„As Sales Manager Export, I am responsible for various foreign markets in Europe.“

Hi Michael, please tell us a few lines about yourself first.

My name is Michael Gazdag, I’m 51 years old and with Extruder Experts since May 2020. Before that I started my professional training with an apprenticeship as an industrial mechanic, after which I completed an additional one as a wholesale and export/import merchant. I also became a certified expert for foreign trade. After working at a tool company, I then switched to a screw company and after that, before my start at Extruder Experts, worked for 20 years at an OEM called Coperion. My current position is export manager, which makes me responsible for various foreign markets in Europe. And very soon, depending on developments, it could even be worldwide.

What does “worldwide” imply?

Among other things, that I’m flying to Dubai on Friday next week, because we will probably have a new representative for the Middle East region there. The background: at a trade fair in Istanbul I met a former representative of a competitor with whom we now would like to collaborate in the Asian region, meaning: Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia. We already sent him a contract and plan to continue on that path. And if that happens, I will be the person who oversees these markets and also visits them once or twice per year.

Is traveling an essential part of you job?

That’s certainly true. In each of the past two years I had about 100 days of travel.

You don’t live in Monschau, is that correct?

That’s right, I live and work in Stuttgart.

What effect does the distance have on your work?

It’s basically the same as if I were in Monschau. You call someone, someone answers or not, you talk to each other, meet each other or wait for an appointment – just as in real life.

Actually, home office has many advantages for me that I really appreciate.

What does your typical workday look like?

When I work at home, my day usually starts at around 7 am. I turn on my computer, get my coffee, log in, take a look at my emails to see what’s new, and also at our current order numbers. Then I work through my list, such as requests, offers or orders. My workday is not very different when I’m in Stuttgart from working at the Monschau office. I call clients, write emails, coordinate appointments and so on. Everything that comes up.

And what’s work like when you’re traveling?

When I visit clients abroad, I usually organize those trips myself, being my own boss in that respect. In doing so, I make sure that in case of road trips I’m not just driving all the time. When there are not too long distances between two locations or clients, trips are less tiresome and more rewarding. Apart from that, I also travel by plane and taxi, and also in that case am free to do my own planning. Of course, when it’s a really big thing, I also check with the two managing directors before. However, they know from experience what I’m doing and how, and therefore have complete confidence in me.

That sounds pretty tempting as a job description.

Well, they simply know the ropes. It’s a business where you not just go there and get everything you wanted. I have the patience to repeat my travels once or twice, but not more than that. When I haven’t been successful by then, I will certainly not waste my and our time for any further attempts.

How do you like working with Extruder Experts?

Everything has been very positive so far. You know, I came from a company with 2,500 employees worldwide, that was a different dimension. All those approval procedures, structures etc. were quite complicated. That’s why I really appreciate this small but excellent company called Extruder Experts.

What is your personal source of motivation?

That’s a good question. Maybe the fact that I’m not just a cog in the wheel like at a major corporation. As I said before, I’m relatively free in what I’m doing. Decision paths are short. You simply call your boss when you need something, in any situation. Decisions are usually made immediately or the following day. It is really all about this freedom to do your job the way you imagine. The way you think you can best do it.

How do you celebrate successes at Extruder Experts?

That’s a bit difficult at my home office. I certainly don’t pop a bottle of champagne each time I have obtained a larger order. And I don’t know for sure how they handle it in Monschau. Talking for myself I can say: you rejoice inside, when you somehow contribute to the success of the whole.

How do you succeed in reconciling work and private life?

When I’m at home, very well. My wife goes to work, our daughters study at university, so that I have all the silence I need for my working day. Of course, when I need to travel I make sure that I’m not away for too long. My wife and I talk about this topic very honestly, and I don’t want her to suffer from our spatial separation.

Apparently flexibility, home office etc. is totally normal at Extruder Experts?

Yes, as far as I can judge that from here. Everybody can have a home office, work from there and many use that option when it’s convenient or necessary. You could say: real harmony also works remotely. There is absolutely no problem, and the management supports this kind of flexibility. Maybe they think: it’s better to work from home than not at all.

Talking about harmony: how do you experience teamwork at your current company?

Very positively. I won’t even start telling you how it was before that. Just one thing: of course I’m not planning ever to leave Extruder Experts, also because I just don’t know how it could get any better. As cheesy or simplified as it my sound: you can really call it “one big family”. Maybe some wouldn’t go as far as calling colleagues family, but basically it’s true. What goes around, comes around. You talk to your colleagues in a friendly and respectful way, and they do the same. 

So employees from Stuttgart and Monschau get along with each other?

Yes, of course. Provided that we leave out the topic of football. But I can live with that.

What are the hierarchies at your company like?

Extremely flat. Since we all work together, we treat each other like equals. Of course, the work process always comes first. Your bosses are still your bosses. But the way we are all working together is a good example of harmony and fairness. What else can I say? I’ve been very lucky, everything fits perfectly, and we not only keep contact from a distance. There are also some occasions for personal meetings every year – be it for visits, meetings or also parties.

That bring me to our final point: You started the job when Corona was at its peak. Probably not the best timing, was it?

No, definitely not. I came from an open-plan office with 70-80 people on my floor. It was the only thing I ever knew, and suddenly I was sitting at home alone. Even though we had new clients, every social interaction was greatly reduced. Sometimes I thought to myself: What the hell am I doing here? Because it was all so quiet and unaccustomed. Gradually I managed  to see the light again. As strange as it was at the beginning: thankfully it all turned out for the best!