20 Years of BOMA Netherlands: In conversation with Mark Engels about growth, innovation, and the power of relationships

Mark is a familiar face within the organization. He started his career 16 years ago in the internal sales department of Helder, which was later acquired by BOMA. Where he started in a supporting role at the time, he has since followed an impressive path through Account Management to his current role as Business Unit Manager.

When we ask Mark about the biggest change over all these years, he points to the enormous professionalization. Where the organization used to be mainly locally oriented, BOMA Netherlands has since grown into a full-fledged, independent player that knows the Dutch market through and through.

What makes working at BOMA still engaging after all these years? For Mark, the energy lies in the diversity of his work. "No two days are the same. You visit the most diverse places and speak to people in various roles: from the shop floor to management." It is precisely this variety and the ability to offer a solution at different levels that drives him.

In addition to professional successes, there are also moments that Mark will always remember because of the atmosphere and team spirit. A great example of this is the trip to Italy to visit the suppliers Filmop and Comac. For Mark, who has a special interest in cleaning trolleys and materials, it was impressive to see the production up close. The time spent with the team and the Italian hospitality make this a very valuable memory.

Mark is genuinely proud of the long-term relationships he builds with customers. He cites the example of the ETZ Hospital in Tilburg. What started with a specific request for an i-mop resulted in a years-long collaboration in which BOMA provided the entire setup.

"The best compliment is when contact persons move to another organization and invite you there again," Mark says. "That shows that they trust your knowledge and the relationship you have built."

According to Mark, BOMA distinguishes itself in the market through two core values: innovation and flexibility. This flexibility is primarily expressed by thinking along with the customer, for example by offering creative financing solutions for capital goods such as cleaning trolleys. In addition, BOMA is at the forefront with innovative digital solutions and a strong offering in the field of sustainability, something that, according to Mark, really makes the difference compared to others in the sector.

Mark looks toward the next 20 years with great confidence. He makes no secret of his ambition: "My goal is for us to become the largest unit within BOMA Netherlands with the Healthcare Business Unit". With a focus on quality and strong partnerships, the foundation for this has certainly been laid.