IMAX is lucky to have a rep force full of energetic and interesting people. It’s true! Each rep has their own story to tell of what makes them who they are. To help you get to know our sales team a little better, we decided to feature a rep each month right here on our blog.
We would like to introduce you to Patricia Kende, our August rep of the month!
We’ve asked Patricia a few questions, and posted her answers below. After you get to know her, if you like Patricia as much as we do (and we know you will), be sure to say “hi” in the comments section below the post.
How long have you worked with your sales group?
I started with IMAX by myself about eight years ago. Now we are a permanent group of four and a few temps. My two daughters are part of this team and I couldn’t have better team members. I enjoy traveling and working with them. When we finish the day we discuss the customers and orders that we dealt with, and everybody proposes creative ideas to build on our success. This team gives me strength and keeps me focused.
How long have you worked as a sales representative?
I started sixteen years ago with an upholstery manufacturer named BenchCraft. Having to learn how to sell upholstery and then changing into the home décor companies is like learning to drive a stickshift and then later an automatic. It feels easy to walk through the showroom with customers.
Complete the following statement: I LOVE selling IMAX because…
I love how they renovate the line. At each market when I walk in, I feel the freshness of new looks and colors. I feel pleased because I know my customers will also love it. My appreciation to the IMAX team for their efforts to achieve change.
Complete the following statement: I got into repping because…I was asked by my husband to take care of Mexico for BenchCraft. I did not think I could do it because my background and passion has been dance, so I asked him: “Do you think I can do it?” So we all know what he answered, and here I am sixteen years later.
What do you like most about your job?
The social part of spending face time with customers. Since they are all from different cities, states and countries I love to learn about their families, businesses and countries. We spend a long time talking about all the subjects. I get to know them better and they get to know me. It is not just a business relationship, it is more personal.
What do you like least about your job?
Not sleeping in my own bed. Staying in hotels waking up in the middle of the night and taking a few seconds to realize where I am. Not being able to eat the food I love…..the food I prepare myself at home. Spending long hours on the computer. When Al Bulak walks in the showroom and asks me “How are our numbers” jajaja…he knows before he asks the question.
What is your favorite stress releaser? i.e. At the end of a long road trip, long day, long market or tough sales month?
My house in Mexico is on the beach. Since we built it 32 years ago, the long walks on the beach have proven to give me peace and harmony. After an hour I come back with a different attitude. I am fresh and motivated to take upon any task.
You travel on the road and to markets – what is your favorite travel tip that you would like to share?
I make sure I take the music I love. Each morning when I am getting ready, I fill the hotel room with this music. It gets me in a very good mood. I take the healthiest snacks with me so I do not nibble on junk between meals.
Fill in the blanks: When I go to market I always, plan on eating right, but I never do. I wish I could be more disciplined at market. There are too many desserts in the breakroom.
Fill in the blanks: When I go to market I always, say I’ll go to bed early, but I never do because my customers are always the last ones to leave the showroom. I wish my weight would stay the same at market.
What are some of your best retailers doing to be successful?
Many of my customers started to design and decorate their customer’s homes without charging anything extra. They bring all the items from their store, they create the decoration and most of the time everything gets accepted by the customer as they see it. Ten years ago my customers were not decorators or interior designers. They would just take care of their customers in the store, but now they are consulting and creating new spaces for them. Their sales have increased in all categories.
What are retailers in your area asking for?
More modern, contemporary and color.
What is the funniest or most interesting thing a customer has ever said to you?
“Is Carlos your brother?”…no…he is my husband, a part of my team. Also, “Can I take the merchandise with me now?” “Can I pay you in cash right now?”
If you could have any position, career or job, what would it be?
Organic horticulturist farmer. I have become aware of the damage that pesticides and agrochemicals have on the planet and in our bodies. I take my glasses to the market and read all the labels. There are so many fillers and unknown ingredients in the products that you cannot believe that there is nothing natural about the product or item.
Name something on your bucket list.
Explore a cave. I’m inclined to adventures because overcoming the physical challenges reduces my fear and gives me inner strength.
Tell us about your children/family/pets.
Aviva and Alana are my only children. Aviva studied art and design in Milan, Italy. She currently designs jewelry. She also has been one of my best dancers in my dance creations. She is also a non-religious spiritual healer. Alana loves animals. She used to ride horses and wanted to study to be a vet, but got into culinary arts. Now she is a chef in a well known restaurant in La Jolla, CA. She wants to become the best international sales rep. They both know Spanish, English and Italian. When we spend time together it is a joy. Most of the time it is Carlos and myself. We both still have our parents. My father is 93 and he is in great health. I hope I inherited his genes. We have two lovely black female labradors named Mamba and Bali. I take them on my walks on the beach and get amused watching them chasing seagulls and go into the water for a swim.
