IMAX is lucky to have a rep force full of energetic and interesting people. It’s true! Each rep has their own story to tell of what makes them who they are. To help you get to know our sales team a little better, we decided to feature a rep each month right here on our blog.
We would like to introduce you to Barb Petersen, our July rep of the month!
We’ve asked Barb a few questions, and posted her answers below. After you get to know her, if you like Barb as much as we do (and we know you will), be sure to say “hi” in the comments section below the post.
How long have you worked with your sales group?
I have been with Krysan and Associates for 2 1/2 years.
How long have you worked as a sales representative?
I started in the rep business 22 years ago.
Complete the following statement: I LOVE selling IMAX because…
I LOVE selling IMAX because there is something for everyone. I have a large geographical territory and also a largely diverse area. Some of my customers are urban and some are rural and with IMAX I have something to offer them all. I also like selling IMAX because everyone in the customer service department is so helpful. I really feel like we are a team!
Complete the following statement: I got into repping because… I had worked for a photographer in the Omaha area and I worked very closely with a rep for a large high end frame company. She was taking on a different territory and suggested I look into taking her position. I had been in retail most of my life and wanted a position where I could be off on weekends (to go to horse shows) and also have the opportunity for more income.
What do you like most about your job?
My customers… I have some of the best and most loyal people as my customers. I have made relationships that I know will continue long after I have left this business. I feel like we also are a team when we work together. We are both wanting to help the consumer make great choices and be happy with the way IMAX has enhanced their home.
What do you like least about your job?
The overnight stays and the dashboard dining. When you are on the road your after work hours are not your own. You are not home doing fun things like… mowing the lawn or going to the grocery store, ha ha. Eating on the run is also not fun. There are times when my next appointment is 50 miles from the last and there is just no time to stop and eat so I have to eat in my car. My daughter-in-law, Val made a comment one time that I am the only one she knows with a 7 passenger SUV that only one person can fit in. (I always have my car full of catalog cases and samples.)
What is your favorite stress releaser? i.e. At the end of a long road trip, long day, long market or tough sales month?
I love spending time with my horse. My husband and I show reining horses so we need to spend as much “in the saddle” time as possible. Although that time in the saddle is not physically relaxing the mental break for those 2 hours is great.
You travel on the road and to markets – what is your favorite travel tip that you would like to share?
Take lots of comfortable shoes. After so many hours on your feet you need to change shoes often. It is amazing how that most comfortable pair of shoes on day 1 is your enemy on day 2.
Fill in the blanks: When I go to market I always, plan on eating right, but I never do. I wish I could be more disciplined at market. There are too many desserts in the breakroom.
What are some of your best retailers doing to be successful?
My successful customers greet their customer when they walk in the door. They converse with the customer to get an idea of why that person is there. Then they show the customer product that might be a fit. I have some customers that will allow the consumer to check product out and take items home on approval. I also have some that will take the product to the customer and help them with placement. It is so important for the consumer to see large items in the area that it will be in. Real customer service is what keeps my retailer in business.
What are retailers in your area asking for?
My territory is so diverse but the one thing they all want to know is: “What is new?” They trust IMAX to know what the hot new category or color is for that season. They also want great price points and lots of choices and I definitely can help them with that!
What is the funniest or most interesting thing a customer has ever said to you?
I think the funniest thing someone has said to me is: “I hate working with reps”. When I asked her why she said it was because reps will not let her be the only one who has the line.
If you could have any position, career or job, what would it be?
From the time I was 8 years old I wanted to be an Equine Veterinarian.
Name something on your bucket list.
I would love to qualify my reining horse for the AQHA World Show in OKC. I need to hurry up and get that done before I really get old!
Tell us about your children/family/pets.
My husband Ron and I live on a farm northwest of Omaha. We met (at a horse show) our senior year of high school and have been “horsing around” together since then. In addition to our 3 horses we have Hallee, our Australian Shepard.
We have two sons Brian and Brett. Brian and his wife Valerie live in Lincoln with their two children. Matt is 21 and going to college and also in the Army National Guard. Melanie is 19, attending college and completed her basic training with the Air Force last fall. Brian is a helicopter and fixed wing pilot with the Nebraska State Patrol Air Wing. He also spent a year in Iraq with his Army unit and has since retired as a Major.
Brett and his wife Janet live in Brookfield IL. They have three children, Malene 5, and twins Trygg and Torunn who just turned 3 in May. Brett is owner of Petersen Performance Labs and he coaches triathletes in the US and Europe. He also is a triathlete coach for Northwestern University in Evanston IL.
