Being a standout comes easy for the Netherlands. As a matter of fact, when space satellites photograph the earth, the country often reflects a large, gleaming light.
The reflection is caused by a vast number of greenhouses where bulbs are grown and then shipped around the world. Another standout is a landscape management company in the town called Monster - just west of Rotterdam.
Groenprojekten Weverling is a full-service landscape maintenance and installation company known for its commitment to customer service and innovation. Owned by Fred Weverling and in business for 59 years, this company has grown from year to year to the point where it now employs 70 people, has three sites, and maintains between 600 and 700 accounts per month.
"We like to be a 'walk in front' company," says Sjaak Vliegenthart, 2nd director and employee of almost 15 years. Being "out in front" is exactly where Groenprojekten has had to be as it has encountered various competition over the years, including the government which is allowed to compete in the private sector.
"We have a long neck," he adds. "We are a company that is willing to try new things, and has the patience to see if they will work for us." In fact, that is how Groenprojekten found the Walker Mower. Vliegenthart explains that the Walker Mower is one product that fits in their business.
"We believe in keeping our commitments to people in the best way possible, and we believe the Walker Mower is the best way to deliver on our lawn care commitment."
Standout Service
Being in business means different things to different people. To Groenprojekten it means: "voor uit strevend bedryf." Translation: "to want to always be the best." For Groenprojekten, being the best does not always mean making the most money. It also means offering the highest quality of service and hiring quality employees who will listen to customers.
"We want employees who will listen to our customers," relays Vliegenthart. ''Not every customer knows how to ask for something. We train our employees to talk with customers and to remember to ask questions, so we can give them the hill value of our services."
One person Vliegenthart cites as a good employee is Wim Spaans, an employee for 11 years. "Wim knows the customers and knows how to talk with them," says Vliegenthart. "He also knows how to respond to their needs quickly and thoroughly, which makes him a valuable employee."
Doing the small things, like being on time for appointments with customers, is one of the customer service techniques Groenprojekten teaches employees. Vliegenthart's simple logic explains it best: "When a customer complains, it is not their problem, it is our problem."
A Higher Standard
Using equipment that suits conditions is another advantage Vliegenthart says Groenprojekten has over other competitors.
"We have steady rains from April to June. The Walker allows us to cut lawns when many other companies are not working."
He credits the mower design and refinements, which make it possible to mow in damp conditions, with being able to keep employees busy during times when many other landscape company employees may not be able to work. Using the Walker in these conditions is "like having the right tools in our toolbox," Vliegenthart emphasizes.
In the off-season the company trains its employees to be familiar with all the equipment. Many of these sessions are taught by its Walker Mower dealer, Parlevliet Tuin en Park Machines. Two brothers, Joop and Wim Parlevliet, run the dealership that Vliegenthart credits with "keeping their mowers running day or night."
The Parlevliet brothers are accommodating to say the least. Their winter training sessions sometimes include training employees on how to scale trees for trimming. But their primary goal is to take the maintenance employees carefully through the equipment so everyone's job is easier for the upcoming summer.
Maintaining An Edge
Remaining in good standing within the community and "constantly moving forward'' are two other ways Groenprojekten maintains an edge.
Vliegenthart explains that as a trendsetter and the largest company in the area, they are highly visible. "Every move we make is seen," he explains, "so taking the time to find good employees who relay a good image is invaluable."
Giving away their used equipment or selling it at a reduced price to large property owners helps to maintain their good standing, too. But Vliegenthart refers back to employees as the people who represent Groenprojekten, and the ones who strengthen their reputation daily.
Despite these efforts, competition is strong and always coming up with something. When asked what advice he had for other companies like Groenprojekten around the world, Vliegenthart offered the following statement: ~ good things will be duplicated, but never copied if the original does not sit still - the best you can do is stay busy and stay smart.
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