Interview with Cozmin Abu Joma
From Trainee to Plateau Manager, a dynamic career in clearance acquisitions
At DARE, we believe every career path tells a story of ambition, resilience, and growth. Few embody that better than Cozmin Abu Joma. Starting 11 years ago as a Trainee making his first supplier calls, he quickly rose through the ranks — from Buyer to Team Manager, and today, Plateau Manager in Brașov and a member of the Pioneer Committee. His journey is marked not only by bold projects, but also by his ability to lift others, build strong teams, and lead through change. In this interview, Cozmin shares the challenges he faced, the milestones he’s proud of, and what continues to fuel his passion for growth.
Why did you join DARE?
Eleven years ago, I took my first steps at DARE as a Trainee, on the Iași Plateau. Back then, the training program lasted six weeks, and it was just as intense and competitive as today. My early days were spent learning the market, making supplier calls, building relationships, and trying to spot opportunities where others might not see them. It was the foundation for everything that came after.
When did you realize this career was the right path for you?
Only two months later, I realized that I could do more than just find opportunities. I could close them. That’s when I became a Buyer. Negotiating in the Swedish FMCG market (food, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, hygiene products, home cleaning products and personal care products) taught me a lot about persistence and adaptability. Securing deals, building supplier trust, and earning respect in such a competitive industry gave me the motivation to keep pushing forward.
What were your biggest challenges, and how did you overcome them?
My biggest challenge was understanding the true dynamics of my market. Sweden had two very particular characteristics: first, alcohol could only be sold to consumers through Systembolaget, the state monopoly. This meant hundreds of importers but only one real customer – leading to significant stock challenges for wine, beer, and spirits. Second, the cultural tradition of Fika – a cherished daily ritual and social institution centered around taking a break to enjoy a hot drink, usually coffee, with a snack or pastry in good company – meant countless confectionery producers with short shelf-life products. Identifying these niches took patience, countless supplier calls, and a lot of resilience. But once I understood them, I could bring real value to the business.
How has your growth journey taken shape over the years?
In 2017, I became a Commercial Team Manager, first building a small new team from scratch and later returning to lead the very team I had grown in. Together, we navigated rapid growth and the difficult Covid years, always finding ways to perform under pressure.
In 2021, I took on a new mission: leading the Plateau in Brașov. As Plateau Manager, I’ve worked to create a culture of trust, performance, and shared wins, just as my mentors once did for me. Alongside this, I’ve had the chance to contribute to major initiatives: from the Pioneer committee to CRM integration, Vista, Spain Key Accounts, and more. I’m proud that under my leadership, Brașov Plateau achieved the highest Year-on-Year growth for two years in a row and contributed to the development of the Ploiesti Plateau subsidiary.
Today, the Brasov plateau brings together English, Spanish, Italian, German, and Hungarian speakers who buy clearance stocks from Germany, Spain, Italy, Holland, Great Britain, Austria, Switzerland, and Hungary – with 110 people working across the Brasov and Ploiesti offices.
What motivates you to keep going?
Every stage of my journey, from Trainee to Buyer, Manager, and now Plateau Manager, has been a chance to discover clearance from a different perspective – and each step made me want even more. Every new challenge – whether operational, strategic, or people-related – is an opportunity to contribute and improve. Helping others grow – seeing team members gain skills and confidence – feels just as important as hitting business targets.
In many ways, what I try to do today is simply what others have done for me over the past 11 years. I’m deeply grateful for the guidance I’ve received from my colleagues, mentors, and managers. Their support has shaped both my career and the way I lead.
Cozmin’s story is proof that at DARE Academy, every beginning holds the promise of growth.
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 — one where ambition is nurtured, talent is recognized, and opportunities to shine are endless.
