interview05 | ASAHI SHO-KO-SHA

INTERVIEW 05

General Manager,
Yokohama Minami
Branch Manager,
South Kanto
Sales Division

From having almost no sales experience to becoming a manager.
I aim to build a team that sets high goals and supports the growth of junior staff.

E.Y

(2021年入社)

PROFILE

I enjoy staying physically active, so I walk or run on my days off. Recently, I enjoy walking along the coast, which is a great location.

01

I had almost no experience in sales. Currently, I am making the most of my management experience.

In my previous job, I worked as a production manager at a company that manufactures auto parts, where I was responsible for budgeting, production planning, and material procurement. I dedicated myself to the work at the company for about 20 years, and had also become a manager, but I had to leave when I moved to a new city after getting married, as commuting became impractical. Having gained a deep understanding of manufacturing at my previous job, I wanted to return to the industry and began looking for a new opportunity. I met Mr. Nomura, the Chief Executive Officer, at a management study group and maintained communication with him. This connection ultimately led me to join ASAHI SHO-KO-SHA.

I decided to join the company primarily because of my background in the auto parts industry and my interest in it. I had heard many things about the company and was attracted by its business approach and corporate culture. This was another decisive factor in my decision to join the company.

I have almost no experience in sales, having only worked in life insurance sales for about three years. To be honest, I initially lacked confidence because the genre of products was so different from what I was accustomed to. However, taking on this challenge has been very rewarding, as I feel I can contribute to manufacturing work sites and apply my previous industry experience.

02

It is rewarding to invest time in building relationships with customers and solve their problems.

Currently, I am working as a manager while also conducting sales in the area under the jurisdiction of the Yokohama Sales Office. The range of products we manage varies from relatively small items, such as gloves and cutting tools, to large machines like measuring equipment.

Although there are many products and I am still acquiring product knowledge, I truly enjoy leveraging my manufacturing industry experience to devise various proposals. For instance, I consider which products would be most appreciated by specific types of customers.

I primarily work with existing customers. Instead of ending our engagement after a purchase, I actively seek their feedback on product usage to encourage repeated use and propose solutions that better meet their needs. When issues arise, such as scratches appearing, I consult with the manufacturer, visit the customer’s work site with them to review the work and drawings, and develop measures.

Maintaining an ongoing relationship with our customers allows us to understand their history and business plans more deeply, and that’s the appealing aspect of my work. I find a genuine sense of accomplishment in resolving customer issues, such as defective products or time-consuming processes, and in receiving their gratitude.

03

My goal is to develop human resources in a way that allows each individual to leverage their strengths to the fullest.

My future goal is to focus on developing people. As a manager, I aim to contribute not only to my own sales performance but also to the overall sales figures by enhancing human relations within the sales office. Since it is people who drive the work, nurturing them is crucial. Recently, with an increasing number of young employees in their 20s, I frequently witness their joy when their hard work and proposals result in successful contracts. Seeing their growth and achievements brings me more satisfaction than my own accomplishments.

Specifically, I aspire to create an organization that leverages both top-down and bottom-up approaches, maximizing the strengths of each individual. I see my role as creating an environment where we can build a cohesive team that supports and enhances each other.

The great thing about ASAHI SHO-KO-SHA is that, while it has a long-standing tradition, it keeps its antennae up for current trends and embraces new initiatives. We actively support motivated and capable employees, regardless of gender or nationality, providing opportunities for those who demonstrate their strengths and achieve results.

Additionally, our sales force enjoys a high degree of freedom, allowing them to make proposals based on their own ideas, which is highly rewarding. We look forward to working with you.