Ray Triegaardt

With what one could say is a fairly typical start journeying into South Africa’s workforce as a kid leaving school. I started my days amongst the working populace in a casual and part time role in between retail outlets and even branching into an events management company and doing volunteer work at a few Iron Mans along the way. But the bulk of my experience currently comes from my time working at Absa Bank from 2016 to end 2021. With Absa being a place where the multi skilled thrive, my roles within the bank were just that as well, extending across multiple sections within the financial institution.

Starting out as a teller, moving swiftly onto being the branch treasurer and ATM custodian all at once, my ability to switch between varies roles, daily and on demand, made this position my own. All while maintaining the set standard of performance required by policies and procedures put in place that cannot be deviated from, as monthly reviews were undertaken. This stage helped hone my abilities to execute tasks under pressure with precision and to work efficiently and effectively with the time I'm on duty.

Soon after I'd go onto extending my roles even further into the customer services and sales aspects of the institution. With proven capabilities to be able to handle multiple high pressure roles simultaneously and completing them with all relevant administrative works attached, I was set to take on these more unpredictable roles within the branch.

With customer service duties including, but definitely not limited to:
• To the best of my ability resolving any client problems at point of contact. If not, I keep clients up to date with progress of issues and following up with relevant department set to resolve issue and keep the flow of information and communication transparent and accurate.
• Dealing with telephonic queries professionally. Managing irate phone ins and walk ins as well. 
• Guiding every one of our clients onto all channels available to them for their use within the institution for customers to get the best value out of the products and services offered. 
• Thorough knowledge of products & services goes without saying but also having the ability to level all information to each individual clients specific understanding, so that they are making informed and sound decisions.

Same as the previous roles I had at Absa, my duty as a customer service clerk was done simultaneously with my role in sales where I’d enlightened clients on the value added services/products offered and registering/selling them to members it is beneficial to.

With the daily targets set to meet month end targets, strategies needed to planned and implemented with regular team meetings held across branches and departments within branches as well. And because I was first point of contact to walk ins, my knowledge of more niche products and the ability to market the products and spot the correct members to pitch to was essential as I was directly generating leads to the consultants in more niche departments.

So with the experience that is there and constantly growing combined with the genuine passion to grow as a salesman, I do believe I've found my fire to be able to grow even further into this exciting role of a salesman and I'd top it off with an unmatched work ethic guaranteeing that I'd bring value to the next team my path on the Sales journey allows me to grow into. 

Over 7 years experience in the customer service, retail, financial and banking industries. 

Milpark Business School

Certificate in Banking Services and Advice