20 Years of BOMA Nederland: A Conversation with Bert van Putten on Growth, Craftsmanship, and Job Satisfaction
For our interview series celebrating the 20th anniversary of BOMA Nederland, we spoke with Bert van Putten, Warehouse Coordinator at our Biddinghuizen branch. Bert began his career at BOMA as a driver and, over the years, grew into the person who organizes the warehouse. We asked him about his experiences, his pride, and his vision for the future.
From then to now
Bert joined BOMA via the acquisition of Harderclean. What does he consider the biggest difference between then and now? "In the beginning, everything was smaller-scale and more loosely organized," Bert says. "As we grew, everything became more professional. We work much more structurally now, but the short lines of communication and the down-to-earth mentality have remained. That's what I find beautiful: we have become large without turning into a sluggish organization."
The biggest growth spurt
Bert experienced that growth up close, including during the major renovation of the Biddinghuizen warehouse-a project in which he took on a key role. "That has been the most impressive change for me," he says. "We completely redesigned the warehouse and made it more efficient. It was hard work, but I look back on it with pride."
The BOMA vibe
What makes working at BOMA different for Bert compared to other companies? "The mentality," he answers without hesitation. "We aren't about complicated stories here; we are about just making sure the work gets done. People trust each other and help each other. If I arrange something, the team knows it will get done, and vice versa."
When we ask Bert what gives him the most energy on an average workday, he is clear: "The team and the results. I have essentially turned my work into my hobby. It's not a rehearsed story; it's just how I approach my work. As long as I can build a smooth process with this team, I go to work whistling every day."
Pride in a career
Pride is also the word that comes up when we ask Bert about his career as a whole. His path at BOMA began at Harderclean, and since then, he has seen the "old-fashioned way" of working change into the modern logistics of today. "Keep looking at what can be improved, be honest with each other, and never lose the overview. That has always helped me," he says.
BOMA in three words
If Bert has to describe BOMA in three words, he chooses: engaged, down-to-earth, and growing. "Those are the keywords for me," he explains. "We have grown enormously, but the engagement of the people on the work floor has remained the same. And staying down-to-earth, even when it's busy, that is exactly what BOMA typifies for me."
Finally, Bert looks ahead. What does he wish for BOMA for the next twenty years? "I wish BOMA primarily a healthy company," he says. "We have grown enormously, but the most important thing is that we hold onto our core values. As long as we do that, and I can continue to build a smooth logistics process with this team, I am a happy man."
