I was born on February 2, 1948, in Zutphen. Since the age of 60, I have lived in Limburg. I spent most of my youth in Geleen. I have now been living in Meerssen for almost 40 years. I obtained my HBS-A diploma at the Grotius College in Heerlen. After that, I joined one of the predecessors of Ernst & Young Accountants in Maastricht. I worked there for 17 years, with an 18-month break to fulfill my military service as a group commander with the active troops in Oirschot. In the evenings, I studied for the accounting qualification at NIVRA.

In 1987, I started my own firm and was active as an independent entrepreneur for 30 years, providing financial and tax advice to small and medium-sized businesses. I am still active as a financial advisor to several family businesses. Additionally, I have held various board positions. In the 1990s, I served as chairman of the business association in Greater Meerssen (BOGM) for several years. I was also the treasurer of the parent council at the public school de Bundeling in Bunde, the privatized swimming pool in Geulle (for 10 years), the Meerssen Golf Club (for 11 years), the Leonardo Da Vinci Construction Forum (for 28 years), and the Melzi Forum (from 2013 to the present). In July 2024, the chairman asked me to take on the treasurer role for the foundation.