History JvH-Puzzles
The beginning of JvH-Puzzles
Until 2006, Tom Wilson, an American system engineer, had a small space on the internet where he posted images of Jan van Haasteren puzzles along with additional details such as the number of pieces per puzzle.
Starting from early 2006, Els Rooswinkel sent him photos of the released puzzles to publish online, which resulted in smaller images due to limitation of space.
Because Els had access to more online space, the first version of JvH-puzzles was brought to the Netherlands in 2008. This version was set up in three different languages (English, Dutch, and German), with each page consist of a left column in English, a middle column in Dutch, and a right column in German.
Soon, the first version was no longer sufficient, and a more professional second version was launched, complete with a proper web shop. In addition to selling the used puzzles, new puzzles could now be purchased through the website.
The current website (the foundation) was established in 2016.
Ontbrekende Stukjes (Missing Pieces)
The service for missing puzzle pieces began around the same time as the sale of second-hand puzzles. While checking completed puzzles, the incomplete ones were occasionally found and kept to help others with missing pieces. Initially, the completed puzzles were stored on plates, but due to lack of space this became impractical, leading to puzzles being stored in layers in the box
In 2018, Crista Scherpenisse took over this service and established the Missing Pieces website ontbrekende stukjes opgezet.
Takeover by René
At the end of April 2018, Els Rooswinkel and I coincidentally made contact. Els indicated that, due to circumstances, she intended to stop the JvH-puzzels website. I already had a webshop with jigsaw puzzles and organized the Dutch Championship Puzzling. For me, one plus one equalled two, and within two weeks, Els and I had reached an agreement, signing the acquisition contract on May 11, 2018.
With much help from Els, I focussed on the website and further automated it, which turned out to be useful. In 2019, we witnessed an increase in the popularity of jigsaw puzzling, particularly with Jan van Haasteren puzzles.
2020 until now:
For many, the COVID-19 period was not a pleasant time, but for puzzle stores, it was an extraordinary time. It seemed like everyone started puzzling and many new customers found their way to JvH-puzzles.
In between the two COVID waves, our team moved. To be precise, 200 meters! A new store, a real office, parking right at the door, but most importantly, a much larger warehouse. With our growth, we also needed more hands. The team has since expanded considerably. Naomi and Frederike work in the office and in the store. In the warehouse, Bente an Odin pack the puzzles, and during a new release, all available hands are on deck!
Fortunately, we are now in calmer waters are putting the final touches in place. JvH-puzzles is totally ready for the future
René van der Zwet
