He grew up in a modest family, in the countryside, in Cristolt Commune in Salaj County, where he stayed until he finished secondary school

He spent his high school years in Zalau, the first two at an economic high school, but, because he was passionate about sports, in the last two years he was transferred to the Avram Iancu High School with Sports Program in Zalau.

During that period, he played soccer at FC Zalau at junior level and then went on to several senior teams.

"I can say that sport is the first thing that defined me as a man. In sport, beyond health, there is discipline, especially when you are part of a group, a team.

When I was practicing football I had a very busy schedule, I had no time to take care of other vices, the control of the coaches was very strict, even in the boarding room everything had to be tidy, cleanliness, we were not allowed in clubs, we were checked at school for absences.

I warmly recommend all parents to let their children play sports and to be part of a disciplined group where there are clear rules from which you are not allowed to deviate."

In addition to high school and sports, David started working at the age of 16, in a restaurant in Zalau, where he worked as a bartender at private events

After graduating from high school, he got a full time job in Zalau, in a cafe, as a barman. It was there that the first sparks of David's passion for hospitality began to ignite, and he realized how interesting and vast this field can be.

In 2016, at the age of 19, she enrolled at the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport at the Babes Bolyai University in Cluj

"I think that moving to another city had an important impact in defining me as a human being, when I moved to Cluj I realized that I have to stay here, I realized that the opportunities here are much bigger than in the city I came from and that I have to stay here whatever."

As a student, he worked for 6 months as a bartender in a club in Cluj, but because the program was at night, he looked for another job. This is how he ended up working at SunGarden Spa & Golf Resort in May 2016, where he is still now, after more than 8 years.

From May 2016 to May 2023 he held the position of Bartender at SunGarden Resort

He was in charge of the Outdoor Pool Bar and Spa Bar. Gradually, over the years, he discovered Spa far beyond the bar side - which was his job.

Volunteering, he also started helping his colleagues at the Spa reception when needed. Gradually, he also started to attend massage seminars with Daniela Dumitru, "where we learn massage techniques and the role of therapies in our lives".

Because his voluptuous involvement had been noticed, and because he was loved by all his colleagues, in May 2023, when the position of SPA Manager was vacated, he was offered to take over the position. "I was in parenthood, I was about to stay home for the next year".

He accepted the challenge, and so, from May 2023 he became Spa Manager, a job that he enjoys more and more each day.

Why?

Because every day they learn something new. "Ten years ago I never imagined I would end up in the spa business. What's more, back then I had no idea that this field even existed. Here I learned that nothing is impossible, you just have to really want it. I have learned to understand those around me much better and how to offer them solutions.

I can say that I have developed a lot since I became Spa Manager - from communication to conflict management, I have understood more about health and how important it is to take care of your body - much more deeply than I did in my college years and my years of playing performance football."

What's the lesson you've learned the hardest way since becoming a manager?

The importance of clear communication and managing expectations.

On one occasion, I assumed that all team members fully understood the tasks and expectations set for an important event. I didn't check to make sure each person understood their specific role, and the result was a series of mistakes and misunderstandings on the day of the event. This led to enormous stress, client dissatisfaction and a temporary deterioration in team morale. 

I have learned that it is not enough to delegate tasks and assume that everything will go according to plan. You need to communicate clearly, listen to team feedback and check progress regularly to make sure everyone is aligned.

It is also important to create an environment in which team members feel comfortable to ask questions and voice concerns. This lesson has taught me that a better leader not only directs, but also facilitates open and effective communication within the team.

What are those strengths you consider you have that help you in your job as a spa manager?

The ability to inspire and motivate the team - this helps me to keep the team close and achieve the proposed objectives more easily.

Customer orientation - in order to provide quality service, I put myself in the customer's shoes and try to do this with the team. We try to do our best to have happy customers.

Technology skills - have helped me move all bookings online with prepayment, which decreases the risk of financial loss whereby the client books a therapy and doesn't show up.

What is the greatest satisfaction you have had from your work as a manager?

The feeling that I manage to keep my team motivated and happy. I'm glad that when I arrive at work everyone is smiling and we manage to drink coffee together and finalize the aspects of the day ahead.

I strongly believe that every team member and every client should feel valued and appreciated. In my daily practice I focus on creating a harmonious working environment - where open communication and mutual support are prioritized.

Respecting and empathizing with each client's needs allows us to provide personalized experiences that contribute to their well-being. At the same time we place a strong emphasis on continuous team development.

I believe in these ideas because I've seen over time that a positive, customer-oriented environment not only enhances the customer experience, but also increases team satisfaction and engagement.

But the biggest achievement?

The fact that in the short time since I have been Spa Manager, I have managed to move all Spa bookings online with prepayment, I am passionate about technology, and I have created a software from scratch adapted to the needs of our Spa.

How do you cope with a young child and a first job as a manager? 

Children are a source of inspiration for me, our little girl is 3 years old and in the next few months the second daughter will be here.

I like to say it's hard, but beautiful. A child is the greatest blessing anyone can receive. No matter how hectic the work schedule and how many problems I would face on a busy day when I get home and they are waiting to take me in their arms and ask me:" How was your day, Daddy?" I forget about all the problems.

I try to devote all my free time to raising children because they have beautiful souls and they fill me with kindness and joy - which I later share at work. 

What is the best thing that has happened to you so far?

Caesarea's coming into the world. When Cezara appeared, I can say I felt the greatest joy of my life.

What bothers you most about society in general, what can't you stand?

It bothers me people who don't respect the rules in Romania, but if they go on a vacation they do it better than anyone.

I am bothered by people who want to get to the top without working, without starting from the bottom and expect any kind of help to bypass the steps to get to the highest level.

People who don't want to work and try to evade work by any means.

I don't like people who don't know how to do much, have high financial expectations, and don't want to develop themselves, I meet this type of people in recruitment.

I don't like people who say it's none of my business: I'm on the principle if I can help, help, if not, don't mess.

What brings you joy, fulfillment?

I feel fulfilled when I can help people, mainly people who don't have food or clothes, and when I have the opportunity to offer them a warm meal or a clean coat and see the happiness on their face, it brings me joy and peace of mind - the fact that I have managed to do a good deed for someone.

In general it brings me joy to see happy people.

What are your hobbies?

Music, fishing, and sports.

I love listening to music, so much that I made a small business out of this hobby, I went to DJ school at DJ CUE Point DJ, then I started to mix at certain events, basically I combined the useful with the pleasant.

I love to go fishing, I find it a real disconnect from the everyday world and reconnect with nature.

I practice sports every week to maintain a healthy body, I do it with pleasure every time I have the opportunity.

What are your fears? 

I think I have only one fear and that is the fear of not getting sick. I see so many cases of people getting cancer and leaving too early that I have this fear.

Other fears I don't know, in general I take life with good and bad and try to learn from every failure and move on.

What are you dreaming of doing that you haven't yet managed to do - but it's in the plan?

I dream of paragliding, it seems to me an extreme but beautiful sport. I plan to do it soon, especially as I have the airfield in my neighborhood and I always see people practicing this sport. Somewhere in college I had the intention to attend a light airplane piloting course. It wasn't to be then, but I haven't given up on the idea yet.

What message would you like to convey to the world?

I would like to address myself mainly to young people who are about to finish their studies, to those who do not want to work because the salary is low or the job is not in line with what they have studied: when they start working, they had better start from the bottom. They should take each step of their career step by step, they should not be ashamed to work and not wait for everything to appear out of the blue.

David can be reached at SunGarden Golf & Spa Resort.