Expats in Paradise Aruba Nights Hotel Edition 2015

Business profiles

Business profiles

Expats in Paradise

by Susan Campbell

Ever wondered what it would be like to move here and start a business or a new career? Meet some people who have...

Marcus Wiggins, transplanted from Ithaca, New York, arrived on Aruba 30 years ago on New Year’s Eve... and never went home. He says, “I was sailing around the world on a small boat when I realized that Aruba was the only place on earth where it didn’t matter what color your skin was, what religion you believed in or where you were from; where everyone worked, played, and lived together in harmony and as an extra bonus – the sun shone 365 days a year. What a perfect place to spend a lifetime!” In 1996, Marcus met his perfect match, Cindy Cynowa, and

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together they created the Kukoo Kunuku party bus and nightlife tours. But Marcus also says, “Although Aruba is paradise, be prepared to work hard and deal with many island guests who truly believe we Arubans are on holiday 365 days a year.

We’re not! We’re a very productive people, and it shows in the kind of quality tourism product we consistently offer.”

Liliana Varela and her husband Rodolfo Marquez from Venezuela frequently vacationed on Aruba before they decided to open a business on this island.

The operation of their dreams was “NutsNuts” – a store dedicated to health­ful food where they could share their knowledge about healthy living and food chemistry, and of course – sell nuts! Liliana says, “We were very pleased that the Bureau of Economic Affairs was so helpful in issuing the proper documentation to be able to start operations here. But now it’s important to realize that though we live in a paradise, we’re not tourists anymore!

We must have the discipline to work and think as locals. But our time off is like a vacation.”

Though twin sisters Kimberly and Stephanie Rooijakkers are yiu di tera (children of the island) since they were born here, they actually grew up in Belgium.

They always knew that should the right opportunity present itself they would open some kind of business on Aruba.

So when the old Boardwalk Hotel – an ex-windsurfer’s joint – came up for sale, they jumped at the opportunity to open their own little luxury boutique hotel onsite. Kimberly says, “If you’re entrepreneurial and like to make things happen, then Aruba is your playground. The island offers great potential for investors.”

Originally from Naples, Italy, Fabrizio Battaglia and his wife came to Aruba on vacation and decided that this was a per­ ­fect spot to start their new business concepts: Piazza Italia Aperitivo, an authentic Italian bar, and Kono Pizza – pizza in a cone! Fabrizio said, “We decided on Aruba for its proximity to the US, its easy connection to Europe, its international and European atmosphere and of course, the beauty of the island itself. It will also make an excellent base to expand our operations to other islands. And we were parti­ cularly pleased with the help we received from the Chamber of Commerce; they

offer so many great programs for new entrepreneurs.”

Lisa Cusson, Reservations Manager for Divi and Tamarijn Aruba Resorts, is originally from Montreal, Quebec. She says, “I fell in love with Aruba 21 years ago and never looked back. I can’t imagine working anywhere else now, and I love working with the Divi group, they have become like family. Though I do miss the snow at Christmas time – the lights just don’t twinkle the same – I don’t miss the snow and bitter cold from Janu­a­r y to March! Funny, I used to visit home E

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Business profiles

more often, but now everyone at home prefers to come and visit me. Can’t say I blame them.”

Christie Cahill, independent TV pro­ ducer and Director of Palette Productions, moved to Aruba 13 years ago from Invermere, British Columbia. She says, “In my business, I appreciate the fact that there is so much professional talent and creative types who speak English here, and also that there’s a sophisticated infrastructure in both business and in the arts. And technologically speaking, Aruba is very well-wired and reliable in terms of communications; a must in my field.

But I would advise anyone moving here to learn some of the local language, it helps you join the community and also to understand your children as they tend to pick it up much more quickly than you do!”

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Business profiles

Marc Charley was born in Jamaica but spent 17 years in Canada before he came to Aruba to operate a casino in the highrise section seven years ago. He says, “When the contract expired, I had an opportunity to work with the Radisson Casino, and now I’m their General Manager. We were very fortunate to have that second chance, and were delighted to stay since we found this island to be a perfect place to raise a family. Safe, stable, and such friendly people. It’s also a great place to find quality staff since most locals are fluent in four different languages.”

Harold Strijland from Holland is coowner of Banjolux – an upscale specialty store for bathroom fixtures, flooring, closets, and more. He says, “I came here with the thought to start my own business, and I began working at Banjolux to avoid spending all my savings just

hanging around on the beach. I liked it so much though, that I ended up buying the store with my business partner Michiel Oversteegen who had come to Aruba from Holland in 1995.” Michiel says, “Though I originally came here to work as GM for a concrete block plant, I didn’t have to think twice to start my own business. In the past 12 years we’ve built a successful niche business the island really needs. It’s important to offer something unique.”

to appeal to the local population, as well as the tourists, by offering unique items not found anywhere else on the island.

She says, “Ultimately, if you have local business, it’s the highest compliment you can be paid when the local community patronizes your store. It’s also important to think global but act local and give back.

Since 2007, we have a corporate responsibility program called Tikkun Olam

which is Hebrew for “repair the world.” A percentage of our sales from all but one of our brands goes to a number of local charity organizations, and clients choose which one from our community menu.”

And though starting over in any new destination always has inherent challenges, when we asked each of them if they would do it all over again they all replied, “Absolutely!” K

Jodi Tobman of Boston began her own retail business here in 1994. Today, she owns eight thriving stores including the brands of T.H. Palm & Company, The Juggling Fish, Caribbean Queen, Caribbean Clothing Co., The Coconut Trading Company, and The Lazy Lizard.

From the start, she made it her business

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