Janet Lam
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 Janet Lam, our December rep of the month!
We’ve asked Janet a few questions, and posted her answers below. After you get to know her, if you like Janet 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 them since they began – a total of 20 years next spring. Wow! Were did that time go?
How long have you worked as a sales representative?
I’m afraid to say it, but 34 years this January.
Complete the following statement: I LOVE selling IMAX because…
… It ships and it sells! Those are the best things a rep can ask for. There is also a tremendous amount of diversity in the line so there is basically something for everybody.
Complete the following statement: I got into repping because…
… I was in retail – enough said.
What do you like most about your job?
Working with new customers who are open to new ideas and new styles – people willing to change it up and do something new. The creative aspect is also fun. I love when I am working with creative people no matter what part of the business – merchandising, design or marketing.
What do you like least about your job?
Shows! I like seeing my friends and customers as well as all the new merchandise, but the sore feet get to me! I wish shows were shorter (maybe only 5 days), and everyone had to come take care of their business and that was it. I would even be able to handle longer hours if that were the case!
What is your favorite stress releaser? i.e. At the end of a long road trip, long day, long market or tough sales month?
Coming home to my babies – my two dogsters, Wallis, a Yorkie, and Cuba, a Westie. They always greet me with a lot of enthusiasm and are always up for a walk, a ride in the car, or just a fun game of catch.
You travel on the road and to markets – what is your favorite travel tip that you would like to share?
Pack a cooler with water and fruit or healthy snacks for short trips. Pack black and navy rule as far as pants and multiple tops that you can switch out. This cuts way down on packing and what you end up carting around. And of course pack a comfortable pair of shoes (or two)!
Fill in the blanks: When I go to market I always, leave wanting to go shopping at IKEA, but I never get to. I wish I could get there during my time at market.
What are some of your best retailers doing to be successful?
They are looking at new ways to connect with customers. Social media is big, but many go out to customers’ homes to consult about design work or are doing events for customers – anything to expand the relationship with them.
What are retailers in your area asking for?
They love free freight or discounts, but mainly the want well-designed product that’s on trend with good value for the money.
What is the funniest or most interesting thing a customer has ever said to you?
As long as I have been a rep, I could literally write a book! One of the funniest things was when I visited a small town years ago, and the shop owner wanted to know if I was interested in permanent eyebrows, as she had just added the service to her very eclectic shop. One look at her eyebrows was all the motivation I needed to announce I had to get on the road to my next appointment!
If you could have any position, career or job, what would it be?
Probably as an importer or buyer for a home line. I love to travel to exotic places and buy wonderful, unusual things to bring home.
Name something on your bucket list.
Probably that I need to get a bucket! I used to think I wanted to sky dive, but now I think that I will be happy to just travel in a plane, not out of it!
Tell us about your children/family/pets.
I met my husband in Italy in school and have been married to him for 32 years. We have two crazy, wild and hysterically funny pooches who are the center of our lives. They make us laugh everyday at their antics.
