Meet the Team: Rebecca, Account Manager and technical expert.
With over 7 years of experience at Chemical Solutions, Rebecca (Bex) Fortune is an account manager who provides technical expertise to her customers, helping them solve problems to get the best results.
What do you do at Chemical Solutions and why would your customers call you?
Many customers require a specific problem to be solved and I draw on my industry knowledge; whether it’s working with our chemists in the lab, or working directly with a customer, we always aim for the best results. Sometimes they need us to install or repair equipment or carry out training with staff.
What do you like most about your job?
Helping customers, finding solutions to their problems makes my day. I love to make a positive difference to their business, getting to know them more and building valuable relationships. If a new customer has had an issue over a long time, I draw on my past experience to solve it. Most of my customers are easy-going and we both work towards the same goals of supplying the best cleaning solutions.
What is a typical day like?
No day is the same. It can range from replenishing customer stock and carrying out service calls, to meeting with new customers and dealing with emergency equipment repairs. There is a lot of problem solving to save customers time and cost, as well as, installing new equipment and training.
What’s a common question you get from customers?
One of the main things I am asked to help with is to recommend the best product for a particular situation. We have such a wide range, there is generally a perfect solution and if there isn’t, I can work with our chemists to find one. While we have comprehensive Safety Data Sheets, I get several requests for technical information about formulations, which I can easily assist with.
What is one of your favourite memories from the past year?
Drift Go Carting which we did as a sales team as part of a get away from the normal day to day work. It was such a blast and everyone was grinning ear to ear after each stint on the drifting track.
You unexpectedly find 30 minutes of free time in your day, what do you do with it?
I catch up on paperwork, plan for future installations or just enjoy a quiet lunch thinking about beer (see later in the interview for what this means).
What do you like to do when you aren’t working?
I enjoy riding motorcycles. With my navy background I’m the secretary of the local Patriots Club, which as well as touring on bikes, raises funds for Veterans who need help. All our members are past and present serving New Zealand Defence Force/Police personnel. I also enjoy brewing beer which we start from scratch using grains and hops, followed by a slow fermenting process, and then bottling. It’s great fun and quite rewarding on a hot day and with friends.
Do you have a hidden talent?
I am a chef by trade and I love making different tasty treats such as chilli biltong.
