This month, we sat down with Sales Consultant, Amanda Pike from
Source Brampton to learn more about her role and gain insight into our inside sales department. Amanda has been an employee with Source since July of 2015 and she was excited to share her experiences with us. Continue reading to view the full interview.
Q: What three words would you use to describe Source as a company?
A: ‘Fast-paced’ and ‘Family.’ You see your co-workers more than you see your family, so they turn into family members. You care about the people that you work with and it creates a great camaraderie. I couldn’t think of a third one!
Q: What is your biggest achievement to date – personal or professional?
A: My biggest professional achievement was when I first started at Source, I moved up quickly in one year. Before I worked at Source I was a veterinary technician, and I loved it, but it fizzled me out very quickly. With Source, I feel like I’m finally in a career. No day is perfect here, you’re always going to have frustrating moments, but I feel less stressed out and happier. I’m also good at what I do which is rewarding. For personal achievements, getting married and getting pregnant was huge for me. I’m pregnant with my first child right now! We’re finding out the gender in a few weeks and we’re going to have a gender reveal. I’m going to do every cliché!
Q: What does a typical day look like for you?
A: It changes every single day. For example, this morning I had plans to completely re-design the chair section, but I got into work and started reading my emails and now it’s 11 a.m. and I haven’t had the chance to do it yet. I try to come to work every day at least 15 minutes early because I think it’s important to get yourself settled in. I have my coffee, go through my emails, and I usually try not to start doing anything right away. I make sure that the showroom looks good as well because you don’t want people coming into a disaster area. Friday’s tend to be the busiest day, and Monday’s are the slower days – at least in the GTA (Greater Toronto area), it seems to be that way.
Q: What are your biggest professional challenges?
A: I would say my professional challenges are having to wait on other people. If I’ve got a big project going and I’m waiting on another manufacturer, it’s huge because you’re trying to make sure that your customer gets everything that they need right away. You’re working on someone else’s timeline, you’re not the only person that they’re dealing with. I wouldn’t say that other office furniture companies are a professional challenge because we’ve got such a great price point compared to what we have in the area.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: Friendly competition, I thrive on it. When it comes to sales, I’m constantly asking what my sales are at. For me, I’m more competitive with myself than anyone else. I always try to aim for better than I did the month before and try to figure out where I went wrong or what am I waiting on. Unfortunately, one person can order 100 of one product, but I just need one, and then you’re waiting for it. You can’t predict a stock situation so it’s finding ways around that. I love those challenges because I can usually get it done for them or offer them an alternative.
Q: Given a chance, who would you like to be for a day (Anyone dead or alive)?
A: I would want to be a political figure. I don’t have a specific one in mind necessarily but in the last 10 years, I’ve been very interested in politics. I think the political situation going on in the US right now could trickle over into Canada as well. Even here in Toronto, it’s unfortunate when you go to vote and you think you’re making the right decision based on what you’ve been told, but what you’ve been told is a lie. I would love to be a political figure and make a difference.
Q: What did you want to be when you grew up?
A: I wanted to be a veterinarian! However, I would never go back into the vet field again having worked in it now. When you’re younger you romanticize what it would be like to be a vet, and then you grow up and realize how hard it is. Growing up I had a lot of pets and I also did a lot of horseback riding!
Q: If you won the lottery, what would be the first thing you would buy?
A: A house! I know it sounds boring but it’s so expensive here. We were looking into buying a house but it’s so insane. After I bought the house, I would buy a cottage. I love property.
Q: Where did your career start? How has it progressed over the years?
A: I started at Source as a receptionist, then I became a service coordinator, then I was promoted to the delivery coordinator, then a spot in inside sales opened and they asked me if I wanted to move into sales. All of this happened within the first year of working for Source! I was a service coordinator and inside sales consultant at the same time for a bit as well so that was busy! Now we have everyone in their positions so I’m just inside sales which is good.
Q: How do you define success?
A: Happiness! If you’re happy, then you’re successful.
Q: What do you see as the latest trends in office furniture right now?
A: I think people are trying to bring a more “home” feel into their office with furniture like soft seating. Lounge areas are becoming couches and stools, to make you feel more comfortable and at home. We’re seeing this trend in reception areas and even in private offices.
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