Sometimes, an extremely difficult situation can lead to a positive outcome. This was the case for Gert-Jan van Beek. As a 15 year old boy, he was confronted with the loss of his father. This was an extremely dark chapter in his life. A local acquaintance decided to hire his father’s arable land. This acquaintance was also a fruit grower, and Gert-Jan worked there on Saturdays and during the holidays. His passion for fruit growing began during this time.