Keep up with FRED. Here you can read our stories. Read what we do and see what we experience.At FRED we have milestones to celebrate and communicate, moments to take in, and accomplishments to recognize. There are things we want to share with you. So read our news and learn what’s new in the world of real estate. What’s new in FRED’s world.
We celebrate our roots. This is exactly why Fortress is an explicit part of who we are. It is where we come from. For 30 years strong, Fortress has been a multidisciplinary real estate company. A renowned source of experience and knowledge within the industry. Fortress focuses on the purchase, repositioning and management of real estate (portfolios). To all parties, and FRED especially, Fortress is an inspiring and creative initiator and co-creator within real estate.
Our office is where we thrive. An inspiring arena for FRED’s people and our partners in real estate. This renovated church can’t help but inspire us to go above and beyond in our work. It is a space in which we draw the first lines of our projects and take it all the way to its completion. Here there are plenty of meeting rooms, a spacious set up filled with art and modern décor and a bar that serves both the history of the building as its guests. The RAPH also rents out working spaces for colleagues in Real Estate.
FRED Developers BV
Raphaëlplein 27B
1077 PX AMSTERDAM
The Netherlands
What makes Roeland tick?
VISION AND PROGRESS
I’ve always been one to move forward, to look at the future and act accordingly. There is never a good reason to get stuck in time. And FRED is a great source of creativity when it comes to these pillars. I’m proud of that. We’re a small team, but we use vision to accomplish grand things, life’s work. ‘Nieuw Kijkduin’ is a great example. It’s been a continuous part of my life for the last 14 years. To see it come together, with the durable quality of a modern day city, it can’t be put into words.
On the flip side
Of course, on some occasions there is also something to be said for not looking forward and enjoying the moment. Because hard work should go hand in hand with fun. It’s not for nothing that we have a bar at the office. It’s these moments that also call for grand things. Like the occasional Cuban sigar. I’m quite the fan.
What lights Robbert’s fire
WHEN DRIVE PAYS OFF
I’ve always been tremendously driven and dedicated. Even in my early days as a student, I knew exactly what I wanted and how to get there. The hard work paid off. Now we’re further along the road and I still have that same devotion. It’s why I’ve worked with FRED for no less than 15 years. We’ve always had goals in mind for the company. Now, as COO, it’s my job to make sure we set the right course to achieve those goals. It makes FRED’s growth all the more rewarding.
On the flip side
That drive also peeks it head around the corner on the rugby pitch. Getting that ball across the field no matter what’s in front of you. I absolutely love it. Funny enough, it’s got a lot of similarities with my work ethic. See the goal, set the course, and get there. It’s not as muddy as the rugby field though..
What makes Ad go the extra mile?
A CHALLENGE
I’ve been a real estate developer for many years, just like my father. As the director of development at FRED, you get a lot on your plate. Especially with the enormous projects we manage, such as PIER14 and Nieuw Kijkduin. But I couldn’t see myself doing anything else. Tell me something’s not possible, and I will prove to you exactly why it is. I might have to plow through a stack of drawings and agreements to get there. But I am happy to do so. Never a dull moment.
On the flip side
”I don’t tip toe around a job that has to be done. But I do tap a toe on the odd occasion. Only when the music is great and the party is on, do I sometimes show off my tapdancing skills. But even now, after all those years, I’m still able to make my feet click and the crowd clap.”
What gets Bas over the moon?
A PLAN COMING TOGETHER
As a real estate developer, you’re almost like a conductor. You orchestrate numerous parties to work together in the best way possible to create FRED’s vision. Destinations that suit their surroundings, improve quality of life. It’s hard work and it takes time. A lot of time. But when that project finally arises from the ground, it’s a great feeling. We know what we work for.
On the flip side
I am also great at letting go and winding down. Mostly in sports, I play tennis every week with friends for instance. But the real winding down starts after the match, with some good old craft beers. I’m a fan of many, but Lowlander ‘s got to be one of my favorites.
What grabs Fabienne’s attention?
GOOD STRAIGHT FORWARD WORK
I work mostly on Nieuw Kijkduin, a huge project. And what I’ve learned over the years is that you gotta tell it to ‘m straight. At FRED we want quality and dedication. We don’t settle for less. Not only in the result, but also in the process. Such a massive endeavor needs a lot of parties to work together. So, we choose partners carefully and communicate clearly. It’s why the job suits me perfectly; I’ve never been one to beat around the bush.
On the flip side
So you could say that my work partnerships are conditional. The opposite is the case for my dog Cliff. I don’t care where I go, what I’m doing, or what my mood is. I want to bring my dog along with me. Not that he minds, he follows me around like a bee follows honey. And how could I ever say no, just look at him!
