The H-team: Meet Jolien

Meet Jolien, a land buyer at Hectaar and a valued team member since 2018. Every day, she searches

for potential project lands and lays the foundation for tomorrow's residential projects. The combination of strategic thinking, human interaction, and variety in her job ensures she approaches each day with great enthusiasm.

She shares how she joined Hectaar, why the company's growth brings her so much

satisfaction, and what makes her job in land acquisition so special.

Could you introduce

yourself?

I'm Jolien, originally from the rural Aartrijke, but now completely at home

in Roeselare. Since 2024, I've been the proud mother of Maurice, a little live wire who brings coziness and energy every day.

Besides my work, I thoroughly enjoy cozy moments with friends and family

, a nice dinner, a good glass of wine, and spending lots of time outdoors. As soon as I put on my walking shoes, I completely unwind. Long-distance walks are the ideal way for me to clear my head and recharge. The AG Coast Walk is definitely a highlight in my annual schedule.

During my walks, I'm always

on the lookout for special places and hidden opportunities. This curious perspective aligns perfectly with my job in land acquisition, where I continually search for locations with future potential.>

What role do you fulfill at Hectaar, and how long have you been here?

I've

been part of the Hectaar story since 2018. What started with a small team has grown into an organization with nearly forty colleagues.

As a land buyer, I search daily for interesting project lands, helping

us continue to build sustainable residential projects at prime locations. I maintain contacts with owners, realtors, and other partners, analyze the feasibility of potential developments, and guide the process from the initial meeting to a possible purchase. This combination of strategic thinking, negotiation, and personal contact makes my job incredibly fascinating.

How did you end up at Hect

aar?

In late 2017, I came into contact with Hectaar through someone in my network. During

the first conversation, the connection felt right. What especially appealed to me was the company's small scale at that time and its clear ambition to grow.

I saw an organization with a lot of potential

, short communication lines, and the characteristic West Flemish eagerness to move forward and seize opportunities. That particular combination was what made me decide to join Hectaar. The idea of contributing to a growing company really excited me.

What accomplishments are you particularly proud

of and why?

It may sound cliché, but I'm proud of every project I get to work on. Behind

every development lies a unique story with distinct challenges and opportunities.

It gives immense

satisfaction to see an idea evolve step by step into a place where people love to live. The fact that we're currently realizing projects almost throughout all of Flanders demonstrates how much Hectaar has grown in the past years. It's wonderful to have been a part of that for so long.

How does

Hectaar work towards promoting a positive team culture?

At Hectaar, a good working atmosphere

often comes from small things. A piece of fruit in the office, a spontaneous chat at the coffee machine, or wrapping up the workweek together in our bar create a relaxed atmosphere.

Additionally, we

consciously make time for each other during our biannual teambuilding events, the monthly spinning session, and, of course, our participation in the JEKRI Obstacle Run. Some take on the challenge with gusto, while others cheer enthusiastically from the sidelines. It's this blend of collaboration and fun that fosters a strong team spirit.

What advice would you give to new colleagues who have just

started at Hectaar?

Be curious, ask questions, and show enthusiasm. At Hectaar, you get

plenty of chances to develop yourself and take responsibility.

Seize those opportunities, learn

from those around you, and dare to take the initiative. Thanks to the short communication lines, you can really make an impact here. But perhaps most importantly: do everything with joy. We are an ambitious company, but above all, we're a close-knit team that makes a difference together.

What

are you most looking forward to in your future at Hectaar?

I'm particularly looking forward

to continuing to build the Hectaar story with the team, with the same enthusiasm and commitment as today. Our next teambuilding event is already marked in my calendar. It's always a nice way to kick off the construction holiday and reflect on everything we accomplish together.

What is your favorite

Hectaar project currently for sale?

If I could choose one project, it would be Waard

amme - Rooiveldstraat. I was involved from the very first discussions and was able to closely follow the entire process.

That's where I find the greatest satisfaction: from the initial meetings with

various landowners, building trust, to realizing a beautiful end result. Land acquisition is not only about numbers and plans for me but also about people and sustainable relationships. Seeing how that location grows into a beautiful residential project later gives a special feeling.

What

is your Hectaar Highlight?

You can take my Hectaar Highlight literally: a hot air balloon

flight over Roeselare, with views of some of our completed projects.

It was a unique experience

to see our surroundings from a different perspective and to witness firsthand what we, as a team, have contributed to. That moment perfectly captures what Hectaar stands for: building something together that you can be proud of.

You might run into Jolien on the road or at our office soon! Or could

you be her new colleague? Contact us via info@hectaar.be or call 051 69 58 72. We look forward to meeting you!