8 June 2023
When it comes to vans within BAS World, Thom van Twist is the go-to person. As a product manager for commercial vehicles, he is responsible for the entire second-hand market of commercial vehicles. He describes the team as a close-knit group within a hardworking family business. In the six years he has been working at BAS, he witnessed the tremendous development the company went through.
The drive to close deals
With his education at IVA Business School, a future in the automotive industry was a natural choice for Thom. Thom van Twist says, "During my studies, I already worked at a dealership on Saturdays. After graduating, I was immediately asked to join them. I sold passenger cars, but it just wasn’t it. The sales process was often long. People were comparing endlessly. In relation to the number of inquiries, we closed very few deals."
Thom immediately noticed that things were different at BAS World when he made the switch six years ago. Thom van Twist explains, "In a nutchell, here it's all about closing deals. And the decision-making process is much shorter. I find energy in that combination. The people who buy vans from BAS World are often entrepreneurs who drive the vans themselves. They see their commercial vehicle as a tool. So if they have a good price, they often want to act immediately and move on. The closing rate is much higher. In addition, the variety of customers walking into the showroom here also makes the work enjoyable. From small carpenters to global jewelers. From one vehicle to ten."
All major brands, always competitive prices
BAS World has a stock of over 400 commercial vehicles, ranging from box trucks, vans, tippers, refrigerated vans, car transporters, open loading platform commercial vehicles, to chassis cabs. They offer all major brands at competitive prices. From Renault, Mercedes, and Ford to Iveco, Volkswagen, and MAN. Whether brand new or used, you can find readily available commercial vehicles at our BAS World Store.
Working together
About seven years ago, BAS shifted its focus. While the attention used to be on trucks, a full-fledged category for commercial vehicles was established. Thom van Twist says, "We now have a close-knit group. We have our own sales team that serves our customers in multiple languages. Our customers want targeted advice, so our salespeople have extensive product knowledge. That's necessary because this is a highly competitive market with similar trade."
At BAS, people work together and support each other. Thom van Twist explains, "We have grown rapidly in the recent years. There are now 300 more people working here than when I started. All with the same drive: we go for it and know that we need each other. That's why it's a team effort across the board, from the workshop to sales. When we've had a good week, we invite everyone who contributed to celebrate together."
Freedom and responsibility
"I'm essentially running my own business with the company's resources," Thom van Twist explains. "We purchase commercial vehicles online or on-site. I inspect each vehicle that comes in, together with someone from the workshop. Are there any damages? What are the costs to repair them? I ensure that the commercial vehicles are ready for online presentation. We understand how the market works and where the demand lies. For example, you can buy certain brands cheaper in France while it's easier to sell another brand in Germany."
The team spirit, the way we interact with each other, and the fun. That is what the motto "Full throttle at BAS" stands for. Thom van Twist says, "There are very short lines of communication. If you see an opportunity and create a plan, you also get the chance to go for it. The company is not afraid to take risks. We want to move forward together. We refer leads to each other that fit the other person's expertise. As a result, we expand our field of vision and achieve results."
A trip to Portugal with 100 BAS employees
One of the best memories Thom has of BAS is the trip to Portugal. Thom van Twist says, "When we achieved a certain sales target, Caspar - one of the owners - announced that if we reached the next ambitious goal, we would all go on vacation together. The great thing is that he kept his word. So we went to Portugal with 100 colleagues. It was amazing. And truly characteristic of this family business. Ambition is never lacking, agreements are honored, and we celebrate successes together."
Are you ready to take a new path? Do you want to work with Thom? View our commercial vacancies here, including positions such as Commercial Vehicle Buyer for Germany, France, and Online Purchaser for Poland. Not quite what you're looking for? View all other vacancies here.