Today we’d like to introduce you to Tom Buitenhuis
Hi Tom, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I moved in 2021 to Orlando from the Netherlands. In the Netherlands I was a veterinarian technician and an equestrian (trainer of horses). When I moved here ( I moved here to be with my partner) I started working at Verbatim Languages, an interpretation and translation company. This is the family company of my partner.
I started as a data entry inputter and quickly worked my way up to becoming the main scheduler for interpreters, and after that, I quickly worked myself into my current role at Verbatim Languages; senior project manager, in charge of our translation department.
This year I also worked to receive my real estate license. So besides my role at Verbatim Languages, I am now also a Realtor at Olde Town Brokers. I started at Olde Town Brokers in April of this year. As a starting real estate agent it is not always easy to have a client base of any sort. Luckily my hard work at the brokerage was quickly recognized and I am currently partnered up with one of the top-producing agents of our brokerage.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No road is smooth unfortunately. I have had to work through major culture differences. I have had to learn all the processes of a completely different country. I had to perfect my English and work through “lost in translations”, literal translation never get across what you actually try to say. Besides that I have had to work through my own insecurities.
And to top it off, I had to learn two completely different professions all within three years.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I currently work two different jobs. I work as a senior project manager and as a Realtor.
My work as a senior project manager is something I am extremely proud off. I was able to get myself in this role within three years. Without experience in the field.
As a Realtor I try to really set myself apart by pulling my culture and roots into my services. Dutch folks cherish “gezelligheid” as more than a word—it embodies a feeling that has a liking to a modern-day religion. Its essence, difficult to translate accurately, evokes coziness, familiarity, friendliness, togetherness, a sense of belonging and a pleasant atmosphere. Embrace it, as it surrounds you, defying a single definition and resonating as a cherished sentiment among the Dutch. I make gezelligheid central in my services. When you work with me you will not have “sales man” but you will have someone that you can feel at home with, someone to talk to, someone who has both feet on the ground and knows what he does.
What makes you happy?
My two dogs, Pippa (Afghan Hound) and Chy (Pug), make me very happy as they go everywhere with me.
In my free time you will also find me at the barn. I absolutely LOVE horses and I try to make time every week to go to the barn to ride a couple of horses. My passion, and I say this often, finds its truest expression on the back of a horse. Riding horses is truly something magical for me, to be one with an animal that weighs easily over 1200 lbs is the most exciting and best feeling there is.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dutchtom.com/
- Instagram: @tombuitenhuisrealtor
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557578496982
