This week we welcome Clêo Vargas to our growing Agent Network.
Get the full low down on who Clêo is and the territories he’ll be covering in our latest interview.
Welcome to the Machine Compare family Clêo
Can you tell us a little more about yourself?
Clêo: I consider myself a young professional. I’m the annoying out-going type of person who enjoys communicating with people, learning and teaching.
Sports also play a big part in my life. Now I’m approaching my fourties I’ve noticed how my body can’t keep up with my mind, but I’m OK with that.
When did you first break into the world of industrial machinery?
Clêo: It was when I first joined HP working within the B2B strand of the business. Those big plotters back in the ’90s were the first big machines I helped market and sell. That was the year after HP bought Compaq which was considered a huge merge and acquisition in the late 90s.
What categories and territories will you be covering as our agent?
Clêo: I will be strengthening our presence across the packaging, steel and chemical industries in Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Spain, Portugal and Italy.
What attracted you to join Machine Compare?
Clêo: The personal connection I felt after meeting Ben was instantaneous. After that, it was the straightforward and transparent nature of the business and product range. How could I say no?
Finally, I’ve always strongly believed in the use of data to optimise business performance. Machine Compare share and act upon this belief also.
What do you love most about our industry?
Clêo: The fact that no matter how different we are, people are always open and welcoming. Mix that with the technology innovations coming through in every direction, and there you have my reason.
Is there anything you’d like to change?
Clêo: I’d love to change how businesses collaborate. It’s true that it changes from country to country, but I think our industry could do better at working with other businesses without being put off by geographical barriers.
We see that happening within the big multinationals, however, I would love to see that on a global scale throughout every business sizes.
The COVID-19 crisis has impacted businesses and supply chains across the board. How do you see this impacting manufacturers and suppliers?
Clêo: The impact is complicated and it changes from region to region, but especially across industries. Companies have started to understand that processes will have to change by force in this new reality.
For example, I think suppliers will have to now fully embrace technology, broadening their reach and adapting purchasing, sales and channel strategies as people won’t be making as many visits in real life anymore.
Do you think there are positives to come from the crisis in a business sense?
Clêo: Just like the example from above, I think and hope that people will realise the speed at which we’ve all been living is too much. And that quality is always better than quantity.
Now, apply that in your personal life, in your relationships, in your business. Can we all search for that 80/20 rule and focus on these results instead?
I get the sense you’re well-travelled thanks to the industry we’re in. Where has been your favourite place to visit?
Clêo: My favourite has to be Italy. It’s a Latin country that is close to my culture. Pair that with the wonderful food, great landscapes and great transport links, it’s the cherry on the cake.
And finally, what hobbies do you enjoy outside of work?
Clêo: My passion is to play beach volleyball. I also love to play video games, read comics and watch all the Marvel and DC movies. Also, there is a romantic and introverted side to me who loves to read, write and hopes to be a typical family man one day.
