Name: Jeff Naidu
Age: 33
Job Title: North American Retail Sales Manager
Company: Kanto
Years in the Industry: 11
Education: Marketing Management
Dealerscope’s 40 Under 40 Honoree 2021
Describe your current role.
I am responsible for the success of all North American “retail” sales. This includes some direct account management of key partners. I work closely with our internal and external sales team to close new business and find new ways to continue our growth with existing partners. As a former buyer, I am always looking at ways to add value to our relationships.
What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of?
Besides my two-year-old, I would have to say the friends and relationships I’ve made doing what I enjoy. This industry is small and you tend to work with the same people no matter where you go, so it’s always nice to like the people you work with.
What do you like best about your job?
The fluidity of the business. Every day provides a different challenge that needs new ideas and solutions. Keeps things fresh and rewarding.
What technology are you most excited about at the moment?
I’m a big fan of smart home technology. If it was up to me, everything in my house would be “smart.” I love how products we use every day are now being integrated with technology.
Who in the CE or technology industry do you look up to, and why?
I mainly look up to brands that are always evolving and willing to take risks.
What career advice would you give to people just getting started in the CE or technology industry?
It’s a fun, fast-paced industry that requires you to continually adjust the way you think. What you thought was the way to do business last year may be completely different now. Be open to new opportunities, but there is nothing wrong with growing with a strong, stable business.
What, in your opinion, is necessary for the CE/technology industry to thrive in the next five years?
Broadening manufacturing, so we are less dependent on specific countries or factories. As we have found out recently, the industry can come to a halt if certain raw goods or materials are unavailable all of a sudden.
