Sandro Spadafora has found happiness and success selling mining products across North America.

A native of Sudbury, Sandro studied Business Administration at Cambrian College and worked for a while as a bank teller. When the opportunity to join Sudbury mining supplier, Rezplast Manufacturing Ltd. presented itself, he didn't hesitate.

"I was always interested in sales and thought Rezplast would be a perfect fit," he says.

Today, Sandro, 30, is the general manager and vice-president of Rezplast, a manufacturer of corrosion resistant fiberglass reinforced plastic products for industrial and commercial applications.

"When you take a close look at the extent of the mining industry from start to finish, it's really quite amazing," he says. "Mining makes the world go 'round."

Sandro discovered his passion for sales in college and knew he wanted an exciting and challenging career. Living in Canada's nickel capital, it's not surprising that he found what he was looking for in the mining industry.

Smart toilet
Piling kilometres onto the company car, Sandro travels all over Canada and the United States tending to the needs of his clients and pitching the company's newest product, an economically smart and sanitary toilet designed for the mining industry.

The portable mining toilet uses bacteria to decompose waste matter without electricity, chemicals, or effluent, and can go 12 to 18 months before it needs to be serviced.

"At first it was quite comical introducing the toilet to potential customers. It's one of those things where you take the brunt of pretty much every joke that's out there," Sandro says.

"But once I explain how it works, it really opens up a lot of eyes."

Rezplast also manufactures emergency shower systems, pipe, tanks and a variety of other products.

Even when he's not traveling across the country, Sandro is busy meeting with customers in Sudbury.

"I'm not the kind of guy to sit behind a desk and not do anything, or sit and stare at a piece of paper," he says.

Sandro describes the ideal salesperson as someone who is patient, outgoing and sociable. Good salespeople also pay attention to detail, he says.

"I enjoy the day-to-day, one-on-one interaction with people and sales is perfect for that."

Challenge
His biggest challenge is keeping up with technology. "It changes so fast," he says. "You've got to constantly work at keeping up with it."

According to Sandro, being straight with customers is the most important aspect of a job in sales.

"Take your time," he advises. "If you don't know something, find out. Don't tell people what you think they want to hear. Do your research.

"In our industry, you can blow an entire deal just because you said the wrong thing."

Sandro is in it for the long haul and looks forward to a bright future as a partner in creating a world-class company.

"I see myself growing the company - not just sticking local, but going international."

Now that he's leading a successful company, Sandro may well do what his employer did for him and take a chance on a promising young talent.

"There are entrepreneurs out there who are always willing to give young people a chance. You can learn a lot from them and if you have what it takes, you can do very well for yourself in the mining supply business."

Download PDF