Rinda Clinard
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 Rinda Clinard, our May rep of the month!
We’ve asked Rinda a few questions, and posted her answers below. After you get to know her, if you like Rinda 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?
In-Detail began seventeen years ago and I have been with them since the very first day.
How long have you worked as a sales representative?
Exactly seventeen years because this was my first sales rep job.
Complete the following statement: I LOVE selling IMAX because…
It sells itself — everyone wants to buy it. IMAX is a great value for my customers. The product has a very high perceived value compared to the cost. These days everyone is looking for the best value for their money. Beyond the product, the Customer Service department is one of the best in the industry. Customers know in addition to wonderful product that quick, efficient and friendly service is what sets IMAX apart from others. They make my job so much easier.
Complete the following statement: I got into repping because…
I had been Operations Manager for another sales group for nine years and always thought being a sales rep would be the best career for me. However at the time, I was a single Mom and starting a commission job seemed very scary. When the owners of my sales agency, Georgina Weddell and Kim Pettigrew, offered me a territory with their new company, I was getting married and was in a position where I could take advantage of the opportunity. It has been one of the biggest blessings of my life.
What do you like most about your job?
Working with people is the best part of my job. I’ve made some wonderful friends with the people I work with — vendors, my fellow In-Detail sales associates, and most of all my great customers.
What do you like least about your job?
I don’t enjoy having to do reports and other paperwork. I especially dislike having to deal with the occasional credit issues. But the positives of this career definitely outweigh the negatives.
What is your favorite stress releaser? i.e. At the end of a long road trip, long day, long market or tough sales month?
A glass of a smooth Italian red wine and good conversation with my husband.
You travel on the road and to markets – what is your favorite travel tip that you would like to share?
I like to pack lightly so I always plan ahead for what I will wear each day and make sure things can mix & match… of course, several pairs of cute but mainly comfortable shoes are a must.
Fill in the blanks: When I go to market I always, eat too many salty snacks, but I never drink enough water. I wish I could only eat and drink healthy things at market.
What are some of your best retailers doing to be successful?
Many of my most successful retailers offer ongoing training for their employees. I like to give those retailers a copy of the book “Wooing Customers Back” about how to give great service. Several also plan unique events such as “Ladies Night Out” or special trunk shows. Everyone is working harder to reach their customers through various types of social media.
What are retailers in your area asking for?
They are always looking for value… and that “something” new and different.
What is the funniest or most interesting thing a customer has ever said to you?
I gave this a lot of thought but all of the outrageously funny things a customer has said to me comes from one particular customer but none of them are appropriate for publication on this blog. The things he tells me are definitely TMI (too much information). But that’s the result of developing close relationships with our customers and I wouldn’t trade that at all.
If you could have any position, career or job, what would it be?
Honestly… I’m already doing it.
Name something on your bucket list.
I love to travel and have been fortunate to travel to many places. But I still have Asia & Australia on my “to see” list.
Tell us about your children/family/pets.
Truitt and I have four great children between us – his two daughters, my son and my daughter (who also works in this industry so we get to share this fun). The daughters have wonderful husbands and have given us six amazing (I know – all grandmothers say that but mine really are) grandchildren ranging in ages from 9-13. We enjoy taking family vacations so we can spend time together as a big group. We most recently spent a week on the Florida beaches for spring break. Planning the trips is fun for me and I am always very sad when they are over. That’s why I have to be busy starting to plan the next one, which I think will be Washington DC.
