Q&A with the Heesen Receptionist Team

At Heesen, Dutch quality and efficiency are at the heart of everything we do. In our latest Q&A series, we’re talking to the Heesen Receptionist Team. For over a decade Annemiek Vissers, Steffie van den Berg and Susanne Tuijtelaers van Boxtel have answered your calls and made you feel right at home at our shipyard. Now it’s time to meet the people behind the faces and voice of Heesen.

The Heesen shipyard is a dynamic workplace, and the Reception is like Grand Central?

Susanne: “Yes, we are like a spider in the web. All day we receive questions and requests from our colleagues, and we try to help them as best we can. It can get quite hectic at times, so you need to stay focused and keep an overview of what’s important. The job is very diverse—never a dull moment! And I enjoy the ‘Brabantse gezelligheid’ at Heesen, the warm, sociable atmosphere.”

Steffie: “It’s very versatile indeed; we’re the first point of contact when people call the shipyard. We make travel arrangements, order lunch for our visitors, book taxis and hotels, among many other things. It’s important to act quickly and be good at multi-tasking. The phone never stops ringing. You have to be empathetic, attentive, and have a good eye for details. For instance, when ordering lunch, you always consider special diets, allergies, and if there are children.”

Annemiek: “You need to be a good listener and a fast thinker. You have to know the different departments and remember key colleagues and their roles to connect people efficiently. You really have to know the organisation well. But the three of us make a terrific team because we complement each other so well—that’s our strength. We know each other inside and out.”

Susanne: “Very true! One look is often enough to understand what is meant.”

You obviously hear and see everything on site. What news did you hear first?

Steffie: “It’s true that we often hear news first, although most of it is confidential. When a yacht is sold, we are often the first to know because we have to order the traditional ‘chocolade bollen’ for all the colleagues to celebrate this milestone. We also get a sneak preview of things like the proofs of the Heesen Magazine and the Christmas cards.”

Annemiek: “And it’s not uncommon to have famous visitors at the shipyard. Of course, we have to stick to the company NDA.”

What is your most memorable moment here at Heesen?

Annemiek: “A very special day for me was when I was invited to accompany MY Loyalty on her maiden voyage to Hellevoetsluis. An amazing experience, being on such a large yacht! And just recently, a helicopter landed in the shipyard’s parking lot when one of our clients came to visit!”

Susanne: “For me, the launch of Cinderella Noel IV was very special. All the colleagues and subcontractors were invited. The owners are lovely people, and we had an amazing party with great food, drinks, and music.”

Steffie: “I was lucky enough to work at the Monaco Yacht Show for Heesen, and that’s what really sparked my passion for yachts.”

Do you occasionally take a peak in the sheds to watch the construction?

Steffie: “The candy vending machine is in one of the sheds, so I always have a quick look when I’m there. Even from our position, you still feel like you’re part of that special process. Just before delivery, the Interior department often invites us to take a look on board, so you get to witness the finishing touches.”

Annemiek: “I always visit the yacht the day before the launch, when they’re doing the last preparations. It always amazes me—it’s almost unreal, like something you normally only see on TV, but it’s created right here. Even after all these years, I’m still blown away by it!”

Susanne: “I remember my first day at Heesen, seeing a superyacht up-close for the first time—I was genuinely impressed. That’s what makes working for Heesen so unique, that we’re creating such magnificent products here in Oss.”

If you could keep one Heesen yacht for yourself, which one would it be?

Annemiek: “I love MY Home, or MY Loyalty, and of course the 80-metre Genesis is beautiful too. I would take my boyfriend and children, plus family and friends, and we’d go to the wonderful Caribbean.”

Steffie: “I’d prefer MY Loyalty or MY Home as well, I think they’re gorgeous. And I’d take my family. My boyfriend’s family lives in Dubai, so that would be a perfect destination.”

Susanne: “My favourite Heesen yacht is Ultra G. Both exterior and interior are beautiful. It doesn’t matter where we’re going, but I would love to take my family – and of course Annemiek and Steffie!”