Justyna Pikul joined Morbern in 2023 as the company’s new Canadian Sales and Marketing Director. Learn more about her background and interesting life experience in this interview.
You’re new to the Morbern team. Tell me a little about your professional background.
I joined Morbern in June 2023, but my professional journey began in 2000. After graduating from an interior design program at Humber College, I started my career path as a space planner for a contract furniture manufacturer. In 2009, I transitioned into contract furniture sales as an independent rep in Toronto and across Canada. Prior to joining Morbern, I spent six years as an Account Manager for Mayer Fabrics, serving the Toronto market, where I collaborated with furniture manufacturers and customers.
Why work for Morbern? What makes them stand out?
I admire that they’ve built a family-owned business into a global company, with representation all over the world. The company’s culture, its people and the ability to develop products to suit a customer’s specific needs are remarkable.
How are Morbern’s vinyls superior to other products in the marketplace?
Continuous innovation makes them rise to the top. Morbern’s people behind the scenes and out in the field who do the research and development, are immensely talented and driven to develop exceptional products. But a finished product isn’t the end. They repeatedly review and reengineer them, creating alternate versions that solve different problems.
Do you have a favorite Morbern product? Tell us what it is and why you like it.
That’s a tricky question – all products have their own benefits and features depending on the need. If I had to pick one, it would be Allante Free because of its comprehensive color options and its luxurious, supple leather-like hand. Allante Free is part of our MorGreen program, which includes Morbern’s sustainability journey and the products that exemplify it. Allante Free has high-performance features but is free of flame retardants, anti-microbial resistant additives and ortho-phthalates.
Where do you call home?
I was born and raised in Poland and moved to Canada in 1992. Poland will always have my roots but HOME is where my family is and right now that is Toronto.
What can we find you doing when you’re not at work?
When I’m not working, I enjoy being outdoors either walking, hiking, or biking with my two boys who are growing up way too fast. “Me” time, usually consists of hot yoga or walks by the water, which both allow me to ground myself, clear my mind and recharge.
What’s the best business advice you’ve ever received?
There are two pieces of business advice that have always stayed with me. One is that skills can be learned, but values cannot. The second piece of advice is never be afraid to fail. Failure is a learning experience.
What, or who drives you to do better, greater things in business?
Customer satisfaction. And that applies not only to products but also to service. People may forget what you say, but they will never forget how you made them feel.
Who has been your greatest mentor?
My father is my greatest mentor, both personally and professionally. To this day, he inspires not only me but also everyone in our family with his dedication, wisdom and the profound impact he has had in shaping our lives.
What would you put on a billboard? (something that is so important you repeat it again and again)
Mind over Matter
What are you currently reading (this could be something for business or for personal enjoyment)?
For Business: Outliers
For Personal: The Purpose-Driven Life
If you wrote a book about your life, what would be the title?
The Power of Resilience.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
I own a toolbox and have a small vegetable garden. Having grown up on a farm, immersed in the world of agriculture and carpentry, I gained valuable skills that I apply in my everyday life, and also pass down to my kids.
What habits have you purposefully developed (in business or in life) that have served you well?
Listen and communicate, and always ask. If you don’t ask, the answer will always be no. And I must add, being a mother of two boys, has also taught me great negotiation skills!
What do you consider your greatest business accomplishment?
My ability to listen to customers, identify problems and provide solutions has led me to win over major projects and build strong, long-lasting business relationships.