WBS Alum Spotlight: Ruben van Praagh on Family Business and Community Leadership

We recently spoke to Master’s alum Ruben van Praagh about his journey since graduating from WBS. Ruben is a sales and marketing specialist who works at his family firm Leeuwin’s Serviezenhuis.

He was recently named a member of the Order of Orange-Nassau for his volunteer work with the Jewish community in Utrecht.

Can you tell us a bit about your background and what made you choose WBS?
I originally studied Economics with specialisations in Strategy and Information Management. I felt somewhat unfulfilled in my studies up to that point and wanted to broaden my academic and personal horizons. Having lived only in the urban regions of the Netherlands all my life, I decided to venture out – although I wanted to feel comfortable in my surroundings as well. The UK struck the right balance between adventure and security. Several Universities were on my radar, and Warwick was one of the few that made the first cut. The Master’s programme appealed to me and the good reputation Warwick already had at that time strengthened my resolve. This was the additional academic challenge that I had been looking for.

Can you describe your career path since graduating?
After graduating, I completed my thesis at the University of Amsterdam, earning a second Master's-level qualification. I explored various job opportunities before joining the Dutch marketing team of a security firm specialising in safes and cash management. I transitioned to supporting retail sales—essentially continuing marketing with a sharper focus. Eventually, I became the sales agent for the entire Dutch reseller market, representing well-known UK brand Chubbsafes.

I left this job in 2013 and went into the family firm, where I still am at this moment. We are a shop that sells tableware and kitchen utensils in the city of Utrecht, with customers from all over the country. We are a small operation, and everyone needs to work whichever part of the sales process needs the most attention at that point in time. To me, as one of the family members, this is obviously much more than just a job.

Beyond my regular job, I also professionally assist students at Dutch universities with their theses. Through a network firm that specialises in this area, I provide external assistance to students looking to improve their theses, both in terms of the content they write and the language they use. Moreover, I occasionally write articles and essays, some of which are published in trade magazines or online.

What are your future career goals or aspirations?
I want to continue to grow the fortunes of our family shop, which has struggled as the sector and the retail world in general have been changing. I hope to find new ways in which our shop can attract and serve customers at the national level. I also hope to continue in my board activities within the Jewish community of Utrecht and, occasionally on a national or international level, and to contribute in the Bondgenoten Utrecht network.

Are there any specific skills or knowledge you gained from your time at WBS that have been particularly valuable?
The WBS experience taught me to be more critical in my approach.

How has being an alum of our business school benefited you and your career?
It has given me more opportunities, more skills, and stimulated my personal growth.

What are some of your most memorable experiences or highlights from your time at WBS?
I fondly recall our evening meet-ups, sometimes for a football match on a big screen, at other times for no reason in particular. The interaction in class was almost always stimulating as well, proper food for thought.

What advice would you give to current students?
Approach you studies with fervour, but don’t forget to explore your surroundings. There is so much to learn by going out, especially if you have the opportunity to do so with friends.