Today we’d like to introduce you to Rene Vereecken.
Rene, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My company was created out of a passion for design, an appreciation of horticulture, and seeing a need for high quality contractors. I worked in the corporate world of sales and finance for 18 years. I was a homeowner as well. With my intense work schedule, I struggled constantly with trying to find reliable contractors. I did a lot of DIY projects along the way and found a stress release when I was able to work outside with the plants and coordinate our home projects. As a child, I worked alongside my father and grandmother to help them cultivate their beautiful gardens. I really enjoyed the bonding moments as well as the hands on experience.
It was not until I achieved my MBA that I truly understood the value entrepreneurship. Studying at the graduate level gave me an appreciation of my current success; however, it really challenged me intellectually to want to achieve more in my life. More specifically, I wanted to achieve more out of business. I wanted to pursue my passions of design, plants, and construction, while utilizing my previous 18 years of business success. Upon that realization, I began the 2 year process of gathering knowledge, interviewing larger design & build firms on the West Coast and throughout the South, understanding the landscape industry, understanding the pool industry, working on building relationships with craftsman, engineers, and architects. I took gardening courses thru the Texas Nursery and Landscape Asscociation, attended seminars at the Chicago and Dallas Arboretum, and became fully vested to make my passions into a reality.
In November of 2017, I felt confident to make the transition. My faith was stronger than ever, my finances were secure, and my confidence has never been so high! I opened Sage Pools, Scapes & Design in November of 2017 and this was the best decision that I have ever made in my professional career. It was been a wonderful journey pursuing my passions of design & horticulture. I am so grateful to our client base that have trusted myself and the team to design and build their outdoor spaces. My goal is to offer a boutique style experience in creating outdoor spaces. My team and I want to work with our clients, share ideas collectively, and bring to life your vision. I am involved in every project from start to finish. I want to maintain a high level of quality and communication. This venture was not created to be the largest design/build firm. Rather to be the best at communicating, offering affordable cutting edge design, with a high standard of construction practices.
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?
For the most part, it has been a smooth road. I think the biggest struggle for any business large or small is finding the right people that share your vision. Unfortunately, I came across some “bad apples”, and was able to remove them from the team quickly.
As you know, we’re big fans of Sage Pools, Scapes & Design. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We are a custom design & build firm specializing in outdoor living spaces. Our goal is to work with you, not against you in designing and building your outdoor oasis. Whether you are looking for a pool, landscape, outdoor kitchen, bathhouse, irrigation, and/or covered patio, we can assist with the entire design and construction process. We work with all budgets to create a memorable outdoor space. Our unique characteristic is not only the solid communication, but our clients work directly with the owner from start to finish. I am most proud of the reaction I get from our clients at the completion of each project. It is one thing to understand the project from a 2d and 3d renderings. However, it is so gratifying to hear the clients excitement as they walk thru the project. They admire the textures, the smell of plants, the sound of water and the overall flow of the project.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I am most thankful for my relationships with all of our clients over the years. Most of my business has been on a referral base and I want to continue that trend as it is the best representation of offering a boutique style experience. Our craftsman play an integral role to the success of the company. I am glad they appreciate and share my vision along with operating at a high professional level. I respect their hard work and commitment each and every day. My relationship with God keeps me grounded and forever grateful for the opportunity to purse my passions each and every day. My parents are my biggest cheerleaders ever since I was a little boy. Thank you for your guidance and support.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sagescapesanddesign.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sagepoolsscapesanddesign/
- Other: https://www.houzz.com/pro/sagepoolsscapesanddesign
