Crap work
Said, who is Moroccan-Dutch, began working part-time for Van Zuylen while still a school boy. "I was 13-years old and did all the 'crap work', like sweeping floors and emptying flower buckets," he says, laughing. At 18, he started working full-time and was entrusted with the task of buying flowers at auction. Today, at age 35, Said basically, along with the help of a terrific team, runs the company. "I do the buying, the quality control, after-sales…everything," he says.
The majority of Van Zuylen's business is done via the company's website, which lists the daily flower prices, with a small margin for price fluctuations. Customers order directly online. "90% of our buying circumvents the flower auction. We buy directly from the growers," Said says. "By not buying via the auction, we're faster and consequently our flowers are fresher."
At 6 a.m., Van Zuylen's other employees arrive for work. Soon thereafter, truckloads of fresh flowers roll in and the quality control, sorting and packing begins. "Our reputation depends on the quality of our flowers," Said says, "so we check every bucket to ensure only the freshest flowers are shipped out under our company name."
By 2 p.m., all orders must be filled. Trucks then take the flowers to Amsterdam's Schiphol airport for direct flights to the States. Approximately 12 hours later, Van Zuylen's flowers are in American hands. Times are challenging for exporters. "Post 9-11, security is much tighter and therefore transport slower," Said says, adding that the weak dollar also hurts Dutch exporters.
Said's day doesn't end when the last flower shipment departs, however. Tomorrow's another day. New orders arrive, customers phone, Said must visit his suppliers and the auction…. During busy periods, Said works 14-hour days. As late afternoon becomes early evening, Said can finally head home for dinner with his wife and 18-month-old daughter.
Despite the long hours, Said says his job is a labor of love: "I love working with flowers, and although this may sound corny, I also love working with Americans. My customers in the States are like brothers and sisters. We're professionals, but we also enjoy personal relationships. When clients call to thank us for doing a good job, I feel happy and proud."
