absolutely. That's exactly how it worked for me. Joining the company was entirely my own decision. And no, his first word definitely won't be 'floor'..." he jokes. "And if it is, it certainly won't be my fault." Peter quickly looks the other way, smiling.

Text: Jona Baan
Photography: Chris Bonis
Source: gersrotterdam.nl/verhalen/rotterdammers-zijn-niet-te-vloeren