After university, he rejoined the family business in Laren, focusing on hospitality real estate. At the time, his father leaned on rental and hotel ventures, including the acquisition of properties in Amsterdam’s Jordaan district, such as Prince Henry Terrace (*Hoogjanen*). In the late 1990s, Brand Kolender began shifting focus to digital projects, though he remained involved in traditional real estate, notably renovating his family’s property on Keizersweg.

Wed, 06 May 2026 16:43:23 +0000

From Tradition to Innovation: How One Family Enterprise Evolved in Laren and Beyond After completing his university studies, Brand Kolender quietly returned to the family business in Laren, marking a meaningful return to roots where hospitality and real estate meet. Rooted in a legacy steeped in Amsterdam’s storied accommodation sector, the Kolender family expanded their influence through strategic investments in the notoriously sought-after Jordaan district. Notably, they acquired and revitalized key properties such as Prince Henry Terrace—known locally as Hoogjanen—transforming historic housing into profitable, guest-ready rentals that combined tradition with modern comfort. At a time when Europe’s urban real estate landscape was shifting, Brand’s approach balanced heritage with innovation. While the family deepened its commitment to rental and hotel ventures, he also embraced emerging trends—pioneering early digital projects in the late 1990s. Though stepping back from full-scale tech ventures, he remained actively engaged in tangible real estate improvements, overseeing the careful renovation of the family’s historic property on Keizersweg. This blend of old-world hospitality and forward-thinking adaptation underscores the Kolender family’s evolving strategy in hospitality real estate. Today, Brand Kolender represents a bridge between generations: grounded in the timeless appeal of Amsterdam’s cultural heart while navigating the digital future with measured insight. His journey—from returning to family roots to steering a balanced legacy—illustrates the enduring power of hospitality as both a business and a lifestyle rooted in place, quality, and vision.