This time, our colleague Gerwin Bouwhuis talks about his hobby and his contracting business, which he quit a year ago. He decided to work full-time as a service technician at SVgroup. Nevertheless, besides his work, Gerwin has always kept up with odd jobs in contracting and regularly jumps on the tractor or crane. He talks about the decision, his love for the trade and the close bond with his parents and family.
From an early age
Gerwin was born and raised in den Ham, where he lives with his wife, three children and his parents. He took over from his father and continued the contracting business. Gerwin was working day and night and had a loyal clientele where he carried out work. The lack of staff eventually made Gerwin decide to quit the contracting business. ‘I was making very long days just to get everything done. If that is for three weeks, it is manageable but if it is forever it becomes a different story,’ Gerwin explains. Gerwin took the decision to quit his business in three days. ‘We sold some machines right then, but we also bought back new ones. For example, a new crane,’ says Gerwin. He continues: ‘I always really liked doing the crane work, I just liked it! So this is something I can continue to do a bit on the side this way.’
Gerwin’s contracting business was focused on different activities, for example maize harvesting, grass harvesting, fertilising and tilling and sowing farmland. ‘Looking back on my decision, I haven’t regretted it for a day,’ Gerwin says. He continues: ‘I still have regular contact with old customers. I always hear that they were very satisfied with the work we did. This is a nice compliment for us, of course!’
An entrepreneur you are, or you are not, with Gerwin this is certainly the case. ‘You keep those traits and that will probably never go out,’ he says, laughing. The new Veenhuis Sand Tipper did catch Gerwin’s eye. Through key dealer Twentrac, he therefore bought one of the first Veenhuis Sand Tippers with the new design. The trade behind it I also just like to do. The opportunity presented itself and I actually bought it as a hobby,’ says Bouwhuis. ‘If you have a crane you also need a Kipper to go with it, so this fits nicely anyway,’ he laughs.
A close family bond
Gerwin’s family and his parents are always 100% behind him. ‘When you work long days and are away from home a lot, you have to have things in order at home with each other. My wife takes care of everything concerning the children and around the household. My parents also lend a hand wherever possible,’ Gerwin proudly explains. Gerwin’s father still helps out daily with various tasks. ‘My father may be 77, but he still ploughs. He has always done that and he likes this work!’, Gerwin continues. His father also helps out in the workshop where various machines are still tinkered with.
Changing tack
Gerwin has always worked with Schuitemaker machines. ‘I had always had good contact with the guys from service, when I had indicated to stop, we got into talks to look into joining SVgroup,’ Gerwin explains.
He continues: ‘I have always liked tinkering with machines, working as a service engineer is then obviously a great combination.’
Working at SVgroup
That Gerwin feels right at home is one thing that is certain. ‘Every morning I enjoy going to SVgroup, the service and maintenance of machines, I love that!’ He is often on the road with the service van to service different machines. ‘You get everywhere now, look earlierwhen I had my own business, we never went on holiday. I simply didn’t have time for that,’ Gerwin points out. With a smile, he continues: ‘Now you get to places that are heartbreaking, you always see new surroundings.’ He also likes the atmosphere among colleagues and within the company. ‘It’s a nice working atmosphere and I get on well with the colleagues,’ Gerwin says. On Friday afternoons, Gerwin regularly enjoys a beer with colleagues in the canteen. That’s part of the job, just having a good time.
What’s in the keg does not spoil
Contractor blood runs through the veins of the next generation as well. So they don’t rule out the possibility that the contracting business will one day be up and running again. When I told them that I wanted to quit the business, my eldest son was devastated. He still wants to become a contractor,’ Gerwin says. He continues: ‘We can’t look into the future, but we can always see if he can breathe new life into the business.’
For the future, Gerwin hopes that the agricultural sector has a right to exist and that it will be appreciated again. In recent years, the appreciation of the agricultural sector has decreased considerably, you just notice that. Of course, there will always be developments and changes, if we respond to this and continue to produce a good product together, then you will be a winner in the future,’ Gerwin says. He continues: ‘Enjoying the work and being able to earn a good living, that’s the most important thing.’ ■
