Ron Van Vliet, Culinary and Hotel Director Holland America Cruise Line
I had the opportunity to sail for the second time with Holland America’s MV Zuiderdam to Alaska.
Thanks to the great production people at Biz 1190, and the kind folks at Holland America, I was able to do an interview aboard the vessel and underway with Ron Van Vliet, who is the Culinary Director and Acting Hotel Director on the Motor Vessel Zuiderdam.
Anyone that’s ever been aboard a cruise ship is well aware of how difficult the job of the Culinary and Hotel director can be. Ron does it with a great deal of grace, and does it very well. Imagine if you will, pulling into port at 7 AM, disembarking 2000 passengers and all their stuff, then loading up another 2000 and all their stuff beginning at noon. PLUS, you have to load and 
prepare food, get all the rooms cleaned, and everything sparkling aboard the ship so that the embarking passengers get the same great treatment that the disembarking ones did. That’s completely aside from taking on fuel, and handling the ship operations
It’s a great study in both logistics and customer service,
applicable to any business of any size. One of the things that always intrigues me is how a business develops a culture of friendliness. At our company, EMA Inc., it’s part of our culture, and it’s always fascinating to hear how others did it as well. That culture is evident at Holland America the moment you step aboard, and any business would be wise to learn the lesson of treating customers well.
Listen in as I discuss all of this with Ron; you’ll enjoy it. He has a great sense of humor, especially for someone so busy. This program will air Saturday September 13th at 11 AM on WAFS, Atlanta’s Biz 1190 AM. It will stream live on biz1190.com and will be podcast on eddiemayfield.com and itunes.
Driven to Business, hosted by Eddie Mayfield, is heard every Saturday at 11 AM on Atlanta’s Business Radio, Biz 1190 AM. The show is podcast on eddiemayfield.com (and itunes) and is streamed live on biz1190.com
Simply the best business radio in Atlanta.. Driven to Business.