A Week with Cecilia
1,500 kilometers, 10 to 12 company visits, and a phone that rarely stops ringing.
Cecilia lives in Bucharest, works closely with the VAEX Romania team in Arad, and visits clients and suppliers all over the country. Her workweek consists of phone calls, company visits, and many hours on the road.
Monday: the week starts in Bucharest
The week starts from home in Bucharest. Around 7:00 am, Cecilia checks the outstanding payments. Between 8:00 and 8:30 am, she calls Carmen to set the priorities for the day and the week. After that, her phone is almost constantly on. Clients, suppliers, drivers, and veterinarians all require her attention.
Tuesday: loading piglets and visiting clients on the road
On Tuesday, Cecilia hits the road. She is present during the loading of piglets and then continues on towards the client. Whenever possible, she combines the trip with visits to other companies. These conversations are not just about price or planning. Cecilia listens, asks questions, and gets to know the people behind the business.
Wednesday: unloading and heading towards Arad
On Wednesday, the piglets arrive at the client. Cecilia checks how the delivery went and discusses what the company will need next time. After that, she continues on towards Arad. On the way, she often combines the trip with another client visit.
Thursday: a day with the team in Arad
Thursday is usually one of the busiest commercial days of the week, especially because that's when the slaughter pigs are also sold. At the office in Arad, Cecilia works with Eva on the invoices she has collected during her trips. With Adina, she goes through contracts and other documents signed by clients and suppliers. Most of the commercial work is discussed together with Carmen. Not every conversation is about pigs. That personal connection is part of how the Romanian team works together.
Friday: even the road home is a workday
On Friday, Cecilia drives back towards Bucharest. But the workweek is not over yet. Along the way, she makes phone calls and visits clients. Gradually, her focus shifts to the following week. What needs to be sold? Which client deserves an extra call? Which delivery needs more preparation?
For Cecilia, there is one moment when a week feels especially successful: when she manages to make a sale to a client she has been in contact with for a long time. Building relationships takes time. She listens. She keeps calling. And she stays in touch.
“I love being among people”
Ask Cecilia what she enjoys most about her work and the answer is simple: the people. Clients and suppliers talk to her about business, but just as often about life outside the company. “To build a good relationship, you have to listen and try to find the best solution for their problem.” Sometimes, she very clearly chooses the side of the client.
And then there are weeks when no schedule holds up. ASF can suddenly change three weeks of planned shipments. Farmers need answers. Trucks have to be redirected. Clients need different piglets. That’s when Cecilia’s knowledge of people and the market becomes important. Her role is commercial. But a large part of her work revolves around something harder to measure: being there.
Twenty years ago, Romania was mainly a destination for imported piglets. Today, Romanian companies supply most of the piglets VAEX trades locally. Professional producers are investing. Local relationships have grown stronger. The market is still changing rapidly. But some things last longer. The market changes. The relationships remain.
Working for VAEX for 10 years
Working for VAEX for 10 years
Cecilia and a client
Cecilia and a client
Magazine
Our magazine offers you a glimpse into the world of international pig and livestock trade. With up-to-date market information, inspiring stories, and practical insights. For everyone who wants to stay informed and discover new opportunities.
