Hans Vanderspek, founder of J.C. van der Spek Greenhouse Services, shares their available support for the Nor'easter storm coming up in the Northeastern parts of the U.S. "We are ready to roll out tomorrow wherever they need us for any repairs!"
For over three decades, the company has been a quiet but steady force in the U.S. horticultural landscape. Based in Connecticut and operating across the country, the company has carved out a trusted niche in the repair and maintenance of greenhouses and curtain systems. But what sets it apart isn't just its technical know-how; it's the heartfelt commitment to being a small, family-run business built on trust and relationships.
"We're a small business by choice," Hans states. "Staying small helps us focus on relationships, not just revenue. That's what makes our service special."
© J.C. van der Spek
Hans shares that his son, John (in the middle), will be taking over the family business in the future
A European edge in American greenhouses
J.C. van der Spek specializes in greenhouse and curtain system repairs, as well as supplying and installing curtain components. But their competitive edge, according to Hans, comes from partnerships with advanced European suppliers.
"All our customers benefit from my experience and knowledge by working closely with my European suppliers," Hans explains. "We use their equipment in our projects because the technology is simply further ahead in many ways."
This access to top-tier technology, combined with hands-on experience, allows the company to deliver reliable, modern solutions for greenhouses across the U.S., whether it's a commercial nursery or a university research facility.
© J.C. van der Spek
Helping growers stay ready, not reactive
For growers, proactive maintenance can mean the difference between a smooth season and costly downtime. That's why Hans and his team put a strong emphasis on preventative care.
"We advise our customers to be more aware of their greenhouse needs," he says. "Instead of waiting for something to fail, we recommend more frequent inspections to make sure mechanisms are working properly and everything is well maintained."
Hans is conscious of the financial pressure many growers are facing, especially as the market remains cautious.
"With the market in a stable but alert state, growers are more careful with spending," he notes. "We strongly believe in not using that as an excuse to raise our prices. Instead, we want to help our customers move forward comfortably."
The idea is to keep costs reasonable through regular maintenance, which can help minimize excessive failures and allow timely part replacements. "It all evens out in the long run."
© J.C. van der SpekNavigating challenges with planning and patience
Like many small businesses, J.C. van der Spek is not immune to economic headwinds. Rising costs, especially those Hans sees as unnecessary, have been a recent challenge.
"To overcome some of these pressures, we're focusing on better planning," he says. "We think planning is the key to saving. If you can plan better, you can avoid last-minute costs and surprises."
Being small has its advantages here, too. It allows for flexibility and close communication with clients, many of whom are institutions such as schools, universities, and garden centers.
"With funding cuts affecting many of our customers, we've learned to adapt and find ways to make it work. Our goal is always to keep our customers happy. That's how we've been able to build strong relationships, especially over the past few months."
Trust over sales
Hans is clear about what he sees as a troubling trend in the industry: aggressive sales tactics that prioritize the bottom line over customer success.
"I see many companies pushing for aggressive sales rather than pushing for a strong relationship," he says. "That's not who we are. Trusting each other is key. I'd rather build a relationship that lasts than make a quick sale. We're in this for the long run. And we're in it together, with our customers."
J.C. van der Spek Greenhouse Services
Hans Vanderspek
hans@jcvanderspek.com
(203)-586-1087
www.jcvanderspek.com