#AmticoTeamTalk with Rita Vaslaki, London Commercial Project Executive

We sit down with Rita Vaslaki, a dynamic member of Amtico's sales team, to find out more about her journey through the Sales Executive apprenticeship.

About Rita

Drawn to Amtico by an inspiring interview with Regional Commercial Manager, Gema Coates , Rita thrives in a role where she can engage with vibrant and diverse clients. In her rare downtime, Rita enjoys gym sessions, travelling, reading, and tending to her plants. For her, the most important things in life are health, strong connections with loved ones, and enjoying life. Her favourite place? Anywhere with a beach and a beautiful sunset.

Could you tell us about your journey through the Sales Executive apprenticeship and the skills you've developed along the way?

Rita: My apprenticeship journey has been a mix of on-the-job training, seminars, and exams, all while working closely with architects and designers in Northwest London. I’ve always been drawn to sales and customer service because I enjoy interacting with people. Before the apprenticeship, my approach was less structured, but through the course, I learned to truly understand the customer’s needs and tailor solutions accordingly. This nuanced approach has been one of the most valuable skills I've gained.

What inspired you to pursue an apprenticeship in sales?

Rita: I've always been a social person,and sales seemed like a natural fit for me. I enjoy human interaction and the challenge of finding the right solutions for customers. My manager Gema once described me as an "introverted extrovert," which I think captures my personality well – I thrive on social interactions but also value thoughtful, reflective moments.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in your sales role, and how did you overcome them?

Rita: Handling rejection was tough at first. It’s easy to feel demotivated, but I’ve learned to see rejection as a learning opportunity. It's just one step in the process, and by maintaining a positive outlook, you can move on and improve. Time management was another challenge, especially with multiple tasks and deadlines. The apprenticeship helped me develop strategies to prioritise and manage my time effectively, which has been crucial in my role.

How do you approach building and maintaining relationships with clients?

Rita: Building relationships is all about understanding the client. Everyone is different, so there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Some clients are reserved, while others are more open and friendly. It’s important to get to know how each client works and tailor your approach accordingly. Over time, I’ve become better at reading people and adjusting my style to fit their needs.

What advice would you give to someone considering a Sales Executive apprenticeship - or any apprenticeship!

Rita: Embrace every learning opportunity. The apprenticeship is a fantastic way to gain practical experience while continuing to learn. Seek feedback from mentors and colleagues, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Building strong relationships and communication skills is key, and it’s important to stay open to continuous learning. Reflecting on your experiences and learning from them will help you grow both personally and professionally.

How would you describe the company culture at Amtico, and has it influenced your sales approach?

Rita: The culture at Amtico is incredibly supportive. Even during the pandemic, when I hadn’t met most of my colleagues in person, I never felt isolated. Amtico is great at fostering a sense of belonging and ensuring employees feel supported. This supportive environment has been crucial for my development in sales. Knowing that I have the tools and support I need gives me the confidence to take on challenges and push myself to achieve more.

What are your future aspirations now that you’ve completed your apprenticeship?

Rita: This is my second promotion since I started, and I’m excited about what the future holds. I want to continue learning and developing my skills, not just within Amtico but in the industry as a whole. My goal is to make a name for myself and keep progressing in my career. There’s always more to learn, and I’m eager to take on new challenges and opportunities. With the expansion of our team, there will be plenty of opportunities for growth. I’m focused on continuous learning and developing my expertise. I’m excited to see where this journey will take me.

Our sales teams can help you specify floors for your commercial project, visit you on site and handle all your order enquiries. To find out more, visit: https://www.amtico.com/commercial.