Dynamic duo in Latvia

“Go past the reception desk, take the stairs on the right and go to the end of the corridor on the second floor.” Without directions, it would be difficult to find the Geberit office in Riga. The dark corridors give no hint of what lies behind the door: a bright, tidy showroom full of Geberit ceramics and bathroom furniture.

Like children
We receive a warm welcome from the local sales manager, Parsla Sauka. She expertly guides us through the small but impressive exhibition, which she has put together with great attention to detail. Here – by appointment only, mind you – she welcomes both professionals from architecture and interior design as well as private customers. “I love the direct interaction with people,” says the former teacher.

She also sees parallels with her former profession. During product training sessions, she feels a bit like she’s standing in front of a class. “Sometimes it helps to think of the participants as children,” she says with a laugh.

Despite initial reservations, the French and English teacher changed careers 25 years ago and started working in sales at Ifö, the Scandinavian ceramics brand. “At first I thought: selling toilets? That doesn't sound very inspiring,” she recalls. But she quickly settled in and now enjoys going to work every morning.

Two for one country
The Geberit sales team in Latvia consists of just two people. While Parsla Sauka takes care of the showroom business and B2C target groups, Ivars Grantins is responsible for project business and technical consulting. The father of two has 30 years of experience in sales. He joined Geberit at the end of 2022 after his previous employer had to close its building materials business. They cover for each other when they are on holiday or otherwise absent. “The job profile here is very varied. During my holidays, Parsla also provides technical support, and vice versa, I look after her customers when she is away,” explains Ivars Grantins.