Deven Cathan – The Super Salesman’s 22-Year Journey with Aryze

Deven Cathan has salesmanship in his blood. This exceptional salesman has been a part of the Aryze (formally La Trobe Co. Ltd) team since its inception in 2001. He played a pivotal role in the company’s creation. Working for another distribution company at the time, he was part of the team who convinced the CEO, Lawrence Wong to start his own venture, which marked the beginning of the Aryze journey.

“I had been working with Lawrence for six years. I knew him well and enjoyed working with him. He’s a good person, even though we occasionally have our playful disagreements. He once told me I made his blood boil [laughs], but it’s all in good spirits,” he explains.

Deven fondly recalls Aryze’s humble beginnings, with a team of three salesmen and a few helpers, a rented house in Curepipe serving as their store, and long hours on the road, visiting shops and supermarkets to introduce various products and set the business in motion.

“In the beginning, we sold whatever we could get our hands on, from brooms made out of coconut to mops, a bit of everything. Then, we quickly launched Snowy, and everything took off, although it took time to get where we are today,” the salesman reminisces. Deven was particularly touched when Lawrence invited employees’ spouses and children to the company’s first Christmas party. It reaffirmed his belief that he had found his place in the wonderful family that is Aryze.

Deven’s passion for his job is extraordinary. Around 2010, he was promoted to Supervisor, a well-deserved recognition of his hard work and dedication. At the same time, one of the salesmen was attacked on the road and couldn’t work anymore. Without telling anyone, Deven stepped in, hit the road, and continued practicing the profession he adores and would never abandon for anything.

You must witness Deven in action with clients! Charming and eloquent, he knows how to strike a chord and gain everyone’s appreciation. “I enjoy having a little chat with clients, talking to them about what they love. Some are passionate about football, others about horse racing… It builds trust, and sales happen naturally afterward,” he confesses.

In his 22 years with the company, Deven takes great pride in saying that he can count the days he took sick leave on one hand. A true legend at Aryze, the Super Salesman continues to write his story and has even postponed his retirement to stay “on the road”!