Barry van den Ham

“In my opinion, being content is the most important thing in life. If you always want bigger, better, and more, you forget to appreciate what is already there. Other entrepreneurs sometimes ask me: don't you have any ambitions? Of course, I do, but the bar doesn't always have to be set higher. I enjoy being able to help and make the people around me happy. If I can keep doing that, I am a content person.

I come from a family where everything was and is open for discussion. When I was 16 years old, our mother passed away, which brought our family even closer. I think about her every day, and her passing has played a significant role in how I approach life. If something goes wrong, I can put things into perspective: it can always be worse. I've learned that saying out loud what you feel and think helps you understand each other better. I talk about everything, with everyone. It comes naturally to me, and I try to encourage others to open up as well. If I see someone is not feeling well, I approach them and ask what's going on. If you always keep everything bottled up, you become full inside. That's not good for anyone!

At school, I got along with everyone, but I had trouble sitting still and learning from a book. I'm a doer and prefer to learn through practice. I worked for fifteen years at a tree nursery: half of the year as a tree grower and the other half as a gardener. It was a wonderful time, and one of the things I enjoyed the most was guiding interns. When my wife and I became parents to our son and daughter, I sought more flexibility and independence. That's when I started my own gardening business and immediately became a training company. Since then, I've had work every day and have been teaching young gardeners my trade.

In addition to my work, I do a lot for my community. I am a true carnival enthusiast. In 2003, I was an adjutant at Carnival Association D’n Oeles from Tegelen and in 2018 Vors Lucifer at Carnival Association De Kaetelaers in Steyl. I also organize the carnival at the football club TSC Irene together with a group of volunteers. I consciously choose not to hold a position on a board or committee. I have no desire for all sorts of obligations and meetings: I just want to get things done. From the moment my son started playing football at TSC Irene, I can be found at the club every week. Together with fellow volunteers, I make sure everything is ready for the selection’s matches. Afterward, we tidy everything up neatly. Together, we ensure that the players get what they need to shine on the field. We actually manage everything around the selection, but I never interfere with their game. I don't know much about football, but I do know about people.

If I had been young in this time, I would probably have been labeled with ADHD. In the past, you were simply considered energetic. Indeed, I am bursting with energy, but I'm not chaotic. My schedule is full but not too full. If you set priorities and take good care of yourself, you can be there for the people around you.

Recently, there was a procession in Steyl. I got a call on a Friday evening: the cross on the hill of the monastery garden needed pruning. I asked him when, and he said: before Sunday. I then made a few calls, and 2 hours later I was pruning together with 2 young gardeners. The brothers and priests beamed from ear to ear. I love things like that! A small effort for me and of great significance to others.”