Bobby’s page
What is your most memorable memory from when you were young?
The moment when I stood up in the middle of an English lesson, said good-bye and left – I was 15 and had decided to become a professional soccer player.
Why soccer?
I did different sports but there were never any girls watching us. They all went to see the soccer games. So I decided to play soccer as well. Since I did not have much talent they put me into the goal. Six months after I started playing I had my first girlfriend.
What was the best moment in your soccer career?
When, after 2 weeks of test-training with Bayern Munich, I was told that I had made it and got a contract. I was 18 years old.
What was the worst moment in your soccer career?
My face injury at the age of 26. However, there were many difficult situations on and off the pitch – most had to do with me not catching the ball.
Why did you start DEDON?
I was already doing many creative things on the side during my soccer career. After the face accident I decided to quit and start a new career with my family and friends. We called the company DEDON.
What does DEDON mean?
As with so many things, the name was an accident. My brother-in-law from Italy was the first to visit me in the hospital. His name is Donapai, my name Dekeyser – DEDON was born.
What was your vision for DEDON?
To create a platform with family and friends in a great environment (we lived on a big farm) and develop wonderful handcrafted products.
Was your work a team effort?
Totally. DEDON really is a friendship story. Even now, with more than 3,000 people, this is still the philosophy.
Tell us five important DEDON memories?
There was our first order of 1,000 chairs to the Bahamas – we were so happy. Within three months all 1,000 chairs fell apart and we had to replace them – that was almost the end.
In the first several years I delivered the furniture with an opera singer who sang for the customers.
The unbelievable events we organized with our employees in the Philippines.
Sleeping in the DEDON trucks at the design fairs because we could not afford a hotel – we had beer and probably more fun than any customer of a five star hotel.
When we were told that Hollywood stars are now buying our furniture.
What’s good about being an optimist?
The secure feeling that everything will work out in the end. Not to be dependent on outside opinions. Making the best out of most moments.
What’s bad about it?
Nothing.
Why did you start the foundation?
To exchange experiences with young people and our friends, share energy and have great adventures.
Plans for the future?
Tour around the world with my wife for our 25th wedding anniversary. See the foundation grow into a movement with fantastic, inspiring projects.