Festool 100 years - Saskia's story

When passion and craftsmanship come together, stories inspire. Saskia van den Berghe tells us her story.

What once started as a side role in the family business grew into a successful independent career in joinery. We spoke to Saskia about her journey, challenges as a woman in the construction industry, and her love for quality tools like those from Festool.

A start from family

"Twenty years ago, I started as a self-employed joiner. My father had a renovation company, and from a young age I had been walking along in the joinery business. But honestly, I never thought I would make it my profession. Let alone that it would become such a great passion," says Saskia.

In 2024, she took an important step in her career by starting her own business. "After 20 years, I felt it was time to attach my own name to my work. It gives me satisfaction to leave my own mark."

From Instagram to recognition

Saskia started Instagram in 2017, a platform on which she shares her projects. "I thought: who wants to see a woman in dirty trousers? But to my surprise, I got a lot of positive reactions, including from our industry. That recognition gave me the motivation to keep going."

Her online presence not only gave her more visibility but also opportunities. "I met Festool through my videos. It's a huge honour because I think every joiner and craftsman considers this brand a standard of quality. It's the biggest recognition you can get."

A woman in construction

As a woman in a traditionally male sector, Saskia had to prove herself doubly. "You have to maintain your credibility because people pay more attention to details with a woman. It takes hard work, but it is definitely worth it."

Why Festool?

Saskia is a loyal Festool user and enthusiastically talks about her favourite tools.

"In 2016 I bought my first Rotex, and I still use it with great pleasure. For parquet work, I always use the Festool, because you can never sand old parquets completely flat with big machines. The Festool ensures a perfect result, down to the smallest details."

Another indispensable tool is the Conturo: "There are sometimes people who doubt the price, but I wholeheartedly say 'yes, it's worth it'. For small adjustments or worktops that you would otherwise have to drag to a big machine, the Conturo works much faster and more efficiently."

Festool's Systainers also get an honourable mention. "The T-Lock is a big improvement. With the old models I regularly broke nails, but now it's simple: click, turn and done."

Birthday wishes to Festool

"Festool, keep going the way you guys are doing. You guys are doing really well. What I would still like to see? Hearing protectors that can also be linked to a radio via Bluetooth. That would be ideal!"

With her determination, skill and passion, Saskia remains an example for many in the industry. Her story shows that quality and perseverance always make the difference - both in the work and in the tools you use.

Saskia's 10 favourite Festool products:

1. Compact cordless drill TXS 18 - "I carry it with me every day and hang it on my trousers thanks to the hook".

2. CARVEX PSC 420 cordless jigsaw- "lies easily in the hand and cutting out curves are definitely no longer a problem."

3. Cordless table saw CSC SYS 50 - "This is so easy you always have a table saw with you but more compact."

4. Accu skirting saw SYMMETRIC SYMC 70 - "This rolls with me from one corner of the rooms to another, done with bending over and standing up every time."

5. Battery-operated floodlight SYSLITE KBS C - "Super handy because of the battery so you have enough light everywhere."

6. Edge bander CONTURO KA 65-"Bye bye iron and contact glue, large worktops are no longer dragged but taped on the spot, as well as small adjustment on the work you tape so easily."

7. Hearing protection GHS 25 I - "I like being able to still listen to music and protect my ears in the meantime."

8. Thermal cup TC-FT1- "Always hot coffee ; I just need this."

9. Spirit level LEYSYS-FT1 - "Because it is in the handle of my TXS 18 box, I always have a spirit level at hand. Super handy."

10. Rotary eccentric sander ROTEX RO 90 - "So handy that you can change from a small eccentric machine to a triangle and is definitely powerful enough."