Andreas is one of our true sales heroes at Clarion Hotel! He has an extensive experience within the hospitality industry, having started off working at one of our hotels aged only 18 years old!
What do you do at Strawberry?
I work with inhouse sales, especially incoming sales, and in particular with group sales and conference agreements. So, if a company calls and wants to book a conference for a whole year at time, I’ll perform an analysis of what they’re looking for, and then I’ll tailor an offer for them. I basically chase incoming deals and make sure their needs are met. I’m working for three different Clarion Hotel®.
How did you end up there? Tell us your story!
My journey began when I studied hospitality in high school, during which I did an 18-week work placement at one Clarion Hotel®, where I later got a summer job. I worked there for a couple of years and really enjoyed it. Then I did some seasonal work in the reception of a small hotel in a Norwegian ski resort, before coming back to Nordic Hotels & Resorts again. Then I joined Clarion Hotel®, where I still am today!
Have you encountered any prejudice about the role?
People sometimes think that I’m like one of those annoying telephone sales people. But that’s not how we work, as I only work with the customers that get in touch with us. I hardly ever call people myself, as they tend to email or call me, and then I look at what they need based on that.
Do you have any tips for someone interested in your role?
I think it’s valuable to work your way up and be involved in the hotel operations. That way you gain a true understanding of the whole organisation and what you’re actually selling. Most people might not be able to do that, but it’s my best tip anyway! I’ve spent time working with all sorts of things - doing dishes, working at restaurants and banquets, in receptions, and with bookings and conferences.
What’s the best thing about working at Strawberry?
The company culture - there’s such a strong culture within this company that makes you feel very safe. It’s interesting to see that Nordic Choice Hotels was already doing the things that Marriott is doing today ten years ago! It’s cool to be so far ahead of the other large hotel chains. And that’s certainly something I want to be a part of - we’re a threat on the market doing things faster and before anyone else! Of course we make mistakes sometimes, but it’s alright, it’s fun!
"We’re a threat on the market doing things faster and before anyone else! Of course we make mistakes sometimes, but it’s alright, it’s fun!"
What makes the company unique?
We are not seeking to standardise our work. We’re allowed to greet the guests in our own way. There aren’t any manuals to follow about how a conversation should be or what questions to ask. I am allowed to tell a funny story if I see fit! It’s more personal that way, and that makes me be confident in who I am and I can be myself every day.
Do you think your values align with those of the company?
Yes, I think so. My values have actually changed quite a bit since I started working here and I’ve developed a lot. And of course Petter Stordalen is a huge inspiration and influence - he is someone to aspire to!
How would you describe a typical Strawberry employee in three words?
Happy, caring and rebellious.
Why do you think that Strawberry is the industry leader?
We’re a company that is constantly developing - we run fast and develop, we grow and take more and more market share. It’s fun to see, like in Gothenburg in Sweden where we are building a ot of new hotels now.
Do you have a passion or a dream?
Yes, I have a big dream of opening my own hotel in the future. That’s something I’d really like to realise as it’s been a dream of mine for a long time. Either within Strawberry as a franchise or something else. I really want to have my own thing, but I’m not sure yet where or how big. But I’d expect that’s a few years off!
Otherwise I really enjoy watching sports, hanging out with friends and going to music festivals.
