Michael Coulter holds a degree in supply chain management, but a degree is not an absolute must for working at the company, he said.
“ A business economics class can teach you supply and demand,” he said.“ You can learn fiscal responsibility from that.”
The Springdale company has grown tremendously since John Coulter started. The business started in a section of the warehouse but took over the entire building as it grew. The company’ s most recent expansion was to take over a warehouse next door and move the heating and air conditioning business there.
“ When the economy went bad, we were faced with cutting back,” Coulter said.“ Instead, we went out, found more customers and grew.”
The company’ s sales careers provide opportunities for those interested in business.
Finding more customers is the key to personal income for the sales force, Coulter said.
Applicants need to have basic computer skills, be dependable, have a sense of pride and be able to work in a team atmosphere, Coulter said.
Being involved in school clubs and activities could give you an edge.
“ We look closely at applicants who participated in extracurricular activities,” Coulter said.“ That shows they can work with other people. We also want people who can take instruction and can handle being pushed to learn and taking more responsibilities.”
Prospective employees should have discipline, a good work ethic, a drive to succeed and a desire to make it, he said. You must also have a good driving record and pass a background check and a drug test.
“ We’ re sending the drivers out in a $ 60,000 truck,” Coulter said.“ We want them to drive safe and make a good impression on the customers. The customers see the delivery driver all the time.”
Employees need to develop a sense of ownership in the company, which can lead to financial ownership, Coulter said.
“ We have people working here who own stock in the company,” he added.
Also, the company offers its employees health insurance and vacation time.
Springdale Winnelson belongs to a 580-company nationwide network. That gives employees who move to another part of the country a leg up on a job with Winnelson in that area, Coulter said.
“ We can’ t guarantee them a job, but they can get an interview,” Coulter said.
“ People coming out of here usually will be hired, he said. We train our employees very well.”
“ If you’ re working here, you need to be setting goals, filling your goals and setting new ones,” Coulter added.
Prospective employees can apply at the company office at 1002 Sterwin Street in Springdale.
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