As the trend of online shopping continues to surge, our team is also on the rise. We have bolstered our Sales team with the addition of the highly skilled eCommerce & Courier Sales Manager, Josip Brdarević. His wealth of experience and strategic insights will undoubtedly propel our team to new heights in the dynamic realm of e-commerce.
As Josip deserves a proper introduction, we sat with him for a short interview. What does he bring to the table, what motivates him, what can make or break his day, and why is he the guy who can provide sales strategy over a cup of coffee art? We’ll let Josip do the talking.
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself. What are your superpowers? What motivates and inspires you?
I’m a proud husband and father of two, and my family is at the core of everything I do. They are my biggest motivation and inspire me to strive for excellence personally and professionally.
Professionally, I’ve dedicated my entire career to the plastic packaging industry, with a strong focus on sustainability and efficiency. I’m deeply passionate about finding innovative solutions that not only meet the needs of businesses but also positively impact the environment. This drive towards sustainable practices is one of my superpowers—seeing the bigger picture and pushing for changes that benefit both the planet and the bottom line.
Outside of my work, I’m an avid cyclist and a soccer enthusiast. Cycling isn’t just a hobby for me; it’s a way to challenge myself and stay disciplined, a form of meditation and clarity in my mind. The endurance and focus required in cycling translate well into my professional life, where perseverance and a strategic approach are crucial to success. Soccer, on the other hand, fuels my teamwork spirit and reminds me of the importance of collaboration and communication, whether on the field or in the workplace.
I’m inspired by the constant pursuit of improvement and the idea that no matter how much progress we’ve made, there’s always room to grow and innovate.
2. What is your professional background? How well do you know the packaging industry, and what are some of the main things you brought to the table?
With over a decade in the plastic packaging industry, I’ve held roles of Sales Director and Regional Business Development Manager for big multinational companies, driving international sales and sustainability initiatives.
I have a deep understanding of the packaging industry, closely monitoring the market trends and challenges. The key is to implement sustainable practices in the organizational strategy and leverage it. It’s a clear win-win. But still, most companies today are taking it only as a necessity, an additional cost they have to budget. We all need to be a part of the solution, not the pollution.
3. How would you describe your work style? And how does it fit with Modepack culture and working environment?
My work style is collaborative, adaptable, and results-driven, aligning well with Modepack’s dynamic culture. I thrive in team settings, which encourage open communication and creative problem-solving. I focus on setting clear goals and supporting my team in achieving them, ensuring alignment with our objectives. I was amazed that Modepack uses over 90% recycled materials in its production and is implementing biodegradable and biobased solutions, and I was eager to join the team and take this journey even further.
4. What are some of the goals you have set for yourself? What can we at Modepack expect of you?
As a Sales Manager at Modepack, I have set several key goals that align with my personal values and also support the company’s growth and sustainability initiatives.
First, I aim to significantly increase sales in the eCommerce and Courier packaging segments by expanding our market reach and deepening relationships with existing clients. I plan to leverage my understanding of market trends and customer needs to position Modepack as a leader in sustainable packaging solutions.
Second, I am committed to driving the adoption of sustainable materials, particularly Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) materials, in our product offerings. I aim to work closely with our R&D and production teams to innovate and promote packaging solutions that close the recycling loop. By doing so, we will not only meet the growing demand for eco-friendly packaging but also position Modepack as a forward-thinking, environmentally responsible company.
Lastly, I aim to establish Modepack as a thought leader in the industry by advocating for sustainability in packaging. That involves participating in industry conferences, contributing to thought leadership content, and collaborating with clients and partners who share our commitment to sustainability.
You can expect me to bring a proactive and results-driven approach, always focused on long-term sustainability and growth. I am dedicated to not just meeting sales targets but doing so in a way that builds a stronger, more sustainable future for Modepack and our customers.
5. What type of everyday work things can make or break your day?
I really enjoy commuting to work on a bike. Given the current traffic situation in Zagreb, it’s much faster, even though it’s almost 40km distance (back and forth). Then, I arrive at work energized and refreshed for the day, and all the challenges seem minor. What can make my day is engaging in meaningful conversations with clients and prospects, particularly when we’re discussing innovative, sustainable solutions that align with their needs.
On the other hand, my day can be challenging when there are significant delays or obstacles in communication, whether internally or with clients. This one is very tricky because almost all of our packaging is tailor-made for customer needs. For example, if a critical piece of information needed to advance a project is missing or if there’s a breakdown in coordination that impacts project’s timeline, it can be frustrating. To counter that, we put a great focus on streamlined and effective communication.
6. Last but not least, what is one fact that is not on your LinkedIn profile?
One thing you won’t find on my LinkedIn profile is that I’m a passionate home barista. I’ve spent more time than I’d like to admit perfecting my latte art skills and dialing in my espresso machine – so if you need a sales strategy with a side of coffee art, I’m your guy!