Meet Faruk, Wholesale account executive at CCEP

Faruk explains how thinking outside the box helped him to win new customers

In my Territory I have large community of Jewish customers, with approximately 10-15% of businesses being Kosher. It’s is very difficult to win business with the Jewish community, as a result lot of my colleagues gave up on these businesses. However, by thinking outside the box and speaking to the customers, I came across a Kosher App. Using the Kosher App, I have identified many of our products which are Kosher. So now when I visit my Jewish customers I present products which are Kosher and confirm it via the Kosher App. As a result I was able to retain these customers, helping them with  with fridges, meal deals and see their business grow. A lot of my colleagues, later contacted me to ask that I share the app with them so that they can win business with their Kosher Stores.

Faruk A., Wholesale Account Executive

Studied business . Worked for Iceland retailer. 18 yrs with Coca-Cola: 

After working in retail for Iceland frozen food, I needed a break. I successfully joined Coca-Cola in June 200. Since joining Coca-Cola, I have worked in various roles, covering Independent outlets such as corner shops and small supermarkets I have also worked in high street, where I was able to look after facia’s such as Tesco, Co-op, Sainsburys, WHSmith’s and Iceland. I really enjoyed this role and it has helped me develop my commercial skills. I have also work in leisure, looking after vending machines in shopping centres, leisure centres, Theme parks ( paradise wild life in Cheshunt). My job was to sign viable Coca-Cola vending machines and maintain them with high ROI. This meant negotiating royalty and encourage customers to range high margin products in the vending machine. One of my most favourite roles was when I worked in E&W ( Education and work place). I really enjoyed looking after Secondary schools, colleges, universities, hospitals and high profile companies. While I was working in E&W, it was a privilege to look after my former school, college & university, that I attended.

I Manage a Territory of over 240 customers: 

Currently, I look after a Territory in North London with a customer base of over 200. My day to day varies from presenting products to customers, securing new lines and supporting customers with signing new coolers or displays solutions. To help customers drive sales I may also present, consult and design meal deal posters. While supporting customers develop their business, occasionally I have to deal with challenging customers who abuse our assets, for example our fridges and racks. When I help and support my customers and make a positive difference to their business, I find that very rewarding and they appreciate it a lot.

Be patient and work hard for what you want.:

 If you want something in life, it’s not going to drop down from sky. You must work hard, be patient and don’t give up. When the going gets tough, step back think outside the box, review your processes & methods but “Don’t give up”.