Meet Gustav Sandquist

Gustav Sandquist wants to make sure everyone knows Luleå, Sweden is far from where much of the country's population live and work. Sweden's northernmost major coastal city, Luleå lies just 140 kilometers south of the Arctic Circle. Sandquist, 45, was not only born and raised here, but since 1995, he has worked here in sales for TV4, for the last seven years as sales manager. And now he is a finalist for Sales Manager of the Year in the Bonnier Sales Awards.

"It was a tough beginning when I started and the local sales organization was brand new," he says. "But it's been a real adventure and we've become really successful. It makes it easier, of course, that TV4 is such a forward-thinking company and successful in and of itself. It feels good to come in to work every morning."

Sandquist gives credit to his team for his winning the nomination: the team has had a good year and people are motivated and positive, he says. As for the award, he is proud to have been nominated. "It's great," he says. "You really don't expect to get this kind of recognition."