Recently, an extensive training program was held for 67 distributor sales personnel of Emak USA and Blount International. For three and half days, the attendees were focused on increasing their product knowledge and demonstration skills for all the products they sell.
"efco University, with the theme 'Mission Possible' was developed to help our distributor salesmen become more familiar with our company and the features and benefits of our products. We held classroom sessions and then went outside for hands-on demonstrations of each of the 39 models we now offer, " said Lee Richey, general manager.
Attendees were also exposed to the all-new Blount Kansas City Distribution Center and had access to their state-of-the-art training facility. Distributor sales personnel learned important updates, saw and used new products, honed their skills with existing products, and saw some of the products being produced. Over a four hour period in the afternoon, everyone ran all 39 pieces of the efco line, including the new products.
efco University's goal was to bring the distributors and their sales representatives together to review the existing product line and introduce six new products. They were given a complete review of the product line, as well as a review of the company background and history of the efco product line.
Many attendees found the highlight of efco University to be the hands on demonstrations which offered them the opportunity to learn how to properly demonstrate and run the equipment. All the personnel who did run each piece of equipment were entered into a contest, with prizes that included $50, $75, $100, and a grand prize of an iPad. Joe Scroggin from RBI, Inc. took home the grand prize at the end of the day.
The event wrapped up with a graduation ceremony and celebratory dinner. Every attendee graduated and received a diploma from efco University. To recognize those sales representatives who have had the greatest success with the efco brand, Emak awarded three reps with limited edition efco watches. Tim Slack of Menominee Industrial Supply, Arnette Leland of Menominee Industrial Supply, and Chuck Wonstetler of Lawn Care Distributors demonstrated the best success with an individual dealer through education and marketing of the brand.
