Good team spirit counts

Key Account Sales Director Remigiusz Skapski started working for Tikkurila in 2000 when he was still studying for a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering at the Technical University of Szczecin in Poland. His first job was as a technician responsible for tinting equipment. After various other positions, he was appointed as head of the Polish key account sales department in 2007, and since January 2009 he has worked as the key account sales director.

"I chose to work for Tikkurila because it is an international company with a very good company image, and because I believed I could find permanent employment there. Our company culture is warm and open. We care about each other," Skapski says.

In his current role as sales director, Skapski is responsible for sales to key accounts, which in Poland means several Do-It-Yourself chains. He manages a sales team of 12 people and in addition to that, he is also the head of Tikkurila Polska’s sales office in Warsaw with almost 30 employees.

Skapski is also one of the Tikkurila Ambassadors, focused on Business Logic utilization. He really enjoys being able to contribute on the group-level issues and to have an opportunity to learn more.

Two-way trust creates confidence

"The best part of my job is being in contact with people on a daily basis. My sales team is fantastic, and my supervisors trust and believe in me. There are many challenges, such as the constantly changing customer requirements and the competition with other suppliers; but on the other hand, I can influence my results directly, and I’m able to work independently. Another great thing is that there’s no rat race, but an atmosphere of mutual trust and confidence," states Skapski.

He gets inspired by challenges, and derives great satisfaction from a job well done. "I’m a self-motivated person. I divide my activities in two groups: Requires fast action and Time needed, and try to manage my tasks so that I get results regularly. The best way for me to relax is simply to be with my family. I love motorcycles, diving and photography, and whenever I can, I go diving and take underwater photos."

Customer-focused actions ensure success

Skapski is sure the real key to the trustworthiness for Tikkurila’s quality brands and services are Tikkurila’s employees.

"When we believe in our company and increase our knowledge about our unique products and services, it is quite easy to convince our customers. We have to listen to our customers, and remember that what really counts is what our customers truly want, not what we think they want, or wish they would want," he defines.

Skapski's enthusiasm towards customers can be seen clearly in his actions. He thinks that customer satisfaction is the most important thing in building long-lasting customer relationships.

"The key is to always be ready to help our customers in solving their problems and to try to meet their needs in every way that we can. To create a good customer relationship you need to be honest – never lie or cheat. It’s much easier to do business when your customers know they can trust you. You must care about the customer’s business as much as you do about your own. That’s what being reliable means."

Remigiusz (Remik) Skapski

Age	35
Job	Key Account Sales Director
Location	Warsaw, Poland
Education	Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering
Family & leisure	Wife and a 6-year-old daughter. Hobbies include motorcycles, diving and photography.