These colleagues drive every day for BREL HOME

Only during Sunshade Expo 2025 not for a moment…

BREL HOME is among the companies that were the first to book their stand at Sunshade Expo 2025. The reason: personal contact has been an important aspect for the Doetinchem-based motor supplier from day one. Michelle Termaat, marketer and field service representative at BREL HOME, describes the expo as an excellent opportunity to catch up with existing customers and show new customers what the company stands for. In this article, we introduce the field service representatives who are ready to welcome visitors at the BREL HOME stand.

Michelle Termaat, raised with sunshades
A true all-rounder, that's how we can describe Michelle. She was raised in the sunshade trade, her family has run their own sunshade business for over 28 years. Four years ago, Michelle started at BREL HOME in a versatile role. She says: “When I started at BREL HOME, we were five employees. My duties as a marketer included (and still include) establishing the brands within the BREL MOTORS organization, organizing trade show participation, and performing online and offline marketing activities. Additionally, I helped with order picking and providing technical support over the phone. Through this work, I have developed broad knowledge within our organization. Due to my technical knowledge, I am also able to provide on-site support. As of January 1, 2025, my position has been adjusted: I am now Account & Brand Manager at BREL SMART BUILDING. This is the new brand within BREL Motors that focuses on the project market within the sunshade industry. With my new position, I ensure that BREL SMART BUILDING is well established as a brand and visit customers to sell the new concept.”

Daan Paulissen, from sunshade installer to motor expert
Daan Paulissen (large photo above, by the car) also caught the sunshade bug in the past. He started as a sunshade installer and developed a special interest in motors and controls. Two and a half years ago, he took the plunge and applied to BREL HOME. He now works there as an Account & Business Development Manager, and you can ask him anything about BREL motors. “For my position, I am regularly on the road to visit both new customers and existing relationships,” Daan outlines. “I also perform many service tasks on-site. The best part of my job is interacting with different people and helping customers by finding motorized solutions for issues. It's great to see how our products can contribute to ease of use for the end user and better revenue for our customers.” Daan indicates that the culture at BREL suits him well: transparency and equality are highly valued. “That's how I treat our customers too,” he explains. “We work together for growth, and I'm proud of that.”

Halima el Andaloussi Debondt, the employee with a knack for languages
For the international market, Halima el Andaloussi Debondt (large photo above, by the car) is on the road. She speaks multiple languages and can therefore perfectly manage as Sales responsible in the Spanish, Belgian, French, and Arabic markets, among others. Halima is Dutch, with a Mediterranean background. What she finds so enjoyable about her work? “It is versatile and especially innovative. We are one of the first companies to have a solution in the solar area, motors where no 230 Volt electricity is involved anymore. That fits perfectly in the current era of sustainable thinking, where customers are very happy with green solutions.” Halima outlines how the innovations of BREL HOME yield even more benefits: “When installing sunshades and shutters, customers no longer need to be home. There is no unnecessary chiseling and breaking to bring power cables inside.” For Halima, working with different people from diverse cultures is an inspiring challenge. She is a great addition to the BREL HOME team. “I am proud to be part of an innovative team that is building a green future together!”

Desiree de Jong, the newest addition to the BREL HOME team
Desiree de Jong is also no stranger to the world of sunshades. She started her career in the field service as a representative at various suppliers of window decoration. As of January 1, 2025, she works as a field service representative for BREL HOME, broadening her horizon from window decoration to window decoration, outdoor sunshades, and shutters. With parents who had a home furnishing store, Desiree was introduced to the trade at a young age. She says: “I gained years of experience in our store, where we specialized in indoor and outdoor sunshades. This experience sparked my interest in the technical side of the products. My passion for the motorization of systems brought me to BREL HOME.” With her knowledge and experience in the industry, Desiree wants to not only support customers but also actively keep them informed about the latest developments and possibilities. “My vision is to remove barriers so that working with us and our products becomes not only easy but also enjoyable. My mission is to make the process of product selection and implementation a celebration, where we find the best solutions together for every situation.”

Michelle concludes: “Sunshade Expo 2025 is the perfect opportunity for BREL HOME to meet and speak with our customers and sunshade dealers. This expo is what we missed in the Netherlands. Of course, there are trade shows where sunshade companies are present, but a true expo for only sunshade companies was no longer available.”

Will we see you at the Sunshade Expo in Houten, on February 5 and 6? 

Source: Sunshade Expo Houten, read the article here.