Property management is one of our core activities. We ensure that maintenance is done according to the highest standards, because we develop and acquire our portfolio with the goal of long-term ownership. This means we look after every facility as if it were our own house—installing state-of-the-art equipment, monitoring for efficient energy use, and ensuring that buildings look and feel like a place you want be. This philosophy fits perfectly with Ruben Vogels, property manager for Prologis Benelux.
Vogels has worked for Prologis Benelux since 2016. He says, “My role in a nutshell? To be an excellent host for our customers. This ranges from helping them with the financial and legal aspects of their lease to making sure their operation runs as smoothly as possible by providing a perfectly maintained building.’’
According to Vogels, who has over 10 years of experience in property management, the real estate market is similar to working in the hospitality industry: “I invest in the relationship with my customers. That means I visit my properties often to check in and make sure everything is the way it should be. If I am well prepared and know my business, I can advise customers on the most efficient way to operate their facilities.”
Vogels continues, “We are not just there for our customers when they face big issues. Sometimes small gestures have a big impact. Vogels takes pride in the relationships he builds with customers, which start before the leasing contract is signed. He explains, ‘’I meet the leasing team, the project developers and our new customers before the property is handed over. Our prospective customers already know who will take care of them after they move into the building, and I already know the story behind the property and the customer. It’s the start of a long relationship.’’
Over the past year, the property management team has paid extra attention to the contractual agreements regarding quality service with facility partners. Ruben says, ‘’Prologis is committed to providing excellent service, and we expect nothing less from our external facility partners. We have built a strong network with the best suppliers around. This is also part of my job. We partner with organizations that understand our way of working—putting the customer first.”