In this special series, we are interviewing members of our club, so that you can get to know each other a bit better. Today we talk with Ernst Jan Zantingh about his work, life in the region and his passion for French wine.
Ernst Jan has lived on the French Riviera for over fifteen years now. He is also the owner and founder of ZANTOS Interiors & Exteriors.
What brought you to the French Riviera? How long have you been here?
My wife, our three sons, our dog and I came to the south of France in 2005. We came here because there were a lot of business opportunities and we wanted to enjoy life to its fullest.
Why did you decide to start your business?
I founded Zantos in 2000. I went to an interior design school in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. During my internships I got to meet several famous and very successful Dutch interior designers. I’ve worked with Jan des Bouvrie for eight years.
After those years, I decided to start my own business in interior and exterior design. And there it was, Zantos Interiors & Exteriors – by Ernst Jan Zantingh.
I decided to build our own ZANTOS Villa, for us to live in – but also to show my potential clients what we could do for them. I’ve given a few ZANTOS parties in our backyard, which was so much fun. People always ask me if I could do the same for their house – as I did in mine. So I think, that’s a good sign, right?
What does your company do?
ZANTOS is an interior and exterior design company. We do building, renovation and decoration work for villa’s, offices, apartments, hotels and restaurants. We’ve been working in Europe, Dubai and the U.S and we’re now working on a few projects in Europe.
What makes your business stand out?
I think what makes my business stand out is the fact that we are able to do everything from A to Z for our clients.
With our Dutch roots, we are really straight forward and our clients can count on us. We do what we say and we say what we do.
We take pride in the uniqueness of each project because we listen carefully to what our clients want and with that we are able to bring their dreams to life.
Why did you decide to become a member of Business Club Côte d’Azur? What do you like most about it?
A friend of mine told me about the Business Club, he said it was a great mix of young and enthusiastic professionals and entrepreneurs. I love that there is such a diverse group of people, businesses and cultures.
Fun facts about Ernst Jan Zantingh
What is your favourite French wine?
My favourite french wine is rosé from Chateau de Berne Lorges or Minuty Saint Tropez. I also enjoy red Saint Emilion.
What is your favourite spot on the Côte d’Azur?
To be honest, I love to be at home in our ZANTOS Villa. But if I’m not there, I also like spending my time in Monaco.
What French word do you find very difficult to pronounce?
I find the French difficult to understand, so I prefer to speak English, German or Dutch.
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