'I often see if I can do things differently'

Working from a passion for facades

Trump has years of experience in the facade construction industry. As a consultant, he worked with the same passion in the field of facade stucco, exterior wall insulation and ventilated facade systems. In the process, he kept running into the same finishing problems. "I didn't understand why facade stucco on a cavity wall construction could involve so much damage. It often revolved around the wrong details, forgotten bitumen and a lack of ventilation of the air cavity. And precisely that ventilation no one could fix yet."

Eureka moment

After many walks, brainstorming moments and headaches, the Eureka moment came. "I suddenly had an idea, while visiting the toilet," Tromp laughs. "I immediately sketched it out on paper, and in the months that followed, this design resulted in the facade stucco vent. On February 21, 2012, registration at the Chamber of Commerce in Zwolle was also a fact. I was an entrepreneur! Part-time, but still." At his own expense, Tromp had the first series of facade stucco ventilation grilles produced. "That kept me awake for many nights; it was a big investment with private money and therefore an exciting time!" Fortunately, his instinct turned out to be right: what started in a converted storage room at home soon became an office in the industrial park. In the summer of 2024, his company LJ Solutions moved to the Handelsstraat in Hardenberg, where the new, private premises provide space for growth, training and a spacious warehouse.

The basics

LJ Solutions is now a thriving company with a team of eleven enthusiastic and driven employees. They work for architects, developers, contractors, installers and plasterers at home and abroad. The facade stucco ventilation grid is still an important component. "Ventilation is essential to prevent moisture problems in the facade. Our grating offers a simple but effective solution for this: a hole is drilled in the facade into which the grating is clamped without a thermal bridge." 

Façade ventilation and cladding

LJ Solutions consists of two branches: LJ Innovate, focused on ventilation and fastening products for facade insulation and plastered facades, and LJ Cladding, with high-quality circular cladding. "We are not guided by profit and growth. With us, beautiful products and, more importantly, people come first," Tromp said. "Within the team, of course, but also in our relationships. For example, we only work with suppliers and partners who have the same outlook on life as we do. We visit everyone before we engage with each other. We want to know what we are working with, both in terms of product and people. This way we are not only sure of the strength and quality of our assortment, but we also build a strong partnership."

Circular construction

Because not only the products, but also the way of producing and working together is important. This does not mean that the products are not important, quite the contrary. "Every facade has its own charm. That's why we like to make sure they are and stay in good condition. In doing so, we only work with sustainable and reusable solutions," Tromp says proudly. "This is how we go for long-term relationships while at the same time always looking for new products that fit into our sustainability policy."

Cocky

Where does the name of his company actually come from? Trump laughs, "My family is insanely important to me. Without them, I couldn't have built this company. Our sons are named Leon and Jelmer. And during a humorous discussion, the name LJ Solutions was born." Still this entrepreneur does things differently than others. For example, the team already organized a walking event twice. "Then you hear the stories behind the people. And that's what it's all about in the end." Is it stubbornness or self-confidence? "People who know me know the answer. I often look to do things differently. We strongly believe as LJ Solutions that success is a result of having a good time together. Humane and agile are the most important core values in our company. And focus: we deliberately only deal with facades. Why? Because we love facades!"

LJ at Construction Fair 2025

In February 2025, you will find the LJ Solutions team at the BouwBeurs in Utrecht, in Hall 10, booth F026. "Our suppliers are of course also present during the BouwBeurs. It is very important to connect our suppliers with our common relations/customers. Neolife offers beautiful sustainable facade panels from a natural wood composite and with Aluinvent we supply aluminum panels made from recycled cans. Favemanc is also present, with its special ceramic cladding. Finally, together with our newest partner, we present a wonderful addition to our product range!" So: plan in advance your visit to LJ Solutions during the BouwBeurs in the Jaarbeurshallen.