Alper Akkurt began his journey with Tridge in 2021. Over the past three years, he has been instrumental in shaping Tridge’s success in Türkiye. With a bachelor's degree in agricultural engineering and a master's in logistics and supply chain management, Alper’s career progression at Tridge has been remarkable, advancing from Logistics Specialist to Origination Manager, and now holding the role of Account Executive. He is known for his passion, humility, and tireless dedication.

Could you introduce yourself and your experience before Tridge? 

▶I am Alper Akkurt from Turkiye, currently working as an Account Executive based in Turkiye. I have been here for the past 3 years.  With a bachelor's degree in agricultural engineering and a master's degree in logistics and supply chain management, I have progressed from a Logistics Specialist to an Origination Manager and now work as an Account Executive. Before Tridge, I worked on plenty of modern agricultural greenhouse installation projects and gained expertise in the entire process from cultivation of a product in this field to its place on the table. 

What drew your attention to Tridge?

▶ What initially caught my eye was that Tridge is a multinational company. I was looking for a global organization to work with, and I discovered a vacancy post on LinkedIn about Tridge’s opening in Türkiye. After some research, I was impressed with Tridge’s services and reputation. Seeing Tridge featured in Forbes further confirmed my decision, and three years later, I am still here, proud to be part of the team.

Q. What does a day as an Account Executive look like in Tridge and any tools you utilize?

▶ Every Account Executive has a routine. For me, my day usually starts with preparing for scheduled meetings. On days without meetings, I focus on prospecting and researching potential clients. I often create lists of prospects and study their executives' profiles on social media to foster more meaningful connections. In my region, face-to-face meetings tend to be more effective than cold calls or emails, so I prioritize building personal relationships.

Maintaining productivity is especially important in a global work environment where time management is key. Collaborating across different time zones requires careful scheduling to ensure seamless communication. I prioritize conversations with my HQ team members in the morning, as it aligns with their evening time. Regular sync-ups are essential to keep everyone aligned.

We use Tridge’s comprehensive Market Intelligence platform which offers invaluable critical data and insights, including market trends, competitor analysis, and pricing strategies. Access to accurate and up-to-date information helps us optimize strategies and stay ahead in a competitive landscape.

Q. How would you describe the work culture and environment in Tridge’s Growth Solutions team?

▶ Our work culture is deeply rooted in collaboration and mutual respect, reflecting both the values of our company and the diversity of our global team. We prioritize open communication, ensuring that all voices are heard regardless of location or time zone.  Our environment is dynamic, and we are constantly striving to innovate and achieve new milestones—something that resonates with Korean work culture, which I appreciate

Q. How do you collaborate with the HQ and other global teams, particularly those based in South Korea? Have you learned any valuable lessons from your South Korean colleagues?

▶ Working within a global team requires both a deep understanding of your region and the ability to build and analyze your customer portfolio effectively. As a representative of the company in the field, it's crucial to reflect Tridge's goals and values. In sales, we are the driving force of the business, ensuring that progress continues.

Our headquarters in Korea provides us with essential support, including feedback and service improvements. I always keep this in mind when collaborating with HQ, offering constructive feedback to aid in decision-making and maintaining high service standards. I hold my Korean colleagues in high regard—they exhibit a remarkable work ethic and discipline that truly inspires me. Their flexibility in managing global schedules is admirable and reflects the deep-rooted culture of commitment central to the South Korean work environment.

Q. Could you share any memorable success stories or achievements during your time in sales at Tridge?

▶During my time at Tridge, I have been fortunate to contribute to several important milestones. One notable success was securing a deal that took six to seven months to finalize. Throughout the process, I remained persistent, kept communication open, and maintained patience, ultimately leading to a successful sale.

This accomplishment would not have been possible without the support of my colleagues and the guidance of my manager at HQ. His involvement in client calls and demo sessions was crucial to navigating the complexities of the deal. For me, sales focus on building relationships, nurturing connections, and leveraging the expertise of a strong team. With Tridge's innovative services, we can attract client interest and demonstrate clear value in our offerings.

Q. In what ways have you grown both personally and from the company's perspective since you started working at Tridge?

▶During my time at Tridge, I’ve significantly enhanced my expertise in foreign trade, sales, logistics, and customs. This is then aligned with Tridge’s global supply chain management, market intelligence, and customer analysis activities. My understanding of global markets has deepened, and I have honed my skills in supply chain management, enabling me to navigate complex trade scenarios, build strong client relationships, and contribute meaningfully to the company’s strategic goals. As Tridge has evolved,  I have been proud to play a role in its growth, particularly in Türkiye and the region.

Q: Tridge is in the business of food, but what’s your favorite comfort food or indulgence?

▶ In Türkiye, my favorite comfort food is a hearty kebab. Whether it’s an Adana kebab, döner, or shish kebab, it’s always a delicious and satisfying meal. Served with fresh bread, rice, and vegetables, it’s the perfect indulgence for any occasion.

Q. What words resonate with Tridge, and do you have any advice for people who want to apply for a sales position at Tridge?

▶ The word bridge comes to mind when I think of Tridge, as the company connects market players across the globe, much like a bridge. Another key concept is market intelligence, which I believe represents the future of the agri-food business.

As for advice, if you have the patience to handle long sales cycles and the determination to achieve your goals while maintaining clear communication with clients, you will do well in sales. Tridge provides the autonomy to manage your region, allowing you to develop strategies that align with company objectives. Additionally, the flexibility to establish a work-life balance and the support from managers creates an environment that fosters both personal and professional growth.