Expertise:
Production efficiency; Team building
Major Product/SVS:
Plants and floral products
Hobbies/Sports:
Spending time at home in the yard
Education Degrees:
Master's Equivalency Degree in Communication, Minor in Economics, The Hague University, The Netherlands (1998); Degree in Horticulture
Throughout the duration of your career, what was the one highlight that stood out the most?:
The highlight of his career was serving as an interim general manager for a company that provided work for 400 disabled people, and successfully implementing changes that not just prevented the business from closing, but transformed it into a thriving and profitable company. He says, "It isn't my biggest achievement, but for sure the most rewarding."
Number Of Years In Profession:
25
Number Of Years In Current Position:
7
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
He attributes his success to his determination and being able to communicate with people.
Why did you become involved in your profession or industry?:
He became involved in his profession because he grew up in a family that owns greenhouses in the Netherlands.
Extended Bio Profile:
During the course of his career, Mr. Koene has worked for several different companies and has held responsibility for budgets ranging from several millions of dollars to more than $100 million. Between 1999 and 2004, he worked for a few companies and institutions on an interim basis. He spent two years working for the City of The Hague, and had the difficult but rewarding experience of revitalizing a company that was going to be closed because it was losing money and was located in an area slated for reconstruction. The company's goal was to train and guide people with disabilities to a job in a regular workplace whenever possible, and if their disabilities were too severe, to provide them with a lasting workplace. The employees were sad about the imminent closure, as many had been with the company for a number of years, and their work was their refuge during the day. With the help of management and the motivation of the employees, Mr. Koene was able to change the production methods, cut costs, and attract new customers. He accomplished these changes by dissecting complicated products into simple manufacturing and assembly steps that could be accomplished by people with disabilities. At times he brought in so much work that overtime was required. Although treatment specialists advised against disrupting the workers' routine, Mr. Koene found that when he treated workers with respect and as equals they were willing to do whatever it took to get the job done. The company was able to relocate, and is still in business today. Whenever Mr. Koene travels to the Netherlands for business or to visit family, he also visits the company. Most of the people working there remember him, and some have asked when he is going to come back and work with them again.
Position Responsibilities and Duties:
Taking care of 95 percent of procurement, human resources and production; Growing bedding plants and floral products