An interview with one of CallSource’s Automotive Key Accounts Managers, Greg Semerdjian.
Name: Greg Semerdjian
Title: Key Accounts Manager
When did you start working for CS? January 2013
What position did you start in? Customer Care
What is your current position? Key Accounts Manager
You’ve held quite a few positions in CallSource. Care to walk us through those?
I started in Customer Care in 2013. After that, I transitioned to an Automotive Account Manager before finding my way into Auto Media. From there I have been in advising and Project Management both within Automotive and our Strategic Programs division.
How have your priorities and responsibilities changed and shifted with each different position you’ve held with CS?
While the titles have changed over the years, at the end of the day my primary responsibility has always been relationship management. Whether that relationship is with an individual dealership or one of our strategic partners, the goal is still to set that partner up with the correct solution to ensure their needs are met.
What is your favorite part about your workday?
Even though I am coming up on 6 years with CallSource, I still feel like I learn something new every day.
What would you say is your greatest accomplishment so far with your career at CallSource?
Running point on completing a particularly difficult integration for one of our Tier 1 relationships. This project had been off and on over the years (even preceding my time at CallSource) but once we had the right team in place we were able to finally complete that integration.
You not only participate in many of our Corporate Games sporting events that we do every year, but are also a part of the non-work affiliated but almost-all CallSource employee softball team, Dirty Pitches. What is your favorite sport to play and what do you like best about playing these group sports outside of work?
Being a former wrestler, I love to get on the mat any time I can. Also being someone that doesn’t heal as fast as he used to, baseball/softball would be a close second. As for getting the team involved, one thing that CallSource does better than anywhere else I have worked is people.
We work hard but also have a good time. Where else have you worked that you actually want to spend even more time outside of the office with your co-workers? Outside events like corporate games and the Dirty Pitches give us an opportunity to have fun off the clock and get to know each other even better which I feel translates to an even better work environment.
I know you’re one of my go-to Game of Thrones fans to talk to the next day after new episode premiers. Now I have a few questions.
- Are you pumped we’re getting the last season soon? Summer has been going on for way too long, winter is finally coming.
- Who is your favorite character? It’s a tossup between the Faceless Man and Oberyn.
- Who do you hope/think will get the iron throne? I’m rooting for Tyrion but it seems like the cards are playing out in Jon Snows favor.
Since GoT hasn’t been on, what are some other binge-worthy TV shows that you’ve been enjoying?
Right now we (my wife and I) are running through Man in the High Castle and American Horror Story.
Something else besides TV shows that I know you also have good taste in is food. What are some of your favorite dishes to cook/eat and a good restaurant you recommend people try if they are ever in the LA area?
I like to experiment with all kinds of food in the kitchen but right now I’m really into BBQ. As for restaurants, some of my favorites are Raffi’s Place in Glendale, Sushi Raku in Agoura Hills, and The Hat.
You became a dad almost two years ago. What’s your favorite part about being a dad?
Every day is something new. It is amazing watching the world you know through the eyes of someone discovering it for the first time.
You always come to work with a great spirit and attitude, even despite getting here at 6am most days. What’s your secret?!
Even a dream job can become a drag depending on how you approach it. All jobs have their challenges but if I can have fun with what I do and help others have fun with what they do, those challenges seem easier to overcome. That and I drink (probably too much) coffee.
