Dirk van den Broek facts for kids
.jpg)
Dirk van den Broek (born March 27, 1924 – died April 8, 2020) was a famous Dutch businessman. He started many companies. One of his most well-known businesses was a chain of supermarkets. Later, some of these stores were simply called Dirk.
Contents
Dirk's Early Life and First Steps
Dirk van den Broek was born in Amsterdam, Netherlands, in 1924. Even as a teenager, he was very active. At just 15 years old, he began selling milk. He delivered milk all over the city. This was his first experience in business.
Building a Business: From Milk to Supermarkets
Starting His First Store
In 1942, Dirk van den Broek opened his very first business. It was a small dairy store. This shop was in his own neighborhood. He worked hard to make it a success.
Amsterdam's First Supermarket
Dirk had big plans for his business. By 1953, his small dairy shop had grown a lot. He turned it into a full supermarket. This was a very important moment. It was the first supermarket ever in Amsterdam!
Growing the Business Across the Netherlands
Dirk van den Broek was always looking to expand. He grew his company by buying other local grocery stores. This helped his business get bigger and reach more people. Over time, he owned more than 120 stores. These stores were located in many cities across the Netherlands.
Beyond Groceries: Starting a Travel Agency
Dirk didn't stop at supermarkets. He also started a travel agency called D-reizen. This company became very popular. It is one of the oldest family-owned businesses in the Netherlands. Dirk van den Broek's companies became known as Cooperating Dirk van den Broek Companies.
A Special Honor
In 1990, Dirk van den Broek received a special award. Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands made him an Officer in the Order of Orange Nassau. This is a high honor in the Netherlands. It recognized his success and contributions as a businessman.
Dirk's Family and Legacy
Dirk van den Broek was married and had five children. His children were also very involved in the family businesses. They helped continue his work. Dirk van den Broek passed away in Aerdenhout in 2020. He was 96 years old. He left behind a lasting impact on Dutch business.
