“I build strong relationships and stunning display cases”
At SDB Vitrinebouw, it’s all about craftsmanship. One of the people who demonstrates this every day is SDB Vitrinebouw account manager Richard van Bruchem. After all, it’s the details – both visible and invisible – that make the difference. And that is exactly what our people ensure.
How long have you been with SDB?
“My time here has been split into two periods. From 2001, I spent fifteen years as an account manager, initially for the shopfitting department in the Netherlands. Over the years, this expanded to include project and home furnishing, and to Belgium and Germany. After that, I worked for four years for a manufacturer of custom-made steel furniture, but this turned out to be more of an office-based role. I then got back in touch with Eric, who had since become the owner. My return felt familiar, but at the same time like a new step: SDB had since moved and the team had changed.”
Is your role as an account manager the same?
“I’m no longer responsible for a single department, but for projects that are much more varied. And because so much can be done digitally these days, I visit clients less often. That said, my day is still full of surprises. When I go to work in the morning, I don’t know what the day will bring.”
Do you still get out and about enough?
“Absolutely! I still visit clients and projects on site. I also go along with our fitters to install display cabinets. Not the actual construction work, but mainly carrying things and handing over materials. I’m involved in the entire process: from the first appointment in our showroom or on site right through to handover. That’s brilliant, because it allows me to build good relationships as well as beautiful display cabinets.”
“I want to know exactly what’s going on with the client”
How do you help clients move forward?
“It varies. For one-off projects, I map out their requirements, discuss the many possibilities and translate everything into the perfect display case. I also keep regular clients informed of technical developments and new products. In both cases, I want to know exactly what’s on the client’s mind. That’s why it’s important to keep asking questions and listen carefully.”
An example of a project in which Richard was involved from start to finish (Kempkes Jewellers & Opticians, Winschoten)
After all these years, do you still have an absolute dream job?
“Phew… I’ve been to so many wonderful places: from museums to football stadiums, but also schools and people’s homes. I couldn’t name one absolute dream job off the top of my head. I particularly enjoy the diversity of projects, where we consistently turn nothing into something beautiful. And satisfied clients, of course. Because that’s what it’s all about for me!”
