Leading the Way

In fact, because of his supportive, patient demeanor, the entire staff of Builders FirstSource nominated Weatherly for K&BDN's 2004 Industry Leadership Awards in the category of Independent or Factory Sales Rep of the Year, in which he won first place.
"He offers, plans, pays for and, often times, teaches training classes for the products he sells, and also for other programs that provide tools for sales," reports Brausch. "He is in every week to talk to everyone, review updates and answer questions."

Weatherly goes out of his way to respond, giving out his home and cell numbers; he delivers, repairs and replaces products to help speed a project along; and provides updates on the products he sells via a newsletter.

"Weatherly is always working to increase his customers' sales, to the extent of being there for sales presentations, job site reviews, services and anything else requested," concludes Brausch.

Second Place: Lana Ramsey, Whirlpool Corp., Union Grove, WI

Rep's Responsiveness Earns Respect

"Through Lana's involvement in the Milwaukee building and design community, she is able to provide us with the latest trends and marketplace information. The knowledge she shares allows us to better identify new customers and understand their needs," explains Eileen Ziegler of Plymouth, MN-based Guyer's Builder Supply, a Whirlpool Corp. trade partner.

"Lana is very much a part of our team, and takes it upon herself to assist our reps with anything they need to perform their jobs better," says Ziegler, who nominated Ramsey for the award.

Her passion for her job and compassion for her customers, the building and design community and her local community have also won her the admiration of her customers. In fact, Ziegler points to Ramsey's fundraising efforts for Habitat for Humanity that have yielded more than $10,000 and her service on building association committees that have allowed her to lobby for issues key to the growth of the building industry.

Third Place (Tie):  Fred Martin, Quality Custom Cabinetry, New Holland, PA

Rep Goes Above and Beyond for Customers

Carol Lindell of Design Centers International (DCI) Home Resource, Charlotte, NC has experienced this first-hand, noting in her nomination that Martin works to develop a customer/supplier relationship that goes above and beyond normal expectations.

"Fred has an outstanding sense of personal accountability," says Lindell. "He returns phone calls and promptly, and takes ownership of all issues and questions, rather than deferring them to others. He participates in training and factory tours with new DCI team members, and is well versed in all aspects of cabinetry design, construction and installation."

Lindell further indicates that Martin has managed to become part of the DCI family, "despite the sizeable physical distance between his headquarters and our showroom.

"Fred attended the grand re-opening of our showroom this spring, and while most reps
arrived at 'party-time' to mingle with guests, Fred came hours before-hand to help us prepare," she notes.

Third Place (Tie): Marie Letko, KraftMaid Cabinetry, Inc., Middlefield, OH

Problem-Solving Skills Prove Endearing

"Marie Letko represents excellence in customer service. She backs up her promises and commitments, and goes to great lengths to solve my issues," says Rust. "When the distributor I was working for prepared to shut its doors, Marie had a list of employment options for me, giving me a recommendation that secured the position."

Gudiel offers, "She makes sure I believe in the product so I can sell it. She is in constant contact, making sure I attend all of the training classes and am getting all of the updates on new products."

"Marie actually visits her accounts. She makes sure we have the latest information, specs, etc. She genuinely cares about us and about our clients' needs. We can count on her," adds Larned.

Overall Excellence in Operating a Kitchen and Bath Distribution or "Whotail" Firm

First Place: Bailey Industries, Inc., Leesburg, FL

Sometimes success is all in the right packaging.
In the case of Leesburg, FL-based Bailey Industries, Inc. a distributor of construction industry products and services this idea certainly rings true. The company took top honors in K&BDN's 2004 Industry Leadership Awards in the category of Overall Excellence in Operating a Kitchen and Bath Distribution or "Whotail" Firm.