It is not only one of the most beautiful event venues in Limburg, De Grote Hegge Castle Farm, but also the place where it all began for Event Management Group (EMG). From Thorn, the company grew into a supra-regional player in the events sector, with multiple venues, whilst never losing sight of its roots. One person who experienced this remarkable journey at first hand is Jeroen Mulders. In the space of roughly ten years, he rose through the ranks here from a service staff member to venue owner.
From a part-time job to a life’s journey
He fell in love with the industry straight away when Jeroen made the switch from another sector to the hospitality industry eight-and-a-half years ago. “I got in through a friend as a waiting staff member at evening parties,” he explains. “Michelle Vrancken was the site manager at De Grote Hegge in Thorn at the time. We hit it off straight away.”
As EMG continued to grow and add more sites to its portfolio, Michelle took on an overarching role within the organisation and became the right-hand woman to owner Danny Keppels. “I was then asked to take over from her as site manager in Thorn. I enjoyed doing that for years. And when, in early 2024, I was given the opportunity to become an entrepreneur myself, I didn’t have to think twice.”
What started as a temporary part-time job grew to become a significant part of his life. “It’s amazing how quickly things can happen when you put your heart into something and have the right people around you.”
The move into entrepreneurship
It’s no small feat: progressing from employee to co-owner. For Jeroen, however, becoming an entrepreneur feels like a logical step, something he was genuinely ready for. “You develop a closer connection with the business. Every decision you make, every penny you spend – it all feels much more personal. Even though you do your best as an employee, your work ethic changes as soon as it really becomes a bit of your own. You become jointly responsible for the bigger picture and you can make decisions as you see fit. That sense of ownership really appealed to me.”
It brings him not only responsibility, but also freedom. “It was time for a new challenge in my life. And I’ve certainly found that here.”
The potential of De Grote Hegge Castle Farm
When Danny Keppels, founder of Event Management Group, discovered De Grote Hegge ten years ago, not everyone in his network immediately recognised its potential. “At the time, it wasn’t the most obvious place to set up an event venue,” Jeroen recalls with a laugh. “But Danny looked beyond the obvious. He saw opportunities not only within the existing walls, but also for the future. For example, there were already plans for a holiday park across the road, and that park is now there too. Its accessibility – centrally located in Limburg and close to the A2 – combined with the growth of the wedding industry meant that he firmly believed in the potential of this place. And he was proved right.”
According to Jeroen, what makes De Grote Hegge so special is its versatility. “We have various rooms, each with its own atmosphere. This means you can spend every part of the day in a different place. That feels unique. And although we’re in the countryside, we’re easily accessible and have plenty of parking. The view, the atmosphere, the space: that’s what makes this place truly special.”
The venue is suitable for a wide range of events: from intimate weddings to large-scale corporate parties. “We offer exclusive use for up to 850 guests and can even extend the venue with outdoor marquees. The personal touch and the support we provide make it complete. As a result, De Grote Hegge is not only a favourite amongst our business clients, but also a popular and award-winning wedding venue.”
The foundation of success
De Grote Hegge Castle Farm marked the start of Event Management Group in 2014. In the years that followed, EMG grew to become an operator of unique venues in Limburg and the surrounding area. De Grote Hegge still plays a central role. “The foundations of our organisation were laid here. We started out as young people, taking a hands-on approach, with a small team,” says Jeroen. “We preferred to do all the refurbishment ourselves and watched every penny – without compromising on quality, of course. That’s how, step by step, we developed this venue into the events venue it is today.”
Michelle laid the organisational foundations during that initial phase. “She brought structure to the way we work. Think of the entire process: from taking on an assignment to staging the event. We still use that approach today. And the great thing is: our colleagues can now apply that process to the other venues that are now part of EMG. That contributes to the further growth of our organisation.”
The foundation of success
De Grote Hegge Castle Farm marked the start of Event Management Group in 2014. In the years that followed, EMG grew to become an operator of unique venues in Limburg and the surrounding area. De Grote Hegge still plays a central role. “The foundations of our organisation were laid here. We started out as young people, taking a hands-on approach, with a small team,” says Jeroen. “We preferred to do all the refurbishment ourselves and watched every penny – without compromising on quality, of course. That’s how, step by step, we developed this venue into the events venue it is today.”
Michelle laid the organisational foundations during that initial phase. “She brought structure to the way we work. Think of the entire process: from taking on an assignment to staging the event. We still use that approach today. And the great thing is: our colleagues can now apply that process to the other venues that are now part of EMG. That contributes to the further growth of our organisation.”
The foundation of success
De Grote Hegge Castle Farm marked the start of Event Management Group in 2014. In the years that followed, EMG grew to become an operator of unique venues in Limburg and the surrounding area. De Grote Hegge still plays a central role. “The foundations of our organisation were laid here. We started out as young people, taking a hands-on approach, with a small team,” says Jeroen. “We preferred to do all the refurbishment ourselves and watched every penny – without compromising on quality, of course. That’s how, step by step, we developed this venue into the events venue it is today.”
Michelle laid the organisational foundations during that initial phase. “She brought structure to the way we work. Think of the entire process: from taking on an assignment to staging the event. We still use that approach today. And the great thing is: our colleagues can now apply that process to the other venues that are now part of EMG. That contributes to the further growth of our organisation.”
Smart systems, better service
The development didn’t stop there. De Grote Hegge continues to innovate and keeps the guest experience at the heart of every decision. “A few years ago, for example, we switched to an automated quotation system. This improved the service, sped up the process and gives guests greater confidence, as they receive clarity quickly.”
Brides and grooms, in particular, see this as a major advantage. “If, for example, they want to change the number of evening guests from 100 to 120, they can see at the touch of a button what that means for the price. This allows them to make truly informed choices.”
Memories that linger
When Jeroen looks back on his journey at EMG, he recalls countless memorable moments. “Perhaps too many to mention! I’m thinking, for example, of the VP-Group company party, where we transformed the entire venue from top to bottom. A secret disco in the basement bar, performances in a huge transparent marquee, a fiery welcome on arrival. Absolutely everything was decorated to match their theme.”
What excites him just as much are weddings where absolutely everything is just right, right down to the weather. “And it’s just as special when regular guests choose us year after year to celebrate their Christmas party. That really gives you a sense of pride.”
Continuing to grow whilst retaining our character
Even after ten years, developments at Kasteelhoeve De Grote Hegge show no sign of slowing down. Over the coming years, Jeroen intends to continue innovating alongside the team. “We’re going to revamp the interior and create a new garden. We’ll keep making improvements, whilst preserving the charm that makes this venue so special.”
His own role is also changing as the organisation expands. “We have recently taken on extra staff, which means I can focus more on the bigger picture. Working on the business rather than in the business. This development is important for EMG, and for De Grote Hegge in particular.”
The arrival of the holiday park across the road also offers new opportunities. “We’re already noticing that we’re strengthening each other’s businesses. They refer people to us for parties or meetings, and we refer people to them for overnight stays. Thorn and the Maasplassen are truly becoming a hub for hospitality in Central Limburg – I’m absolutely convinced of that!”
More than just a workplace
Jeroen can now safely say that De Grote Hegge is much more to him than just a job or a business. “Not only do I work on special events every day in beautiful surroundings, but the bond with my colleagues is also unique. It has really led to lifelong friendships. The events industry can be intense at times: long days, long hours, hard work. I don’t know if I’d have stuck it out for eight and a half years if it had just been a job. This goes much deeper.”
