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Platform on sun and daylight control, shutters, patio covers and closures
Whether Radio 538, Sky Radio, BNR Nieuwsradio and all NPO stations should fear the 'competition' is of course a pipe dream but ... one thing is certain: Z&R Café's now-published podcasts are very well listened to. In fact, Z&R project manager Erik Imming regularly receives spontaneous applications from around the country from industry professionals who are only too happy to join the microphone. In mid-May there was another recording day in the studio in Weert. Dennis Schoormans (Schlappi Mariezen) and Thijs van Woensel and Derk van der Pol (Deponti) were our guests.
"I think the year 2025 is the breakthrough of the podcast as a means of communicating content," says Erik. "Not just generally - everyone listens to one or more podcasts these days - but also very specifically for niche markets, as the awning market is. It probably explains the success: the trade actively listens to the episodes of Z&R Café, responds and often switches immediately to the next episode. We see it on Linkedin: the reactions are positive. People are really triggered. And that's exactly the intention: we not only want to inform and inspire but we also want to have a real impact with the episodes we make."
That seems to work well with Jerry Helmers, experienced podcast presenter. He turns out to be not only a good host who gives his guests - for whom it's often the first time they sit down at a microphone - a warm welcome, but he also knows how to surprise at the same time. Jerry himself says: "Of course we discuss the topics with the upcoming guests beforehand. After all, everyone wants to know where they stand. But we don't script anything. I also let myself be surprised. Sometimes questions come to mind during the conversation that I just ask. But I also sometimes reveal that I see some things differently in the shading world. And fun discussions often arise from that."
"Do we always have to agree with each other after a recording? Well no ... let the listener conclude for himself what he thinks of it," Helmers said. "In any case, it is thoroughly enjoyable and yes.... If I'm honest: I really see growth after this first series of almost 10 episodes. In addition, I hear from new guests who have listened to previous episodes in preparation that they know what they need to bring in terms of content to make it really engaging." And then, laughing, "As far as I'm concerned, Radio 538, Sky Radio, BNR Nieuwsradio as well as all NPO stations can still get their teeth wet for this competition!"
Basically, every third Thursday of the month is podcast recording day for Z&R Café in the studio in Weert. Interested? Send a mail to project manager Erik Imming: (e.imming@louwersmediagroep.nl)
Are awnings an oddity?
In this episode of Z&R Café, presenter Jerry Helmers speaks with Dennis Schoormans, the inspired director/owner of Schlappi Marquees from Tilburg. The big question is whether awnings - with their only 5% market share in the awning industry - are an oddity? The fact is that there is a lot of yearning for nostalgia. Where does this yearning actually come from and why do awnings fill that need? Even in the awning world we cannot escape sustainability, and Dennis Schoormans has come up with a wonderful solution. Something with triangle flags and a garland. Very original. And fun too. Of course, we also cannot escape the technological developments in the field. Dennis also has a vision of the development of AI in the sector.
"The awning industry is selling itself short big time!"
Speaking in this episode of Z&R Café are Thijs van Woensel, commercial director at Deponti and his colleague Derk van der Pol (responsible for the international marketing of this supplier of terrace coverings). And they quickly come up with a firm statement: 'The awning industry is selling itself short'. Well ... that obviously requires further explanation. Presenter Jerry Helmers wants to know more about that. Eventually, this brings us to a marketing story. How do you do marketing in the awning industry? Not unimportant are the trends discussed in the podcast. After all, where does the need in the market for cubist models in patio covers come from? And yes, outside and inside are merging more and more. Thijs and Derk have an idea where that comes from and how it can be achieved in the coming years.
