Some careers start in extraordinary ways, and that certainly applies to Hans van Gent. In 1985, he joined A. Heemskerk BV as a Flying Dutchman, with no prior knowledge of flowers. Yet, through perseverance and enthusiasm, he secured a lasting place within the company. Now, more than 40 years later, he remains active at Heemskerk Flowers. From stormy journeys to building international customer relations, his career has been filled with passion and remarkable experiences.

The first steps at Heemskerk Flowers

In 1985, A.Heemskerk BV was looking for English-speaking salespeople. Since Hans van Gent had spent six months in Australia, the language was not a problem. He was working in defence at the time and early dismissal was not allowed.

As Hans had no knowledge of flowers, he "applied" to Heemskerk no less than eight times. The first time for real, the other 7 to get a day off from defence and join a line, to learn the trade. On the first visit, Hans came to the interview neatly dressed. Everyone at Heemskerk walked in their work clothes, which immediately earned Hans the nickname: "het Heertje".

From beginner to experienced line driver

With a very small amount of basic knowledge, Hans went to England for the first time as an independent line driver. The first year worked out well and a new hatch car would be built for Hans on condition that he stayed for at least 2 years. Hans kept this promise very generously. Today, Hans has been working for Heemskerk Flowers for more than 36.5 years.

In these early years, A.Heemskerk BV depended mainly on lines to England. Soon more and more lines were added in the UK and within a short time Hans was able to welcome as many as 10 new colleagues. The Heemskerk UK line drivers were a family in themselves.

A Mother's Day to remember

The Mother's Day ride in 1988 became one not to forget. Hans had a trailer behind his car because of the crowds. On the way back, it was storming. Just before Hans wanted to drive aboard, he saw a trailer flying upside down across the yard.

Oh "chips" thought Hans, that's "mine".

With the help of colleagues, the trailer was put back on its wheels and hitched up. Once on board, it was a rough journey. At 07.00 in the morning, Hans looked outside and still saw the "Welcome to Sheerness" sign. It turned out that the boat had been in port all night and could not get out of port, even with 2 tugs, because of the storm. Consequently, the return journey took more than 24 hours.

New challenges and a lasting passion

The hatchcars were eventually replaced by trailers and Hans drove the line for exactly 18 years. It was time for something else. He took on the management of a French chain of florists and a large Russian customer. But the love for English-speaking customers kept itching and after 2.5 years Hans was able to join the newly established account managers team at the Uk. Together with former colleague Martin Dekker, this became a great success.

Hans nowadays

The passion Hans has always had for his work ensures that he is still fully active at work. That Hans is a people person is shown by the fact that he still finds great colleagues and super nice customers the most important thing.