I’ve been working as an
independent Manufacturers Representative in the Midwest for two years;
but was also born and raised here. I’ve been working mainly with
climbing related companies (Kayland, Blue Water, Trango, e-Grips,
Integral Designs), as climbing is my passion.
My prior experience lies in
Outdoor Retail as I did 9+ years with Ames Outdoor. The better part of
which I served as the Buyer, Manager, Merchandiser, etc.... In that time I turned a
previously Army Surplus laden shop into the premiere outdoor stop in the
area-during my reign we were the #1 seller of MHW in the Territory. I
emphasized product knowledge coupled with hands on use to my staff-who
have gone on to manage a number of other outdoor shops throughout the
U.S.
Somewhere in that same
grouping of time I worked my way through a degree in Philosophy-hence
the non-related job field-and continued to climb regularly. My climbing
resume is pretty solid with the highlights including but not limited to:
Aconcaugua, Denali(x3), The Mexican Volcanoes, Mt.Logan, Grand
Teton--and most every worthy mountain in the lower 48 by at least one if
not 6 routes.
My more recent passions have
led me to Whitewater Kayaking throughout the Midwest and the Rockies, as
well as Adventure Racing. I’m a GU sponsored athlete, and won the Lyman
Spitzer Award from the AAC for a new route attempt on the East Face of
Denali in ’02-unfinished business.
I have always taken pride in being competent
at sales but definitely not a salesman. I think that
it’s imperative that every transaction be of the utmost integrity and
honesty. Anyone can make the one time sale-it’s building the trust
between you and your buyers that will create the residual sales that
make a business strong.
I consider my job as a rep to
be keeping people informed and being involved. Keep both dealers and the
public informed on the assets that are particular to what you promote-i.e.
you don’t know what you haven’t got unless you’ve had it before-OR
someone tells you about it.
Integrity for Longevity is my
business motto. So being available and accountable are integral parts of
representing any line. Also by being a rep, I feel that it is imperative to
be an active contributor in the surrounding opportunities that are
relevant to the market and its betterment. If you can use what you’re
doing to help make things better, then do it.
