«Войну в кабинетах не выигрывают!»
Khlibnykiv Oleksandr Oleksiyovich
— Oleksandr Oleksiyovich, will You, please, tell us about Your career?
— I have been working in the “Solodke zhittya” company since 2001. Till that time I worked as a miner in the coal mine for 7 years. But in 2000 I had an experience that had drastically changed my life. Returning to mine was out of question. Then the old friend of mine brought me to the “Solodke xhittya” company — at that time it was a problem to get position in a good company, and, in general, the choice of workplace was limited. First I worked at the warehouse, then as an expeditor, and operator in the office. Then I was proposed to work as a commercial agent. At that time we had a sole direction — confectionary. I had worked for 1.5 years as an agent and was appointed as a supervisor. This kind of job was rather interesting — we had been developing the region, setting trading equipment, holding active sales, fighting with competition. But, just that very moment a new direction emerged — frozen production. First, we worked with TM “Troyanda” (“Rose”), later with “Levada”, and, in a given period of time, with the “Rud” company. The “Solodke zhittya” company had a period of active development — a beer direction, bottled, as well as beer on tap, eventuated. I passed to the position of the head of sales department of beer direction. In a year, the beer subdivision has expanded from 6 to 25 employees and reached the TOP-20 best distributors of the “Sun Interbrew” company. Today, we are ranked the 6th in Ukraine.
For almost a year I worked at this position. In February 2007 the redistribution of frozen production’s subdivision had started. Two directions were marked out — first one is frozen semi-finished products (TM “Levada”), and the second one — ice cream. Till that time the ice cream of “Troyanda” was a priority and basic for the “Solodke zhittya” company, but our strategic plans have changed. The leadership of the “Solodke zhittya” company and the management of the “Rud” company have jointly developed the project that interested both parties. At that time I held a position of the development manager. It is very interesting and responsible work, which is more valuable by its duties and responsibilities, comparing to the position of the head of sales department. From April till May 2007, the “Solodke zhittya” company had been focusing its attention on the production of the TM “Rud”. We have put up all working moments with the “Troyanda” company, bought out 1000 ice cream storage bins, and, investing 1,150,000 UAH in this project, started a new project — “Rud”. We have
— For a number of years running, You are one of the best distributors of the TM “Rud”. What is a secret of Your company’s success?
— First of all — people, who are the main value and the main asset of the company. Besides, I suppose that one of the most important approaches in work is that you should not perform it in a slipshod manner. The ambitions of the owner, leadership and managers of the “Solodke zhittya” company — are to be the best in every sphere! First of all, we define a strategy, goals and tasks and then very quickly fulfill everything needed to reach the best results in the shortest terms. The core thing — is special retail projects. I think that my functional duty is to drive all over 100 retail outlets every month and make store checks. It is important for the commercial personnel of the company; therefore, they realize the importance of the work they perform. Besides, control at work will help rather than interfere, it gives no chance to relax, it stimulates. We have many competitors, that is why, we must constantly be on our guard. My principle is — “War is not conquered in the cabinets!”
— Oleksandr Oleksiyovich, what kind of principles and approaches do You have in staff recruitment?
- 50 percent is intuition. It may seem strange for somebody, but, having a short conversation with a person, I feel: either I would feel myself comfortable beside him or not; I define: whether he is a robot, or have a logical task solving approach. In a person I value responsibility, purposefulness, activity. I like to complete difficult and interesting tasks. I suppose there is nothing impossible, everything depends on enthusiasm and desire of a person.
— What motivation systems do You use in Your company?
— Everything is built on the principle that completing the goals set, the company’s employee gets his motivation. We have a tradition — once in a quarter our team drives outdoors, and in a friendly atmosphere, we sum up our work. Performing 90 out of 100 percent of plan, a person gets bonus and reward. Besides, the pictures of the best managers we put at stand “The whole country is proud of us” quarterly. For people, who are working in the company, along with financial motivation, the atmosphere, where they are working, the team, they are working with, corporate culture … are essential.
— As in any business, force-majeurs are inevitable in business. How do You manage with difficulties?
— I think when a conflict or problematic situation emerges, you must find out where is its “root”? Afterwards, realizing the reason and using the way of communication, you can reduce it to zero. But, in general, in life, as well as in business, you should try to behave and act the way to escape conflict situations, or bring them to minimum.
— Oleksandr Oleksiyovich, the new hot season has started. What can You tell about the market situation at the nearest time?
— I think that drastic changes should not be expected in the nearest time. The market is still stable. It is at a given stage, when different redistributions — in assortment groups, between the producers, their presence shares in the market
— What is Your attitude to a “sound competition”?
— Positive. We are living in the conditions of market economy. The competition is essential for the company’s development, for progress and constant movement forward. “Sound” competition is a factor that leads continuous innovations.
— Oleksandr Oleksiyovich, what are Your priorities in life and at work?
— First of all — it is my family that is not only my basis, but a stimulus to reach new results, self-development, and career growth. I can surely state that it is my “safety-valve”, my “fortress”, where I eagerly return every day after the workday. On the other hand, at work — it is my collective, my team, which is important and valuable for me, as its leader.
— And, finally, what would You like to wish to everyone?
— I want to thank personally Rud Petro Volodymyrovich, Vivsik Sergiy Ananyevich, Trokoza Volodymyr Mikolayovich, Sukhodolskiy Sergiy for cooperative work, for such strong partner relations. Besides, I am confirmed that these partner relations have mutual friendly character.
And at the doorstep of the season I would like to wish: to us — hot summer and ample amount of ice cream at stores, to all — strong health, good mood, love, welfare, luck and success in all undertakings!
