Paulino Kifeta: business is not just about numbers, but about people and meaning

Paulino Kifeta has been the owner of José Schoonmaak en Karweien for six years, a company distinguished by the versatility of its services. From cleaning in the broadest sense such as completions, parties and construction projects to jobs such as laying floors, painting, hanging cabinets and helping with moves. Together with his wife Marenthe and a small network of freelancers, he is able to respond flexibly to customer needs.

His motto "A pure experience" says it all. Paulino believes that you can only truly enjoy your own place when it is clean, orderly and cared for whether it is a home, office or workplace. He sees it as his mission to bring that sense of pride and satisfaction back to clients. "Your space is your kingdom," he says, "and everyone deserves to live happily in it."

Driven by helping people

The desire to help others runs like a thread through his life. That motivation and mentality comes from his own experiences in AZCs, where people were always there for each other. It has shaped him into the entrepreneur he is today: someone who sees what is needed, jumps in and doesn't stop until the job is truly finished. For Paulino, every job is an opportunity to unburden and make someone happy. He gets satisfaction from taking work off their hands and creating space for relaxation and fun.

Stronger together

Paulino works closely with Marenthe, who takes care of organization and communications, so that he can fully focus on client work. Together they form a close duo that reinforces and complements each other. The small network of independents they work with also contributes to the flexibility and personal approach that clients appreciate so much.

Sharing inspiration at Delft Boost Lab

At Delft Boost Lab, Paulino feels at home among other inspired entrepreneurs. He joined not to get something, but to share his own experiences and inspire others. He sees it as an opportunity to exchange stories and ideas, allowing everyone to grow. His frankness, down-to-earth outlook and warm approach make him a valuable source of inspiration within the program.

Lesson for budding entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurship is valuable, according to Paulino, but not always easy. His advice: 

"Remember what you're doing it for. Remember your standards, values and goals, even when things get busy or against you. Keep your purpose in mind that helps you stay true to yourself and run your business in a way that suits you without losing sight of the client's best interest."

Paulino shows that entrepreneurship is primarily about meaningful connections and creating value for others. Through his work, he brings order, peace and joy back into people's lives, and that is perhaps his greatest success.

Paulino Kifeta is a futurist within New Future lab and is affiliated with the Delft Boost Lab program.

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