Winkee Katalog 26-2 - Flipbook - Seite 76
Meet Fabrice:
Sales Representative
at Winkee
Hello and a warm welcome, Fabrice! We’re delighted to have you
with us and that you’ve taken the time to chat with us. Many of
our customers probably already know you personally, either
from trade fairs or because you visit them regularly. You work
as part of our field sales team. So, tell us: what does a typical
working day look like for you?
A typical day? There really isn’t one. (laughs) That’s exactly what
makes my job so exciting. I usually start early in the morning, get
into my car, stop by my local bakery, and then head off to visit
my customers. We talk about new products, current promotions,
or simply about how business is going. Sometimes I’m on the
road all day, visiting several customers one after another. And of
course, I always try to bring a good mood with me. Every now and
then, I also bring along a few croissants or a baguette from my
hometown.
Your hometown? Does that mean you still live in France?
Yes, exactly. I’m what’s known as a cross-border commuter. I live
in Alsace and work in Germany. Although, for most French people
outside Alsace, Alsatians are basically Germans anyway. (laughs)
Is there a particularly funny moment that you always remember?
Winkee
76
You regularly surprise customers and even the office team with
baguettes and croissants. It has almost become a tradition. How
did that start?
Well, I’m French, so I have to live up to the stereotype. (laughs)
One day I simply brought fresh croissants to a customer meeting.
They were so well received that it became a thing. After that,
some customers would ask, “So, Fabrice, no croissants today?”
Since then, it has somehow become part of my visits. Of course,
it’s not really about the pastries themselves, but about the gesture
behind them. To me, field sales is all about building relationships,
and small gestures are part of that.
You spend a lot of time visiting customers. What do you enjoy
most about your job?
Definitely the people. Every customer is different, and every
business has its own story. I enjoy meeting new people and
building long-term relationships. One of the nicest things is
when a customer says, “It’s great to see you.” That’s when you
know you’re doing something right. Anyone can learn how to sell
products. Building trust is the real art.
You’re known for always having a witty remark ready. Is that part
of your sales strategy?
(laughs) No, that’s just my personality. I think life shouldn’t
always be taken too seriously. Of course, I work professionally
and stay focused, but a little humour is important to me. When
people laugh together, it instantly creates a different atmosphere.
Besides, we spend a large part of our lives at work, so it’s perfectly
fine to have some fun along the way.
If you had to describe our customer base in three words, what
would they be?
Diverse, warm-hearted, and surprising. You really experience
everything. Some customers I’ve known for years and it almost
feels like being part of the family. Others I meet for the first time
and discover fascinating ideas or business concepts. That mix is
exactly what makes field sales so interesting to me.
Oh, there are plenty. Once I arrived at a customer’s shop with
a baguette, as usual. As soon as I walked in, someone shouted
across the room, “Attention, the Frenchman is here, hide the
cheese!” The whole shop burst out laughing, and so did I. Another
customer once told me, “You’re the only sales representative
where I never know whether the appointment will last 20 minutes
or two hours, but it’s never boring with you.” That still makes me
smile today.
You don’t get to see the rest of the team very often, yet you all
seem to have a great connection. How does that work?
To be honest, I probably speak to the office three or four times
a day to discuss customer requests and other matters. I have to
say, it’s a fantastic team. They always think from the customer’s
perspective. For them, nothing is impossible. I’d also like to send a
greeting to my colleague Lorenz, who claims that the only reason
I’m so popular is because the team behind me does such a great
job. (laughs)
What do you particularly appreciate about working here?
The freedom and the trust. In field sales, you work very
independently. At the same time, I always know I can rely on my
colleagues. Whether it’s customer service, the warehouse, or the
sales team, we all pull together. Our customers can feel that too.
And of course, I love our products. It’s simply enjoyable to present
things that bring people joy.
Finally, what would you say defines Fabrice?
I’d say openness, humour, and a passion for my job. I enjoy
meeting people, having good conversations, and I look forward
every day to visiting new customers. And if I can make someone
laugh along the way, then it’s been a good day.
Thank you very much, Fabrice, for the interview and for your
daily commitment in the field!
My pleasure. I really enjoyed the interview as well! Even though
this time I had to keep it especially short. (laughs)
