Saturday, June 25, 2005

WHAT I DO FOR A LIVING

I realize the last entry was a little confusing since I just revealed what I do and who I work for.

I was hired in Lexington to be a Cold Drink Account Manager.  The majority of my accounts were colleges, restaurants, bars, sport venues, state parks, hospitals, school lunch lines, etc. etc. etc. The Gravy Train. My purpose was to make sure they were happy, everything was running smoothly, contracts were being honored, special events were executed properly.

Our business is divided into two areas.  The first, the Cold Drink side, takes care of the individual on premise consumption.  Such as, when you purchase a drink at the concession stand at Rupp Arena.  It also includes the vending machines that you see in hospitals, schools and just about everywhere there is an electrical outlet.

Home Market, on the other hand, is THE BEAST.  The back bone of our industry.  The mover and shaker.  Home Market Reps call on the big kids, the Walmarts, the local grocery chains, the K-mart, the Krogers.  They deal in the "purchase it and take it home" business.  They deal in huge bulk deliveries and profit margins based on volume.

I was unable to transfer to the Cold Drink Department of any of  the local distributors in the area. I was able to interview for a Home Market Account Manager position which I ultimately was awarded.

Instead of calling on the Presidents of Universities, the Principals of  High Schools, the Athletic Directors, the Food Service Managers of Hospitals, I now call on Walmart Managers, haggle with back door clerks, and minimum wage store managers.

When I was Cold Drink, I had what is called an On Premise Account Manager who would go to some of my large volume accounts and help them order.  After 9/11 we reorganized and I was responsible for taking the orders also, but to only a handful of accounts.  I no longer had to look for and sign on new business.

So, I am in Bizarro world now.  No longer wearing skirts,  flip flops and nice clothes, but Rockports and golf shirt.  I never thought I would see the day!

My days are very structured now.  As a Cold Drink Manager, I pretty well could do that job in my sleep.

The good and very encouraging aspect of the transfer is this. Most go from Home Market into higher management positions. The opportunity for advancement has been increased 100 fold for me now that I am picking up the experience of the Home Market world.

That is why I was taught to wield a pallet jack.  It is a good thing to know.  Not that this girl will ever do it again! I have my ways of getting help when help is needed!

And I feel bad calling him the Turtle.  He is unsure and hesitant when writing up an order.  He has only been at it for two months.  I have four years of order writing behind me and I know you can't get it right all the time! Stuff happens.  But you go with your gut, you get it written, you get it approved (if it has to be) and you are out of there! He likes to talk to everyone! He is very social.

And that is the rest of the story. And my company car is a really cool AZTEK this time! 

ps...did this without spell check. Forgive me.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Okay, now I undertand a little better.  I still don't get the million to 5.5 ratio or the Marriott to Super 8 metaphor in the last entry, but the picture is a little clearer.  Good for you for moving closer to the fast track!

Anonymous said...

Yay you on a good job with so much opportunity for advancement!  It's great that you really like it too, in spite of poor Turtle.  

Too bad about those golf shirts and ugly shoes though ~ but in no time at all it'll be flip flops and flirty skirts all the way!  :)

Anonymous said...

You are such an intriguing person.  I love reading your journal.  And what an interesting profession you have.  'Cold Drink', 'Home Side'  This was so new to me.  I would love to hear more.  Pennie    

Anonymous said...

It's good to realize that you are a "Jill of all trades" in the cold drink industry. As for the turtle..........well, ya call 'em like you see 'em!    Anne

Anonymous said...

Surely, experience in as much of the field as possible is good for future promotion. As for the turtle, slow and steady wins the race, right? He will catch on. Your job sounds so much more fun than mine was!

xoxo

Anonymous said...

What an exciting job. I can't work in sales. I tried and I failed. I take my hat off to people who can because I know it is not as easy as you make it sound.  Then again, Mary is the little engine that could. You are an amazing creature!

Anonymous said...

Now I am sure I am the Turtle!  I am hesitant, and unsure, and VERY social...JAE

Anonymous said...

you will be moving on up like the Jeffersons
Marti
http://journals.aol.com/sunnyside46/MidlifeMusings

Anonymous said...

My family is split into two personality types, those who don't ever talk to anybody (me, my mom), and those who are always late because they have to talk to everybody in the room (my grandma, my brother)...I love how people are so different.  Your job sounds so exciting, I'm very impressed!

Anonymous said...

This is funny, Mary.  Who knew you were such a "girly girl?'  LOL!  I'm sure it kind of feels like a come-down though...  I have every confidence that you will be promoted beyond your wildest dreams in no more than a year.  Lisa  :-]

Anonymous said...

Sounds like it is working out well for you....more advancement opportunities, better car...sounds great!

Anonymous said...

Wow, sounds like a great job to me...you go girl.

Marlene-PurelyPoetry

http://journals.aol.com/mkolasa101/PurelyPoetry

Anonymous said...

With your looks and charm, wielding your own pallet jack? Mary, that's like buying your own drinks. When is the last time you did THAT?

Anonymous said...

Wow! Congrats!
V