BOMAG leader passes
BOMAG Americas remembers industry leader, long-time team member Bert DeJong.
It is with deep sadness that BOMAG Americas announces the passing of Bert DeJong, a company leader and industry veteran for more than 30 years. DeJong is remembered for being smart, honest, and fair and an industry pioneer who helped drive success for rental customers and BOMAG.
“Throughout his 32-year career with BOMAG, Bert was a consummate professional and team player, always willing to put forth the dedication and effort required to support his fellow colleagues and customers. Today, BOMAG commands a large presence in the rental market, mainly due to Bert’s leadership and valuable commitments to this customer segment, which is a true success story,” recalls Rob Mueckler, president of BOMAG Americas, Inc. “More importantly, he was one of the most genuine and respectful colleagues that I’ve had the privilege to work with, and he will be deeply missed by the BOMAG family and our rental customers. Bert’s contributions and compassion for others will be remembered by us all, and his family will remain a part of the BOMAG family.”
DeJong began his long career with BOMAG in 1986, when he joined the sales team at BOMAG Canada in Mississauga, Ontario. Displaying a true passion for building the BOMAG brand and integrity when working with customers, DeJong worked his way up to general manager of BOMAG Canada.
BOMAG’s acquisition of the Stow Manufacturing equipment line in the mid-1990s afforded DeJong the opportunity to lead the North American rental equipment business for the company. He worked with internal sales, dealers and manufacturer representatives to successfully expand the BOMAG brand and increase sales for the broad range of light equipment throughout the United States and Canada.
DeJong was instrumental in BOMAG’s development of the articulated trench roller and its introduction to North America. The BOMAG BMP 8500 quickly became the preferred trench roller among contractors and enjoyed a dominant market share throughout North America.
“My father took great satisfaction in bringing the highly successful BMP 8500 trench roller to market, and he represented the BOMAG brand with integrity and a calm demeanor,” says Wayne DeJong, BOMAG rental sales manager for Canada, who is following in his father’s footsteps with the company. “Even with his many sales accomplishments, he took the most pride in being a mentor and friend to many in the rental business. He spurred many careers in the industry simply by helping when asked.”
Bert DeJong retired from BOMAG in late 2018, and the company held a reception for him attended by family, customers and team members during The Rental Show 2019 in Los Angeles, Calif. He passed away on May 26, 2022, at the age of 68.
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