Family Within a Family Business: Mark Potze and Dennis Hulsdouw
A family business—who still works at one these days? Well, we do at Heuver! And the great thing is, you’ll find many other family connections within our company. That’s what this series of personal employee stories is all about.
Like the story of brothers-in-law Mark Potze and Dennis Hulsdouw.
From Groningen to Emmen via Assen and Veendam—Back Again
Mark Potze (27) works as Branch Manager at Profile Heuver in Veendam.
"But that’s not where I started at Heuver. Back in 2011, I was still in school, studying MBO Human Technology, but I was looking for a job. So I applied at Heuver, got hired, and finished my studies while working. I started out at Profile Heuver in Hoogkerk. It wasn’t yet the field position I initially had in mind, but I got to handle the administration and supervise the workshop team there."
"After that, I worked at the counter in the Groningen branch, then moved on to Emmen, Assen, back to Emmen, and then back to Assen again. Four years ago, I started as branch manager in Veendam, and I’m still happily working there today."
Put in a Good Word
Dennis Hulsdouw (27) is the brother of Danielle, who is in a relationship with Mark. Like his brother-in-law, Dennis has worked at several Profile Heuver locations:
"It started with a job opening in Groningen that I applied for. At the time, they chose someone else, but shortly after, another position became available. My CV was still there, and Mark subtly pointed it out and put in a good word for me—he told them I was technically very strong."
"Things moved quickly—just a week later, I was already working at Profile Heuver. I started in Groningen as a tyre fitter, then worked in Veendam for a while. Later, I got a call from headquarters about an opening in Emmen. That was two years ago, and I liked it so much that I now have a permanent contract. I'm currently a second mechanic and do everything except APK inspections. I really enjoy it here—this is exactly where I want to be."
Hands-On Mentality
What both men appreciate most about Heuver is the hands-on mentality that defines the company culture. A perfect example, according to Dennis, was his very first day in Emmen:
"I spoke with branch manager Harry Lamberink for maybe five minutes—and then I got to work. Once I walked in, I never left. That really sums up how things work around here."
Mark adds:
"There’s a real mindset of thinking along and getting things done quickly. If I need a tyre that happens to be in Emmen, I just ask Harry to send it with Dennis, and he’ll drop it off for me that same evening. That way, I can use it the next day. It's never an issue here."
Handwritten Card
The two men have been brothers-in-law for nearly ten years and have worked together at Heuver for several of those. Naturally, their conversations often turn to work outside of working hours, Mark explains:
"Of course, we know many of the same people at different branches, and we’re curious about what’s going on at each other’s locations."
Mark especially notices Heuver’s family-business spirit in the short lines of communication with the management:
"I can always go to Bertus Heuver. Of course, as the company grows, it changes the nature of your interactions with others, but Bertus really makes an effort."
Dennis has also experienced the personal side of the company:
"When I had just started working here, it was my birthday—and I received a handwritten birthday card from Bertus Heuver. That’s not something you see every day at a large company, but here, it’s normal. And I think there are very few companies that throw parties as good as Heuver does—like the New Year celebration and the staff party."
Big Challenge
Both Heuver’s wholesale division and the Profile branches are experiencing significant growth. As a result, it’s no longer easy to know everyone personally, says Mark:
"That’s understandable, but also a bit of a shame. I’ve also noticed that the gap between the wholesale side and the Profile branches is getting wider."
For a family business like Heuver, the biggest challenge is to maintain the close-knit, familiar atmosphere the company has always been known for—even as it continues to grow.
