Daring to Grow: an inspiring 11-year journey
At DARE Academy, we believe that every great career starts with curiosity, ambition, and the courage to take the first step. Few stories embody this better than the story of Alex Micsa, one of our first graduates and today, the buyer with the biggest bonus in VEO’s history.
Eleven years ago Alex he joined what DARE Academy was then called Play Off. This month, he celebrated his 11th anniversary in VEO, a milestone that marks not only consistency but also evolution, excellence, and impact.
Why did you join DARE?
“I was part of the very first generation of DARE Academy. I had just finished my studies in Iasi and wanted to return to the city after working in procurement in Piatra Neamț. I found the job online and thought: Let’s do it! I joined the first recruitment event, and I immediately liked the concept of clearance: giving products a second chance.”
After only four weeks in the program, he became a full buyer with his own target. He started with the Dutch market, and from January 2015 onwards, he focused exclusively on Denmark, first in FMCG, then in home & living (toys, decorations, furniture). Furniture quickly became his favorite direction.
What were your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?
“Whenever I face a challenge, I start by asking why, where it comes from, what’s blocking us, and how we can improve. I always look for the best solution for the supplier. I’ve had suppliers I’ve worked with for over six or seven years. They’re partners who trust us and rely on our ability to find clearance solutions. At the same time, I constantly look for new business opportunities. I travel, visit suppliers, and discover their potential.
One memorable challenge turned into a turning point. A major European retailer, with over 800 stores, initially refused to collaborate because he already had shops in France near NOZ. I decided to visit him in Denmark, explained our concept in person, and after that meeting, we closed a €1.1 million deal.”
What made you continue?
“It’s one of the few jobs where purchasing and performance bonuses go hand in hand. I’ve always liked the mix between analysis, negotiation, and creativity, and the fact that we help suppliers find solutions for their blocked stock. They appreciate that we’re among the very few in Europe who can truly offer them that. At the beginning, I hadn’t closed any deals for weeks, but in the last week of the month, I managed six orders. That’s when I understood that success in this job comes with persistence and with really getting to know your suppliers.”
What do you consider your biggest achievements?
“There are three milestones I’m proud of. Together with my colleagues, we grew the Scandinavian market from €4.5 million to €30 million. At the same time, I contributed to implementing the buyer–prospector partnership system, a project that reshaped how we work commercially. And, last year, I achieved the biggest bonus in VEO’s history: over €11,000. The negotiation that led to that result was easy because I knew the supplier’s needs: speed and space. I used those to closed the deal on the spot.”
What other projects have you been involved in?
“I’ve delivered trainings across most commercial platforms and supported junior buyers through knowledge sharing. In 2021, I also spent three months in Morocco, guiding local buyers and prospectors. Teamwork remains one of my strongest motivators. In 2022, my binom (buyer & prospector) achieved the biggest order from prospecting in VEO’s history, again, €1.1 million. It was a clear sign that collaboration makes a difference.”
What keeps you motivated?
“Beyond the bonus system, it’s the idea that every day I can perform at my best and offer my suppliers the best solutions in the market. I love seeing new people joining, motivated to grow and sometimes even surpass me – that healthy competition keeps us all sharp.”
Who inspires you?
“Ramona, my first manager. Even though she’s no longer my direct manager, she still guides me. Everything I’ve achieved is also thanks to my colleagues and the training programs that helped me grow.”
A journey that started with DARE
From the first DARE (Play Off) generation to 11-year journey of determination, his story is proof that growth never stops when you stay curious, resilient, and open to learning.
At DARE Academy, we know that what starts with curiosity and determination can turn into a career filled with milestones, leadership, and impact. For those who keep learning, developing their skills, and believing in their dreams, DARE offers not just a job, but a path.