What sparks Maikel’s excitement?
WHEN A PLACE MAKES SENSE
When you visit a destination, a pleasant stay should come naturally. Not only is it important that it’s clean and well taken care of, it has to work. Take a shopping mall for instance. The concepts must be in balance, tenants should have a service-oriented mindset and most important of all, visitors should feel comfortable and subtly entertained. That’s what I keep an eye on. As an asset manager it’s my job to make sure all the right facets are or will be in place for a destination to flourish.
On the flip side
And what works is different in any location. When I am out and about with my girlfriend, I love a fancy restaurant in a cozy neighborhood. But, after a night out with friends and beers until the early hours of the morning, I can also wholeheartedly dig into a classic Big Mac. Fast, tasty, a tad greasy. Talking about guilty pleasures..
What’s Lucia’s go to?
DO IT WITH FLAIR
Before ending up in in real estate, I achieved quite a track record working in hospitality. And from my experience, besides being a hard worker, quick on your feet and good with orders, you made the difference by having a certain flair. To be só able in what you do, that you can be original in the way you do it. I found exactly this opportunity within FRED. We work differently. In a good way. Our team gets a nudge to be creative. It’s why our work here is intriguing and noticeable. Whether I organize and event or write copy, it’s a mindset that makes work fun.
On the flip side
There is such a thing as too much flair. I really love espresso martinis. A good bar, some great music and my favorite drink and I’m a very happy person. But whenever I have to watch someone shake my drink for 20 minutes, while they perform tricks like they should be in the circus, I wish I just ordered a beer. But, when done right, it’s simply the best thing.
What incites Jorrit’s curiosity?
ALL THINGS GOOD
I am always on the lookout for awesome crafts and new things to learn. If it triggers me, I make sure to keep it in mind. Because real estate development has so many different sides to it. One minute you need someone to draw up a technical plan, the next minute you’re brainstorming with a designer about a website. An no matter what it’s about, making beautiful things energizes me. It’s why my list of ‘favorite parties to work with’ is always a great go to. Quality is a key factor at FRED and I always know on what door to knock to get inspired.
On the flip side
That curiosity ventures into more than just work. Take plants. Hand me one and I know exactly how to handle it. There are thousands if not millions of plants, all in need of different care. It’s quite impressive. And guess what. I don’t have to knock on anyone else’s door for help in that department.
What’s Erik’s thing?
I DON’T DO GREY
It’s been over 30 years that I have worked for FRED and its sister company Fortress. For me, it’s my second home. I’ve grown to know the process in this company. I can therefore be very clear in my work. It’s black or white. There’s no room for gray. A quotation needs the right entity, an invoice must have the proper date, numbers need to be correct, and so on. Especially when dealing with such large projects, it’s important not to stray from procedure. Its why finance suits me. I’ve always been and always will be very meticulous in my ways.
On the flip side
I can also dig into some procedural activities at home; puzzles. Whether it’s sudoku to train my brain on the numbers, or a jigsaw puzzle to keep me on my toes analytically. I demolish them. When you know the drill, and you stick to it, it’s easy enough. However, after an afternoon of full-puzzle-focus, you can often find me in the local pub. No rules attached.
What rocks Sebastian’s boat?
WHEN IT’S NOT ONLY ABOUT THE DETAIL
At FRED we work in a tight-knit team. That’s what makes my work here so interesting. I’ve recently finished my law degree. And as you might know, learning the law is often about being meticulous and diving into big documents. Here, I’m close to the fire. I know my team. I know their work and the projects. It’s a great motivation to look beyond the documents occasionally and see what it is your working for. It adds to the understanding, and to the fun.
On the flip side
When I am not absorbing legal cases, I do like a game of PlayStation every now and then. It’s a great way for me to relax. I don’t play often anymore, of course. But when me and my friends can get into it, I can get quite competitive! I can’t deny I’m quite quick on the controller..
What’s Jasper’s gimmick?
BEING THE FACT FACTORY
I am all about facts. I’m known for it at the office. If anyone questions an event, or wonders how something works, give me a second and I’ll come up with the answer for you. That is, if I didn’t already know it from the top of my head. I guess , it’s not surprising that I’m a financial controller. Numbers are facts, and I make sure they’re correct. A company can only base its success on the right information, and I am always keen to surface that truth.
On the flip side
So, I never flip numbers. But I do flip burgers every week. I’m a keen barbecuer! Come summer, come winter, I’m out and about every weekend with my BBQ spades and pliers. It’s a tradition that gives us great food and fun. It’s not only me that loves it, the kids are great fans too.
And that’s a fact.
