Our People : Roman HANDL
Meet Roman HANDL, Head of Sales Plastics & Additives at Safic-Alcan Czech Republic. A passionate team player, lifelong football fan, and proud dad, he brings energy, honesty, and persistence to everything he does.
Introduce yourself...When and why did you join Safic-Alcan? What made you consider joining us?
I knew SA from my previous job as we used to work in the same building. I worked in the construction industry for 13 years on projects for government entities and then managed tenders for government sector contracts. After all these years I needed a new challenge, to move on and through a coincidence I was given the opportunity to join Safic-Alcan in 2017. I started in customer service with a general knowledge of the chemical industry, especially plastics. All other knowledge and experience I have gained and continue to gain throughout my tenure. I have been with the company for 8 years and am currently in charge of the plastics and additives department at Safic-Alcan Czech Republic.
How do experience your relationship with other collaborators, partners, principals or customers?
It's like everywhere else, it depends on the people, the current situation, especially their attitude and yours. I have met excellent partners and customers where everything went very well from the beginning. At the same time, I have several customers and partners where communication was difficult, they didn't want to talk to me, meet at all and here you already think you just don't give it and skip it. Or you get through to them, but they only talk to you when they want to, they don't respond to any of your suggestions (write, text, call) just nothing. But if you hang in there and be patient sometimes it works out, that's then the honest joy and drive to keep going.
What is important is to be "in", to know the trends, the market, to know your segment and to have knowledge, this is the basis for communicating with your partners, on the other hand, do not be afraid to say that you do not know something. It's better than making things up, because most of the time it will catch up with you.
What is something to know about you? (your hobbies, passions, etc)?
I try to push my theory that I'm an introvert on everyone, but I don't think anyone would say that about me. I kind of think I'm not the type to make a good first impression and it takes me a while to open more, but in general I like people. The good ones. I like meeting friends in the pub and over a beer we tackle global issues (like football, cars, wives, husbands, being…everyone knows).
I love football, I've been playing it since I was a kid, currently only the futsal. I’m a fan of the Gunners and Zbrojovka Brno. As for sports, I enjoy almost anything that involves more than one person, from billiards to hockey. I don't like random running or walking, it kills me. I used to read a lot of books (it's worse now) and clear my head at the theatre or at concerts and festivals. I enjoy skiing, snowboarding, traveling, kiting... there's a lot. Finally, my passion and biggest hobby are my kids - of course they must be. No, I'm serious!
How do you incorporate Safic-Alcan’s values (Entrepreneurship, Responsibility, Expertise, Trust) into your daily work?
The values we have set as a company are the basic principles for achieving our goals and ensuring fair treatment and dealings with our partners. The way we fulfil and present them externally determines how SA is talked about, if we stick to them, it will ensure a strong relationship and loyalty with our partners.
I'm direct and try to tell the truth and my point of view, even if it's not always required. I'm of the opinion that no matter what someone looks like or where they are from, their behaviour and actions speak for them. I think it's important to have respect for one another, even if they don't exactly have an opinion, you're OK with.
Do you have any illustrative fun/light stories to share from your time at Safic-Alcan?
Honestly, I don't remember too many stories to post, but what sticks in my mind is one business trip with a colleague to visit our partners from Kumho and Aurora in Germany, by car. After a meeting in Frankfurt, we left the next morning to go home, it was winter, and it was snowing heavily that morning. We left after an hour's journey and were stuck in a traffic jam on the motorway due to a calamity. We stayed there from 9 am to 4:30 am the next day. No movement. Imagine how many bizarre situations you must deal with...well a lot! It was such a party between truckers, motorists, animals and Mr. Netflix. A long story for many pages.
What is the one main takeaway candidates wanting to join Safic-Alcan should know and look forward to?
Safic-Alcan fosters a supportive and innovative environment, deeply committed to sustainability and ethical practices. The company values human collaboration, combining global reach with local expertise, and encourages continuous improvement and employee development. Joining Safic-Alcan means being part of a dynamic team dedicated to creating value and driving sustainable growth.
