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ROOTS MVP OF THE MONTH Some coincidences are sweeter, more poetic than others. This one is particularly gratifying for this month’s MVP, Ladi Popoola. When informed that he was chosen for the MVP honour, he did not realize that July marks exactly 10 years since he began his career at Roots. July also marks a significant moment in Ladi’s latest achievement at Roots where he works as an Account Executive in the Business To Business (B2B) division. This month, thanks to Ladi’s major deal with Mazda, Roots will deliver to them the first installment of custom made leather products. The total package includes 1,500 leather activity bags delivered by the end of the summer followed by 600 leather garment bags in the fall. In total, it represents more than a half-million-dollar deal (at wholesale), one of the largest at Roots in recent memory. Of course, a transaction of this size doesn’t just happen by itself. In this case, Ladi spent nearly a year on the project before it reached fruition. He first contacted Mazda last summer with a proposal to make leather products that would compliment their existing marketing program. When Ladi went to make his original presentation in person, he’d been told he’d be meeting with two people. Instead, to his surprise, he had an audience of 20 people including several of Mazda’s top executives, for his one-hour pitch. It would take several follow-up meetings and countless phone calls and emails before Mazda’s Marketing Director finally told Ladi a few weeks ago that it was full steam ahead. “I know that I’m the one who gets credit for this deal but I couldn’t have done it without the support of others at Roots,” says Ladi, whose previous deals include Rogers Cable, Warner Bros., Global TV and the rock band Rush. “The sense of team spirit at Roots makes such a difference. People here are a resilient bunch. I like how we always find a creative, positive way to move forward and break new ground.” The Mazda deal has the potential of becoming even more substantial. Currently, their marketing department is seriously considering making Roots the official outfitter for all their dealerships in Canada and to provide a range of Roots products for employees and customers. Most of Ladi’s sales involve Roots leather products. “Our own leather factory is a huge asset,” says Ladi. “It gives us a competitive advantage over other retailers. No other company can turn around leather as fast and as well as we can. To satisfy the client’s needs, I often come up with crazy delivery deadlines. Fortunately, the Kowalewski brothers and their team somehow always manage to come through with the goods on time.” Yet, for all the backup support, the sales work for those in the B2B division is sometimes a lonely one. You’re only as good as your next deal. And the pursuit of that sale can be tough. To close a deal takes creativity, drive and tenacity. All of which Ladi has in bountiful supply, along with many other positive attributes. These qualities and his positive attitude help explain why he’s so appreciated at Roots where he’s held several positions since joining the company in 1995. He began as a salesman at a Roots store in Toronto. Eventually, he managed four major Roots stores in the city – Eaton Center, Queen St, Bloor Street and Yorkdale. In 2003, he moved from the retail domain to his current position in the B2B department. “I’m grateful for the opportunities and many great moments I’ve had at Roots over the years,” says Ladi, 30, who was born in Toronto but spent his youth in Nigeria due to his father’s work. “I’ve been able to further my career, develop my business acumen and learn so much from Michael, Don and Marshall. Their support and encouragement have meant a lot to me and being chosen MVP only adds to my appreciation. The honour is even greater considering all the many other talented and hardworking people at Roots.” The feeling is mutual when it comes to Ladi and Roots Cofounders Michael Budman and Don Green. “Ladi is a true Roots man,” says Michael. “He’s been on the front lines in our stores and has also contributed behind the scenes. He has a great positive mental attitude and is a great representative of the company. With his latest achievement, he’s certainly deserving of this month’s MVP award.” |
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