The Berkleef Brothers: From the classroom to the Black Achievement Awards

Who has the right of way at this junction? For many driving theory test candidates, it’s the kind of question that makes them pause a little too long. Quincy Berkleef knew that moment of hesitation from his classroom in Amstelveen. He began making short videos that explained traffic rules through everyday situations. Together with his brothers Toninho and Giorgio, he turned that idea into Theorie Toppers. On 30 October 2026, the three brothers took to the stage at Amsterdam’s DeLaMar theatre to receive the Black Achievement Award for Entrepreneurship.

Ten Years of Theorie Toppers

Theorie Toppers opened its doors in December 2016 and marks its tenth anniversary in December 2026. In the early years, Quincy taught one-day courses in Amstelveen. He started sharing free theory tips on YouTube to reach new learners. The response gave him an idea: first he made videos for students to watch at home, then he recorded the entire course. Anyone who was still unsure after the first explanation could pause, rewind and watch the example again.

Humour and relatable examples became hallmarks of his teaching. Take hazard perception: Quincy breaks it down to a decision drivers have only seconds to make. Do you brake, ease off the accelerator or keep going? Today, Theorie Toppers helps learners prepare online for car, motorcycle and moped theory tests, as well as for their boating licence exam.

Surinamese Roots, Three Brothers, One Business

Giorgio, Quincy and Toninho Berkleef are brothers with Surinamese roots, and their family bond is at the heart of how they work together. Quincy is the face of Theorie Toppers and leads the development of its learning materials. Toninho keeps the business running behind the scenes. Giorgio focuses on sales, marketing and partnerships. Each brings a different strength to the business that grew out of their brother’s lessons.

After the award ceremony, Giorgio explained why that visibility means so much to him. For years, he looked up to the entrepreneurs behind brands such as Patta and Daily Paper. Now he hopes young people who see themselves in the three brothers will look at their story and think: I could start something of my own, too.

That’s why SurinamStars is putting the Berkleef brothers in the spotlight. Nearly a decade before that evening at DeLaMar, Quincy started with something small: explaining a traffic rule in a way that would stick. Together, the brothers turned those first videos into a business. Their story shows the next generation how far an idea of their own can take them.