Marian Costel Graur started his journey at Mega Image in 2011 as a goods receptionist at the warehouse. Back then, he couldn’t have imagined that fourteen years later he would still be working for the organization. Today, he’s Supervisor of the Frozen & Fresh Food section at the Stefanestii de Jos warehouse and the proud founder of the Mega Image Cycling Team.
From picker to supervisor
Night owl My working day typically starts around 9:30 pm and ends at 6 am. In the beginning, I had to get used to these hours. I worried about having enough time for family, friends, or even a social life. But it all worked out. I’m very disciplined and manage my time well. After work, I take a shower and go straight to bed for eight hours of sleep. When I wake up, I still have a few hours before my shift starts, which I use for a bike ride, some household tasks, or spending time with my family.
Growth opportunities From day one, I knew I wanted to build my career at Mega Image. Previous companies didn’t offer many opportunities for personal growth, so I was happy to join a company with so much room to develop. A few years into my role, a new warehouse opened, and my manager recommended me for the supervisor position. That’s how I became Supervisor, a role I still hold today. My team prepares all the orders in the Frozen & Fresh Food section. Processing thousands of orders every day makes it a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Handling the rush Of course, some days are more demanding than others, especially during the holiday season when orders skyrocket. Making sure every order leaves the warehouse on time and is loaded onto trucks as scheduled is crucial. One mistake can delay the whole schedule and disrupt the workflow. Still, I never get stressed. Years of experience taught me that stress only makes things worse. Thanks to my strong, dedicated team, we always manage to deliver on time.
Positive atmosphere
Personal approach My team includes nearly a hundred people. About half are from Romania, and the other half are Nepali. One thing this role has definitely improved is my English – I have to use it every day. I know almost everyone by name, and I try to be a supportive manager, someone the team feels comfortable approaching with any problem. I also focus on creating a positive atmosphere. Getting to know people and really listening to their needs is key to building real relationships. This role has made me a much more attentive and empathic person, which also benefits my personal life.
Compliments, not complaints Mistakes happen, that’s inevitable. I think it’s important not to dwell on them, but to fix them right away. Mistakes are not the problem; it’s how you handle them that matters. This approach fits my goal-oriented mindset. Sometimes you do need to address when something goes wrong. But I much prefer to give compliments when things go well and people work hard. That positivity helps create the kind of work environment I want, one where people can truly excel.
Employee of the Year In 2013, I was nominated for the Employee of the Year award for the first time. It was a great honor, as it’s a nationwide competition open to associates from all over the country. My team nominated me, praising my inspirational personality and the results I delivered. Not only did I win the award that year, but I also won it the following year. I was incredibly proud and happy – my certificate is even framed in my living room.
Two wheels, one passion
Mega Image in one word If I had to choose one word to describe how I feel about this company, it would be “gratitude.” I’m grateful for all the opportunities I’ve had here and for the chance to make things happen. Alongside my promotion to my current role and the amazing team I work with, launching the Mega Image Cycling Team has been the absolute highlight of my career so far.
Cycling team I pitched the idea for our own team during an internal event promoting a healthy lifestyle, which is a big focus at Mega Image. I shared my passion for cycling and proposed forming a company team. Management loved the idea and gave me the go-ahead. Today, we’re a proud group of four – one woman and three men – who participate in cycling races from time to time. I absolutely love being part of this team.
Peace, joy, and adrenaline Besides cycling with the team, I ride every day, sometimes alone and sometimes with a small group. I feel alive on two wheels. It’s a passion where I truly find myself; it brings me peace, joy, and adrenaline. I prefer riding outdoors in nature, and luckily there are plenty of beautiful landscapes near my home. When the weather is bad, I use a stationary bike. Cycling is more than a hobby or passion – it’s a lifestyle.
Quality time With such a unique day-and-night schedule and a hobby I practice daily, finding quality time with my family can sometimes be a challenge. A few years ago, I took my wife cycling with me, so now it’s something we can enjoy doing together. My daughter and I both love movies, so I try to plan a movie night with her whenever I can. Even when it’s difficult, we always manage to find those moments. I didn’t grow up in a family where everyone was always there for each other, so it’s especially important to me to be the kind of father and husband who is always there for family and friends.
Name: Marian Costel Graur (1974)
Started working at Mega Image: October 2011
Living with: My wife, Maria, and our daughter, Daria
Wake me up in the middle of the night for: Cycling – you can wake me up anytime for that. But honestly, my friends and family can wake me up for anything
Favorite holiday destination: I love warm climates. Mediterranean destinations like Spain, Greece, and Italy are my favorites
Life-changing event: The birth of Daria was a true miracle. My wife had some health challenges that made it difficult to get pregnant, so having a healthy daughter was the greatest gift of my life. It completely changed me as a person
Biggest source of inspiration: Human kindness inspires me the most. I often read autobiographies of athletes – they show what real discipline and perseverance look like. I especially loved the story of Michael Jordan
Best advice I’ve ever received: “If you want to perform at your best, you have to become friends with pain.” That advice came from my personal trainer, and it taught me that pushing through pain is essential to achieving great results in sports
