This year, Bert Versteeg was chosen as T-DRILL’s Representative of the Year. Bert, awarded for his exceptional performance, strong commitment and positive attitude, has represented T-DRILL in the Benelux for more than 20 years through his company Vebru. One of the key factors behind Bert’s lengthy career is his genuine approach to working with both customers and resellers: in all interactions, Bert positions himself as an advisor, not a salesperson.
“My goal is to always give good advice, whether it leads to direct sales or not. My approach is about having a conversation and actually talking to the people – finding out what they need and then providing a solution. A salesperson only sells, but an advisor provides the kind of advice that can better a customer’s business. Throughout my career, this has been my biggest lesson.”
Bert started as T-DRILL representative in 2004 after a career in the installation branch. Bert was already familiar with T-DRILL machines, and after connecting with former Portable Tools Sales Manager Kari Kujanpää at an exhibition, Bert had quickly created a network of resellers and began selling the portable T-60 SS, the predecessor of the current T-65 SS.
“I was familiar with the superior quality of these machines and knew that becoming a T-DRILL representative would be a smart business move. In order to achieve lasting results, I have focused on building strong relationships and providing continuous support to resellers.”
Bert also believes in the power of demonstration – so much so that he acquired his own demonstration machine in order to showcase its benefits to customers and resellers anytime, anywhere.
“My guiding principle is simple: ‘Demonstrate, demonstrate, demonstrate.’ Both resellers and customers must understand the machine’s essential details and benefits, and, ideally, experience them firsthand.”
In the years that followed, Bert expanded his product line to include copper and industrial machines. Describing himself as “a technical guy” at heart, Bert began servicing portable machines on his own and soon extended his expertise to repairing equipment for fellow T-DRILL distributors in other countries, marking the beginning of a wider service offering.
“By personally offering service, I have been able to become a true partner to my customers throughout the entire life cycle of their machines. This close involvement has given me valuable insights, enabling me to offer suggestions for product development. Ensuring customer satisfaction and solving their challenges is my top priority. My goal is that even years after their purchase, customers will still feel confident that they made the right investment decision.”
Throughout the years, Bert has received positive customer feedback on both his service and the quality of the machines.
“I have always experienced strong demand. In the industry, T-DRILL machines are known for their quality – which I can attest to after 20-year career and having met customers with 45-year-old T-DRILL machines.”
After more than two decades of working with T-DRILL machines, Bert will hand over the baton to his successor in the second half of 2025.
“Cooperation with T-DRILL has been smooth from the start. I’ve always received exceptional service and had the consistency of working with the same team, allowing us to build a personal, friendly partnership. T-DRILL has always been true to their word, and I’m deeply grateful for the past two decades with the company.”
T-DRILL extends its gratitude to Mr. Bert Versteeg for his dedication and hard work and wishes him continued success and happiness in the years ahead.
Published: September 26, 2024
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