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From maintenance to technical sales – “it’s a big deal to be given a chance in sales and be taught how to do it”

After working at Sarlin for nearly three years, Henri Hedman has changed positions within the company. His first job was in the maintenance team for gas filling stations, working as a maintenance technician and part-time gas detector technician.

“In autumn 2023, our automation team had a technical sales agent position open for gas detectors. I expressed my interest and was given the job. Already knowing the equipment made the job easier to start.”

The switch from maintenance to sales was a good decision.

“For a long time, I hesitated about working at a computer all day, but it's been a nice change. Also, sales agents also get to visit customers.” Starting a new job always means studying and learning new things.

“At the start, I had to ask for a lot of help and felt like I might be a burden on the others at work. However, I’ve received a lot of support at Sarlin when starting both jobs. In maintenance, it was really important how much my colleagues could teach me about the equipment.”

Teammates are always ready to help

Hedman has enjoyed his time at Sarlin and applauds his coworkers.

“We have a lot of people in different positions with different backgrounds. Everyone gets along well.”

Hedman has witnessed a great can-do attitude and peer support in both maintenance and at the office.

“There’s no problem with asking for help from anyone, whatever you need. When I moved to my current sales position, all the systems and procedures were new to me, and I received plenty of help. We share our knowledge openly, there’s no internal competition.”

Hedman appreciates the leeway in his work. “In sales, I can freely choose how to pursue the work. I can make my own schedule. For example, I like that I can concentrate all my customer visits to a single week.”

Although his team’s performance is measured with different indicators, Hedman says that employees are trusted to work independently without anyone breathing down their necks. Hedman is motivated by being able to serve his customers and finding solutions for their needs.

“Although I mostly work alone, I don’t feel lonely at work. I talk to customers a lot. Sometimes, it takes more work to find a suitable solution for a customer. It’s really rewarding when you get the job done.”

Training benefits the company and helps with work

Hedman appreciates the positive attitude of Sarlin towards employee training and education because they benefit the company and make his job easier. Still new to his sales job, he has not had time for extra training.

“I'll possibly be taking part in a client’s equipment training course later this year. It’s important to learn about the equipment so I know what the client likes and how everything works.”

Hedman, his most recent qualifications being those of an aircraft mechanic, emphasises the many opportunities for learning new things at work.

“It was a big deal for me, with no sales background, to be given the chance to move to sales and be taught how to do it.” Hedman is also thankful to his employer for promoting well-being at work.

“Our occupational health service is great. If we need to, we can always see a physiotherapist or talk to an occupational psychologist. Epassi supports our physical pursuits. I do feel like my employer cares about the employees.”

Coping with work is also a matter of personal attitude. Hedman prefers not to rush his work. His motto is “one day at a time, it'll all be fine.”
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