Broos Kerssemakers
Managing Director Blue Fielders
Why did you choose Blue Fielders?
“Blue Fielders came my way by chance through a friend. I come from a completely different business, so we agreed that I would spend a year probing. After that year, I was convinced: Blue Fielders suits me. I’m interested in mechanical engineering and I’m a people person. The guys who do this work, they get on a plane and spend 80% of their time in Farawayistan. The stories they tell, I love listening to that. Our engineers, that’s a nice group of people that suits me well. I wouldn’t be the type to broker accountants, for example.”
What makes Blue Fielders Blue Fielders?
“Our clients are Dutch machine builders, with a facility in the Netherlands. All machines are made in the Netherlands and then shipped worldwide. Our engineers travel after the machines to build them on site. As you can imagine, such a traveling engineer is a very specific target group. They need a good basis and the right support. Personal contact is crucial. Everyone has my mobile number, both our engineers and our clients. If you call Blue Fielders, I answer the phone. That accessibility and no-nonsense way of working, I find important. That’s what makes us who we are.”
Why do engineers choose Blue Fielders?
“Especially our small organization, makes our engineers feel heard and appreciated. We also really try to unburden and help our engineers on all fronts. We are one group and feel that way. We take care of each other, we look out for each other. In addition, we put the person first. If you work with us, you can also transfer. After 12 months we talk to each other. What do you really want? Is this the best place? That is really our engineer’s own choice. You have to enjoy working with us, not against your will. We hear that this freedom to choose is restricted at many companies. I don’t believe in keeping people who don’t want to be here, that just costs us all energy.”
Where will you be in 5 years with Blue Fielders?
“That’s quite a tough question. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that the guys feel involved in our organization. We are small, we know each other, we have a lot of contact. We know from each other what’s going on. Of course, that becomes more difficult when you’re big. I am therefore also thinking very consciously about the next five years. What does growth do to the core values of your organization? On the other hand, with the arrival of Gijs (Business Developer at Blue Fielders), I see a new energy and his fresh outlook is of great value. That is where I do see growth: in expanding our organization with a few more enthusiastic young guys who are ready to help our engineers.”
