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 Becky Jones, our October rep of the month!
We’ve asked Becky a few questions, and posted her answers below. After you get to know her, if you like Becky 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 worked with Appleman Schauben for 19 1/2 years.
How long have you worked as a sales representative?
I have been a sales representative for 27 years.
Complete the following statement: I LOVE selling IMAX because…
IMAX truly offers something for everyone! It is a great line for designers to buy because they need to create a certain ambiance but are usually on a budget. They meet all their criteria with IMAX! IMAX works for the small retailer in small towns (I have lots of these accounts) and also for a contemporary urban store. IMAX provides an assortment that works for furniture stores – hugely important! They have great core products to drive the business and always introduce a lot of new items each season to keep the line fresh. IMAX does all of this at affordable prices for their accounts. They are also bringing in some higher end items to cover that area too.
I love it!
Complete the following statement: I got into repping because…
I have always been fascinated by all aspects of merchandising! When I was in school I began working in retail and loved it. I began a career in retail and also worked for some friends in wholesale at several markets. I was hooked! It was a natural to start repping. I love working with the retailers.
What do you like most about your job?
I love the flexibility. I like working with my customers… seeing their stores… their product mix. It helps me guide them to the right product for them. I love it when I can help “make it all work”!
What do you like least about your job?
The long trade shows…. but that’s just part of the job. It’s great to see all the new items at the show and be able to bring ideas and excitement back “on the road” to my customers.
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 actually like driving. It helps me decompress after a long day or trip. It also gives me time to listen to good music or catch up on talking to my friends. When I get home from a trip, I love playing with my cat or working in the yard. All good stress releases.
You travel on the road and to markets – what is your favorite travel tip that you would like to share?
My favorite travel tips:
1. Always keep a bag packed with everyday toiletries…. you are less apt to forget necessities if you do this, even if you have two of almost everything (one for home/one for the road)… a lot less stressful to pack.
2. If you really enjoy your favorite coffee at home, take your own coffee to the long markets. It makes your stay a lot more enjoyable.
Fill in the blanks: When I go to market I always, wish all of my rep friends could get together before the show and have a great evening, but I never seem to be able to do that because there is always so much to do to get ready for the trip. I wish I could sleep later in the mornings while at market. I think everyone wishes that!
What are some of your best retailers doing to be successful?
-They really work on their displays, whether it’s featuring one company or combining many items from many companies to create a theme and excitement.
-They read trade publications always checking out what’s trending.
-They know who their customer base is and buy for them, with a twist for the new!
-They work to have a steady reorder system to always try to have their stock filled in.
What are retailers in your area asking for?
They want “the current look” but at reasonable pricing as a rule. They are always asking if there are specials & what are they. They are very grateful for free freight or freight allowances & dating whenever possible.
What is the funniest or most interesting thing a customer has ever said to you?
Most interesting: My first year as a rep, one of my customers who had been in retail for a long time, drilled me on all of my lines and did this probably for the first three times I called on him. Whew! He was really tough! I just hoped it would not always be this way. As it turned out, he became one of my best customers. He owned his own specialty shop but had been trained as a buyer for a large department store. He only wanted to work with someone who knew their lines. He taught me to “always be on my toes” so to speak!
If you could have any position, career or job, what would it be?
I like what I’m doing. I have been in management and don’t want to do that again. I like the freedom that this job allows me to have. I like working with people, one on one & creating relationships. I still like merchandising.
Name something on your bucket list.
I have always wanted to go to Hawaii to see how beautiful it is & still plan to do so.
Tell us about your children/family/pets.
We have one grown daughter who lives within driving distance, so we always like to visit with her whenever we can. We have one very pretty & funny little diva cat who is at home with us.
Tippy keeps us laughing! She’s a trip!
