When Axel Ramirez Gomez joined SASR in August 2022, he started as a field employee working directly on resets and project execution in stores.

Today, he’s a Project Coordinator 2 supporting projects for major retailers, including Walmart, Albertsons, Kroger, Dollar General, and Napa.

That growth didn’t happen overnight.

Through consistency, adaptability, and a strong work ethic, Axel continued taking on more responsibility in the field, building the kind of experience that naturally led him into leadership opportunities.

For Axel, one of the best parts of the role is still the people and the teamwork behind every project.

“What excites me most about my role is the opportunity to work alongside different teams across the field, build strong connections, and play a part in driving each project’s success,” he shared.

That mindset is a big part of what makes strong field leaders stand out.

Project coordination in retail environments requires more than just execution. Teams have to adapt quickly, communicate clearly, and keep projects moving in active stores where timelines can shift fast.

Before joining SASR, Axel already had experience in retail, merchandising, and team support, which helped him adapt to the pace of the work. Over time, he continued to grow into leadership roles by staying dependable and learning to support both teams and project operations in the field.

According to Michael Sims, National Account Director, Axel stood out early on for the way he approached his work and the people around him.

"Axel has consistently led by example, always bringing his best effort and setting a high standard for those around him. He genuinely cares about his team members while remaining committed to delivering projects successfully and on schedule. His impact extends beyond project outcomes, leaving a lasting impression on the teams he mentors and collaborates with."

That ability to adapt and lead has helped Axel continue moving up through the organization while working across different clients, stores, and project types.

The variety is also part of what keeps the work interesting.

Some weeks involve supporting reset teams in one location, while others may focus on coordinating larger rollout projects across multiple stores. Working with different crews and clients gives field employees the opportunity to build experience quickly and continue developing leadership skills over time.

When asked what advice he would give new employees entering travel merchandising or project work, his answer was simple:

“Stay adaptable, communicate effectively, and maintain a positive mindset. Those qualities go a long way in travel work.”

For candidates looking at merchandising or travel project work, Axel’s story is a reminder that retail experience can grow into much larger opportunities with the right mindset and determination.