At Source, each employee provides valuable support to our company and plays an integral role. This month we sat down with Furniture Sales Specialist Farida Kalyegira from
Source Edmonton to learn more about her role. Continue reading to view the full interview.
How long have you worked for Source?
I’ve worked with Source for nine years.
What was your career background before you joined Source?
Source actually recruited me from a company I was working at called Eddie’s Hang-Up Display. At the time, I was also going to school to be a nurse. Mike McAmmond, an Account Executive with Source Edmonton came into Eddie’s one day to buy something and we exchanged business cards. He told me that I should join him at Source, and nine years later I’m still here.
Where are you from originally?
I was born in Ontario, but I’ve been in Edmonton since I was five years old. My father is from Africa and my mother is from Jamaica.
Describe your role and what you do for the company.
I’m a Furniture Sales Specialist. I sell office furniture and systems for the company.
What is your biggest achievement to date – personal or professional?
I would say that my biggest achievement is being a working mom. I have a young baby at home so that’s hard. I don’t feel like I have any down time. It’s almost as if you’re going from one job to another. It’s my biggest achievement because although it’s hard, it’s very rewarding.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I assist customers who walk in the door, whether they’re new or existing. Sometimes outside sales representatives have customers who come into the store on a Saturday, so we will help them out. Typically, I take care of my clients and assist with my colleagues’ clients or brand-new ones. In sales, often times the weather predicts how busy your day is going to be. When it’s negative 20, you would think that it’s not going to busy, but sometimes that’s our busiest time. When it’s 29 outside, you’re hardly going to see anyone. You would assume that when it’s cold, no one is coming, but it’s actually the opposite.
What three words would you use to describe Source as a company?
My second family.
What are your biggest professional challenges?
I would say that staying in the same position for nine years is challenging. It was hard when I came back from maternity leave because I could have just stayed home with my baby.
What do you like most about your job?
The people that I work with and my extended coworkers in other locations make my job enjoyable. It seems like all of the staff across the company are collectively similar and easy-going. If I didn’t enjoy working with my collogues, I may not work here. The people make a huge difference.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a fashion designer. However, I figured out that I can’t sew, so that was a problem. I really enjoy fashion and design, so I wanted to work in that industry. It would be so cool to be a merchandiser and travel the world finding trends and buying clothes. I know people that have left their corporate jobs to work in a creative dream job, and they’re the happiest they’ve ever been. People who follow their dreams are my heroes.
If you won the lottery, what would be the first thing you would buy?
I would buy a plane ticket to go around the world. When I’m done with that, I would say, ‘okay let’s do it again.’
How do you define success?
I think success is more of a peace of mind or an attitude. It depends on who you’re asking as well. A successful day for me would be answering all of my phone calls and emails. I think it’s a mindset of completing whatever task you have in hand successfully.
What do you see as the latest trends in office furniture?
When I first started nine years ago, a lot of people were furnishing larger offices. Now, offices tend to be smaller and more open. There are more requests for workstations than ever before. When I started, I had a huge
Bowfront U-shaped desk, but now I have a
height adjustable desk, and less storage. The footprint in offices is becoming smaller. I think it’s the way of the future. I sell more collaborative stations than furniture for large offices.
Visit Source Edmonton
Stop by our
showroom anytime during business hours to view our unparalleled selection of office furniture. We have options for every budget, style and function. Farida and our other sales staff will be happy to assist you and provide customized furniture recommendations.
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