Symply Canagan's director of sales Aimee Cinderby has earned the title of Sales Representative of the Year in the Pet Industry Awards. This week she reveals to Pet Trade Xtra how she became so good at her job...

How long have you been working in sales?
I have been a sales rep since I was 19. Eighteen years ago my first job was selling Karndean flooring.

How long have you worked in the pet industry?
I joined the pet industry in 2002.

What did you do before joining Simply Canagan?
I sold Nutro for the UK distributor, Premium Pet Foods.

What does this award mean to you?
Winning this award means everything to me. I am extremely passionate about my job, I work so hard every day, I have great relationships with my customers and I feel very proud to be chosen out of all of the sales reps in the pet trade.

What are the secrets of your success?
Always do what you say you're going to do, don't let people down. Be efficient. Answer phone calls and emails at any time of the day or night.

How do you stand out from the crowd?
I am passionate, enthusiastic, extremely self motivated, conscientious and hard working

What's it like to work for Symply Canagan?
I couldn't sell any other brand of pet food. I totally believe in our products and company ethics of supporting the independent pet trade.

Do you own pets yourself?
Yes, I have five dogs (one cocker spaniel and four Dobermanns), seven cats, one cockatiel and a budgie! I love my pets and this also helps my role because I can speak from experience.

How do you top this?
Being recognised for working hard is a fantastic achievement. If it happens again then that would be awesome but I love what I do – going to work each day is a pleasure.

What next for Aimee Cinderby?
I just want to continue to help grow the independent pet trade by doing my job to the best of my abilities. By pet shops selling our brands they are securing their future because we do not supply internet discounters, grocery or national superstore chains.



Aimee receives her Pet Industry Award from actor Brian Blessed and PIF CEO Nigel Baker.