Executive profile: “Honesty is the best policy”

Sergio Battaner, sales and marketing director at Palmer Agencies, chats about colleagues, customers, travelling and wine.

How long have you been at Palmer Agencies?

It all started on the 31st May 2005. It’s been an eventful few years where I’ve met most of the lovely people that make up this trade. Before being in the party industry, I was in the wine business. I’d like to think I have been able to apply most of what I learned in the wine business to the party trade. Particularly how to open a bottle and share it with friends.

 

What is your greatest achievement at the company?

I would not be able to highlight one single action/result that is a solely a personal achievement. Taking personal credit for a collective job would be unfair to my colleagues. The staff are all responsible for where we are and what we stand for. I could however name quite a few of my biggest failures, but… that would be better left for another day (including some questionable buying).

 

Favourite part of your job?

So many.

Customers come first. Without them we could not be here. Our customers are the nicest, most friendly ever. I love hearing their anecdotes, ideas and yes, sometimes their complaints. If our customers didn’t complain, we would not be able to improve.

Colleagues. I am grateful they have the patience to put up with me and the (same) jokes I tell. All staff at Palmer Agencies have been a part of the company for some time. Once you land at Palmer’s you find a warm welcome, and a solid base where you can develop your role. Without their support, I would not be here.

Travelling. Yes, I do like to see customers and know about the nooks and crannies in their shop or warehouse. I like the anticipation that comes with trade shows. Nuremberg is my favourite. We get to see so many customers from so many parts of the world. And it gives me a welcome opportunity to catch up with industry colleagues, both competitors and friends.

 

Who is the unsung hero of the company?

Deborah, in customer services. She’s capable of dealing with a great workload with a smile. I have never heard anything but praise from our customers and staff. Her common-sense approach is fantastic and I value her input and help.

 

What is the biggest change within the party industry that you have seen since you have worked in it?

The biggest change is to come: Green Revolution. The future is green and we all need to keep working to bring carbon emissions down. As a company we try and use as little plastic as possible or reuse where feasible. We no longer do products that contain microplastics like glitter spray or any glitter at all. It is a small step but, when we all take a small step in the same direction, it can become a giant leap.

 

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

A few have stuck in my mind:

Stanley Geller, founder of FunWorld, the American company we represent, always insisted in ‘fun, honesty and loyalty’ as his guiding principles. I learned a lot from Stanley, whom I miss dearly, but these three words resonate louder than anything else.

Sebastián, my dad, taught me that whatever I wanted in life I should always be 100% behind it and be honest with myself and the people involved. That’s probably why sometimes, I may come across as ‘no filter’.

I guess you could combine both into the old saying: “Honesty is the best policy”

 

Biggest lesson you’ve taken away from the last year?

Life is for living. To the max. With no regrets.

And have fun in whatever you do. The past few years have not been as fun as we wanted but, they have taught everyone the value of having a good time and how much we miss it when it is not a possibility.

 

If you could change one thing about the party industry, what would it be and why?
I would like another Halloween or two a year. The industry comes alive, and it is bustling at Halloween. Everyone is at their best and it is very good for business. But no more than one or two more a year.

 

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