According to his son Hermann Gerhard Brenninkmeijer (1850–1906), Clemens Brenninkmeijer (1818–1902), like his brother August (1819–1892), was an above-average tall man. Cheerful and gregarious, he was also a good listener and storyteller. Clemens’ duties included managing the business and passing on corresponding skills and knowledge to the younger generation. What we know of Clemens’ life reveals clear parallels with that of his brother August. Both complete apprenticeships at G. Brenninkmeijer & Co., the business owned by their father Johann Gerhard (1764–1843) in the Dutch town of Sneek. Here, on 1 January 1841, they jointly found the C&A company. In 1849 Clemens weds Ursula Amalia Schröder (1830–1904). Nine children are born of their marriage. In 1869 Clemens moves back to his native Mettingen in Westphalia. Together with his brother, in 1878 he hands over the running of C&A to the younger generation.