A graduate of the Institut Catholique des Hautes Études Commerciales (Centre d'études et de recherches de la gestion commerciale department), organized the Louis de Poortere (carpet distributor) department in charge of suplying large buildings.

In 1992 created a representation and sales office to promote exports of Belgian products, such as: chocolate, beer, speculoos (a typical Belgian cinnamon biscuit), Du Vrai Sirop de Liège (a fruit spread), Durobor table glasswear, etc. His main foreign markets being in Latin America, developed a fondness and understanding of the nationals of this area, particularly Brazilians and their way of doing business.

After establishing his own company JGVB Consulting and Sales, has since 1999 concentrated on the BENELUX markets of compost and bark for Norland S. A. and items for county playgrounds. 

Fluent in French, Dutch and English, has a working knowledge of Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese.