‘I am not someone who just maintains the shop; I’m someone who wants to open another one’

“Three years ago, I founded the Blue River Station Fund, an investment fund fully focused on energy station real estate in the Benelux. We are the first and only company in the Netherlands to do so. Yes, back to energy stations—this is where my expertise and passion truly lie.

The name Blue River is derived from my last name, ‘Maas.’ The ‘blue’ refers not only to blue river water but also to hydrogen, one of the sustainable fuels in the mix that will be offered at the energy stations we invest in over the coming years.” With a smile, he adds: “With my reputation as a ‘petrolhead,’ I thought ‘Green River’ wouldn’t come across as very credible. ‘Blue’ is a nice alternative.”

Building Something

With his latest initiative, Roel is set to broaden the activities of the Blue River Station Fund. “It will become a growth fund that invests in a mix of existing gas stations and land for future energy hubs—the essential infrastructure to keep the Netherlands mobile. Therefore, the fund will also get a new name: Blue River Infrastructure Fund. Anyone who wants more information can visit blueriver.nl.

[With another smile:] Yes, I can’t resist entrepreneurship. Starting something new, building it together with others, expanding, and making it successful—that’s something I love. I’m not someone who just maintains the shop; I’m someone who wants to open another one, and then another, and make all those shops a success. That’s what continually drives me along the entrepreneurial path. That’s what gives me energy. That’s my drive!”