Fabian A. - Senior Manager, Enterprise

Title: Senior Manager, Enterprise
Location: Chicago, IL
Joined: 2012
Preferred pronouns: He/Him/His

As skillful as a race car driver and as useful as a good mechanic a block away from home, Fabian is the Grouponer you need to talk to when your mode of transportation is compromised.

First thing's first - tell us a little about your role and your team!

I’m a Senior Manager on our Enterprise team and I manage a team of 5 sales reps across our Automotive, Food and Drink, Retail, and Things To Do verticals. Our accounts are Groupon’s top revenue-generating accounts and among the most complex. I love the challenges we consistently face and it’s very gratifying serving as a consultant to our top partners.

What’s your favorite Groupon memory?

I would say there are a couple of experiences that are very “Groupon:”  the random superheroes we'd see wandering around the office, the raptor roaming the halls looking for someone to eat, and when Groupon had a Halloween zombie infestation in the elevator bank and everyone ran for their lives trying to get to work. Another unforgettable moment was when Darth Vader was in the halls looking for rebel spies. Oh man, I thought I was a goner! I do miss the office but the work-from-home flexibility is an awesome perk too.

What flexibility has remote work (or a hybrid model) provided you?

Remote work has given me the ability to manage my time more efficiently. It’s also great being able to have fresh home-cooked meals every day for lunch.

What’s been the most challenging thing you’ve worked on?

Due to Groupon’s ever-evolving platform, there are always new challenges and each one is more complex than the last. It’s difficult to choose one thing but I love the opportunity! It keeps things interesting and fresh.

What inspires you?

I’m inspired by reaching the next level. The possibility of getting to the next stage in my career is what motivates me to continue to work hard and lay the foundation for what my future can become. I recently transitioned into management and haven’t looked back.

How would you describe your leadership style?

I would describe my leadership style as welcoming and encouraging. I always try to ensure that my team feels they are being supported as much as possible. It’s important to me as I want to show that I have skin in the game and their success is our success.

How have you grown since joining Groupon?

I started at Groupon as an inside sales new business rep and moved over to account management within the year. I made the move as I really enjoyed the relationship management aspect of the role. Since then I’ve continued to be a top performer across the many roles I’ve held, eventually making my way to the National/Enterprise within 3 years, and am now managing a team as a Senior Manager.

What was your first impression of Groupon as an employer?

I was very happy to be here and I could immediately see the culture and pace were more my speed. First impressions count and I’ve been here almost 10 years, so Groupon’s first impression was a very good one for me.

How does your work impact Groupon’s mission of building the daily habit in local commerce?

My team manages big brands within most of our verticals, which brings very desirable inventory to the site for products and services that consumers need and want. Having these deals listed on Groupon gives consumers the ability to find great merchants in their backyard that they might not have realized were there. In a sense, it’s changing how consumers find businesses through exploration.

Describe the proudest moment you’ve had at Groupon.

The proudest moments I’ve had were when I won President’s Club. I’ve won twice and my second time winning was a feat in and of itself. I was a runner-up in 2015, 2016, and 2021 so I’m hoping I can win it for the third time this year.

Your role probably exists at other companies aside from Groupon…so what makes your role at Groupon unique?

Groupon is unique as it embodies the culture that it claims to have. The people are truly what makes this place great. It also helps to work and stand behind a marketing platform that is as effective as it is. There is nothing else out there that drives the results that Groupon drives and it’s amazing being a part of it.

You’re a member of Groupon Volunteers. Why did you join? Any memories you’d like to share?

I’m involved with Groupon Volunteers as it is a good way to get connected with organizations that give back to the community. My first time volunteering was for Tutoring Chicago at a picnic and I just loved getting to hang out with the next generation of Chicagoans, teaching them how to play games and sports. I also volunteer for the Figueroa Wu Family Foundation UI Health Pilsen Food Pantry which provides groceries to lower-income families in the Chicago Pilsen neighborhood.

What do your parents think you do?

My dad isn’t too sure about what I do. He just knows it’s for a company that is on the interwebs. My mom has a better idea and knows it has something to do with online coupons and vouchers.

You probably have a life outside Groupon; what are you up to when you’re not at work? 

When I’m not at work, I’m either working out to get those endorphins up, planning my next trip, traveling, or working on my car. I’m pretty handy when it comes to cars and it’s my favorite pastime.

If you could do another job for just one day, what would it be and why?

I’d be a race car driver! I frequently attend track days during the year with my own car and plan to someday race in amateur/professional classes. It’s been a dream to be on a track since I was a kid and Groupon has made it possible to keep that dream/passion going.

Tell us something that might surprise us about you.

I’ve traveled to 12 different countries and 20 different US cities. I’ve also traveled to Milwaukee by bicycle which was around 100 miles and it took about 8.5 hours to arrive.