D.P. Factory
“We shared our requirements and budget, and made a decision within an hour. We shook hands, and the rest is history.”
D.P. Factory: Collaborating Based on Intuition
“We shared our requirements and budget, and made a decision within an hour. We shook hands, and the rest is history.”
Trust as the foundation for a successful partnership
Sometimes a partnership doesn’t start with a quote or a lengthy process, but with a good conversation and a firm handshake. That’s exactly how the partnership between D.P. Factory and Harmeling went.
“We were in the process of furnishing our new building and already had another company in mind, but it didn’t feel right. My business partner and I drove to Rijssen, shared our requirement and budget, and made the decision within an hour. We shook hands, and the rest is history.”
The connection was immediate. Not surprising, since Thijs and Michiel have worked together for years. When Michiel took the helm at Harmeling in 2023, everything fell into place for Thijs: the right timing, the right people, and a way of working together that fits.
Quick communication, clear agreements
That direct way of working fits with Thijs’s entrepreneurial style: quick decision-making, clear expectations, and room for trust. “For you guys, this is business as usual; for us, it’s a one-time thing and a bit daunting,” says Thijs. “So it’s nice to work with a partner who understands that.”
The open and down-to-earth communication was decisive in this regard. “I really clicked with Diederik. We could be honest with each other. Good is good, and if something needed improvement, we could just say so. He took things seriously and was critical where necessary.”
Trust in the process
The handover took place during a particularly busy period for D.P. Factory: growth, internal developments, and a major renovation all came together. “It was the most hectic period of the past ten years.”
Throughout the process, Harmeling remained sharp and critical, even of its own work. “Even if I hadn’t noticed something, it was often already resolved. That inspires confidence. Especially with the tight schedule we had, it was reassuring to know that things were under control. And if they weren’t, we certainly didn’t notice it - and that says it all.”
A showroom to be proud of
If there’s one space that Thijs and his colleagues are truly enthusiastic about, it’s the showroom. “Not only do we make our money there, but the space is clean, well-organized, and well-thought-out. The products do the work—and that’s exactly what you want.”
Partnership
As far as Thijs is concerned, this collaboration has left him wanting more. “Next time, I’ll just call Harmeling again. Whether it’s for work or personal matters. When you’re willing to give each other a break, a long-term partnership naturally develops. That works best, and it’s nice to find a partner who feels exactly the same way.”
“It was reassuring to know that everything was under control, and if it wasn’t, we didn’t notice a thing. And that says it all.”
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