'Proud that family business goes from father to daughter'

Iris Verhoeven, co-shareholder Verhoeven Group and director Takeuchi Benelux

Construction is known as a man's world and, if possible, this applies superlatively to the equipment industry. What is it like as a woman to hold your own in the smell of diesel, oil, steel and rubber? We ask Iris Verhoeven (30) of Verhoeven Group what drives her and what ambitions she has to increase diversity in the workplace. "A lot has already changed in ten years and I will continue to work hard for that."

After studying business administration, Iris settled down at the family business in Maarheeze in 2014. Actually as a gap year, because she did not know what further education she wanted to do, only to not leave. "After my bachelor's I still got my master's degree, while I was already active in the business. That turned out to be an ideal combo. For school I had to do all kinds of assignments, which allowed me to get to know the whole business in no time: purchasing, logistics, sales, marketing and so on. Although I never had the ambition to follow in my father's footsteps, I liked the work and our company so much that I never looked around anywhere else."

Iris and her brother Martijn grew up among the equipment. Her grandfather Tinus founded the company just over 65 years ago, and son Gerard - Iris' father, in other words - ensured a huge expansion over the past 20 to 25 years. "From what I remember, as a child I went along to the business every Saturday, which was then still located close to home in Leende. I would play in the warehouse or office, ride around on the sweeper, but also help sort small material or pack Christmas packages. Martijn and I were never pushed to take over the business. I always liked the fact that there was no pressure to do so. We were allowed to make our own choices, which I can recommend to any family business."

New challenges

When asked which facet of the job appeals to her most, Iris doesn't have to think long. "That's business development," she sounds resolute, "Entrepreneurship is in our DNA. I enjoy discovering new challenges and capitalizing on opportunities. That appeals to me much more than the day-to-day worries a board of directors usually deals with. For a year now I have been a co-shareholder with my brother and, as managing director, I am responsible for one of our three business units, Takeuchi Benelux. I get great satisfaction from supporting and driving a team and meanwhile I like to look outwards. It is nice to do business independently, but where we can work together, we do not fail to do so. In the end, we are one Verhoeven."

Is it extra special to function as a woman in a male stronghold or do you not experience it that way? "I never felt 'different,' was always part of the team. That may also be because, as a family business, we do a lot of business with other family businesses. That creates a bond. I think it's great to see a lot more women joining in recent years, both within our organization and in the industry. Men and women are doing more and more together." According to Iris, women have proven their added value by being more people-oriented and collaborative - whether with employees, customers or suppliers. "As the only woman on the board, I am creating a new balance. It's not just about the euros anymore."

No-nonsense environment

With her enthusiasm, fresh perspective and entrepreneurial drive, Iris is a role model for other women. "The Netherlands, or rather Europe, is really leading the way in this. We work with the whole world, especially Asia. People everywhere are far from familiar with women in the construction industry, especially in a managerial position. So there is still a lot to gain, but sometimes you have to take a step back in order to take two steps forward. Diversity in the workplace is important. Especially in special positions, such as in the workshop or in management. A family business does not always have to go from father to son, it can also go from father to son and daughter. I am proud of that. But I am even more proud of the fact that I grew up in a no-nonsense environment. Keeping both feet on the ground, as it should be."