Michel Van den Brande, a 64-year-old scaffolding constructor known for his appearance on the TV series The Sky Is The Limit, has announced the impending sale of his company, Kontrimo. After years of building the business into a leading scaffolding provider in Belgium, Van den Brande expressed a desire for more peace in his life, stating, "Now is the time for a bit more calm." The sale marks a significant transition for both him and the company he has nurtured since taking over in 1998.
Van den Brande's journey began when he was just 18 years old, starting as a scaffolding constructor. By the time he was 37, he took the reins of Kontrimo, which had a modest 12 employees. Under his leadership, the company has flourished, expanding to 120 employees and achieving a turnover of 13 million euros. Reflecting on this growth, he remarked, "The story we have written there is incredible. It's my baby, you know? But one day you have to let go. I'm incredibly proud of what we've all built together."
Despite the impressive growth, Van den Brande's tenure has not been without its challenges. Following his participation in The Sky Is The Limit ten years ago, which he noted significantly boosted the turnover of fellow contestant Willy Naessens, he faced a series of personal and professional hurdles. In the year after his appearance on the show, Kontrimo saw its profits soar from 289,000 euros to 1,085,000 euros. However, between 2020 and 2023, the company recorded losses each year, prompting Van den Brande to seek financial stability once again.
In 2023, he candidly admitted, "We have to find financial stability again" following a troubling period marked by a fraudulent scheme that cost him hundreds of thousands of euros. This incident led to a highly publicized court case where he was convicted for threats and stalking after confronting an ex-employee who had defrauded him. "I am here as a victim but treated as the perpetrator," he lamented during the trial.
In addition to his legal woes, Van den Brande has made headlines for his bold statements and actions, including a public fight on the hard shoulder of a highway and putting his supercars up for sale due to high taxes, claiming, "The government takes away my joy." He has amassed tens of thousands of followers on social media, where he is not afraid to voice controversial opinions. Ahead of the 2024 elections, he claimed, "Vlaams Belang finds me too racist to be on their list," a statement that sparked debate and was denied by the party's chairman, who clarified that some statements are no longer permissible under law and often exaggerated by the media.
As he prepares to hand over the reins of Kontrimo, Van den Brande is optimistic about the future of the company. He confirmed that a bid for the company had been accepted and that the sale is set to be finalized by the end of April or early May. "The whole company is currently being screened. I expect no problems, but the money is not yet in my account," he stated, emphasizing that his choice of buyer was made with careful consideration to ensure the best outcome for the company and its employees.
"Kontrimo is my child, and the sale is intended to benefit the company and its employees. We are number one in Belgium, and that must remain the case," he asserted. Despite stepping back from daily operations, Van den Brande plans to stay involved for a period to ensure continuity. "I will definitely remain active at Kontrimo for a certain period. How long? I don’t know. It could be months, but it could also be years. Everything depends on the new people, new bosses, new laws," he remarked with a laugh.
As the business transitions to new ownership, Van den Brande's legacy will undoubtedly linger in the scaffolding industry. His journey from a young constructor to a successful CEO is a testament to his hard work and determination. Now, as he looks towards a future filled with more tranquility, the scaffolding community watches closely, eager to see how Kontrimo will evolve under new leadership.
