4 minute read
FACE TIME: CTC AUSTRALIA
Sweet success
A strong work ethic and commitment to those around him has seen Hassan Kowaider, National Sales Manager at CTC Australia, rise the ranks and build himself a diverse and fulfilling career. This is his story…
I WAS BORN in Sydney, NSW, and spent my early childhood in Marrickville before moving to Lidcombe in my early teens. Growing up, I lived with my mum, dad, and brother, and later on my sister, who is 21 years younger than me.
Growing up in Sydney was awesome, not a care in the world. I attended public school, where being the only redhead with freckles got me a lot of attention. My childhood was incredibly active; I was involved in five sports every week – rugby league, rugby union, soccer, basketball, and volleyball. I enjoyed the competition and camaraderie of team sports and reached schoolboy level in most, which was a testament to my dedication and love for sports.
In addition to sports, my hobbies included fishing and dirt bike riding. These activities offered a sense of freedom and adventure, allowing me to explore and appreciate the great outdoors.
At the age of 12, I got my first job working for my dad’s cleaning business. My dad came to Australia with nothing and built a successful business from scratch, even landing the cleaning contract for the 2000 Sydney Olympics. This early introduction to the workforce instilled in me a strong work ethic and a sense of responsibility, something I believe I still carry with me to this day.
My professional journey has been diverse and fulfilling. I currently hold the position of National Sales Manager, a role that I worked hard to achieve. I began my career as a storeman at 22 years-old and gradually climbed the corporate ladder, taking on various roles in warehouse, factory, and business management. Over 27 years, 21 of which have been in sales, I've seen our business grow tremendously.
Two people I looked up to at CTC were Andrew Theouli and Gordon Ogilvie. Both were great mentors and helped my growth. Andrew taught me patience and instilled a work hard ethic. Gordon was also an amazing man and educated me on sales and leadership. I am so thankful to them both for having a tremendous impact on both my personal and work life.
I began my career as a storeman at 22 yearsold and gradually climbed the corporate ladder, taking on various roles in warehouse, factory, and business management.
One of my proudest career highlights is the consistent double-digit growth we've achieved after a challenging first year. Another notable achievement was bringing the Fini brand to Australia and winning The Distributor Group’s Supplier of the Year award multiple times, a testament to our team’s dedication and innovation.
Travel has also been a significant part of my life, both for work and pleasure. Each year, I travel to Europe for work, visiting countries like Germany, London, and Spain, with Lebanon added to the itinerary to visit family. My wife and I ensure that we take one holiday together each year and another with our children, balancing work with family time. A few years ago, we embarked on a round-the-world trip, an amazing experience that created unforgettable memories.
My advice to retailers would be to think outside the box to attract customers. Innovative displays, such as the Kandy Kingdom setups, can make a significant difference in drawing attention and boosting sales. For suppliers, the key is to remain innovative and adaptable. The market is ever-changing, and those who can stay ahead of the curve will thrive.
Outside of work, family remains at the core of my life. My wife, Bassimah, and I have four wonderful children –Jayden, 25; Zak, 22; and our twin girls, Layann and Hanann, who are 19. I used to coach rugby league but I put the boots away in order to spend more time with my family.
Five years from now, I’d love to be retired and enjoying life with my family and taking a few more of those international trips, both with and without the kids. But we never know what twists and turns life takes.
