Quality that stands the test of time

A blog by Emily Pierce, PLS, CFedS

I’m proud to be a surveyor. Surveying is the foundation of my career and has taught me a lot about the world.  It has improved my ability to think analytically, helped me understand underlying principles, and shown me how to use data to solve problems help people find common ground (pun intended).

Today, as Berntsen’s business development manager, I’m relying on those skills to help Berntsen better serve surveyors. Long before I joined the Berntsen team, I was a Berntsen customer – I could count on their products (and support) to be top-notch.

Now that I’ve been a part of the Berntsen team for a few months, I’ve had the chance to really see what it takes to build and maintain that high standard of quality.

It’s the people!

First, it’s the people. Beginning with Claudia and Ann in customer service, both of whom I had a chance to chat with while ordering surveying supplies in the past. Claudia has been with Berntsen for more than forty years! She knows the products inside and out, including the manufacturing processes. In Berntsen’s early days, she would take an order, then go to the manufacturing area and either create the product or work with the technicians to get it done, pack the product and ship it out. 

Today, Claudia relies on trained Berntsen technicians to do the work, but her deep knowledge of the company and its operations, along with her personal connection to surveyors is a clear benefit to customers. Her colleague Ann is still new at the job, having been with Berntsen just under two years. Together, Claudia and Ann have a deep knowledge of Federal specification, many individual state specifications, as well as experience. They review all orders coming in through the website and will give customers a call if something doesn’t look right. The customer service motto is “Treat the customer like royalty,” and Ann and Claudia live that motto every day.

Treat the customer like royalty. . .

Todd leads the company’s manufacturing team – with decades of Berntsen experience, Todd manages all day-to-day operations, including making sure that the company’s unique orbital forging machines are operating at peak performance.  Berntsen operates two of the five orbital forgers in the U.S. These machines produce a uniquely strong domed bronze or aluminum cap that is then stamped with custom lettering in one smooth and streamlined process. Great product, short lead time. Other manufacturers use metal casting which requires one to three month’s lead time.

Quality, durability and shorter lead times

Besides the quality and durability of the markers, as a surveyor, I knew I could count on Berntsen’s quick turn-around of their products.  When you’re busy, it’s really important to know you can rely on getting the supplies you need in time for the job. With other suppliers, it can take weeks for products to be received, but with Berntsen,  I know I could rely on them to get the order done, sometimes in just a few days.

Claudia Fuller - Senior Customer Care Specialist

Ann Moen, Customer Care Specialist

Todd Koberle, Berntsen Plant Manager

And lastly, you can always count on Berntsen to produce the highest quality.  I’ve been using Berntsen products for over 20 years, (okay, I guess I’m dating myself now).  Berntsen offers such a wide variety of products that are built to last a lifetime, that you’re sure to find a solution to fit your needs.  Trusting in that, you can make informed decisions, and bring that quality to your own work to benefit your clients.  If there is ever an issue, let us know.  We want to make it right.

I enjoy being a surveyor, and I know how important it is to get things right. Berntsen is with surveyors every step of the way, from providing top-quality products and service to supporting surveyors’ organizations with scholarships – even to the final point. 

Berntsen is here for surveyors – yesterday, today and tomorrow.