After studying chemistry at Delft Technical University, I found my way into the banking industry. There, I played a role in numerous financing and company takeover transactions, both in the Netherlands and abroad, especially involving larger companies. As partner at KwikGielen, I make my financing and transaction experience available to clients, mostly companies in the large and medium-sized sector. Achieving a good transaction result together with a client remains a thrilling experience. One should, however, never lose sight of the basics: sound preparation, detailed analyses and good project management. But the key to success often lies elsewhere: what are the different interests, can more be achieved, what alternatives are available. Most gratifying is when a cooperation develops into a true relationship of trust. An understanding that often extends far beyond a single project. At the end of the day, it is a true people business.