So, I am new to the Forum along with being in Sales. Of course, no one likes a sales guy right? I am more than looking for other companies who have had success in the molding market, custom doors, and edge banding services.

I have no idea what your post is about. As for Salesmen or women, I like sales people, they are a great source of knowledge and they are the go to people if you have a problem.

I guess I am trying to find out how to go about marketing & sales for a custom shop like ours. I have read many posts about it, but it seems there are many options to choose from. Molding & Custom Doors are where I am struggling to get into the market with builders, designers etc.. Any suggestions would help greatly.

I don't think it's so much a matter of not being able to speak with someone, it's sometimes difficult to speak to the right people within an organization. If you're knowledgeable and offer solutions to problems and needs, don't ever view yourself as "unlikable".

I know that each time I speak with a company about their machinery or service needs I'm providing them with sound information that will help them become more efficient and profitable.

Don't ever take it personal if you're unable to schedule an appointment or speak to a key individual within a company. They may be very protective of their time. You'll need to build your reputation in the area and prove yourself before you are widely accepted.

Derrick

I have worked in the moulding industry for over 25 years here in Utah. I have helped many companies over the years, we work together to help one another be successful, I have a lot of great connections that could have helped you and was fully engaged to do just that.

In fact I have done a total of six transactions with the company you work for, AW Carter, I made moulding designs and knives for a few invoices in 2019. Each time I did work for your company I had a very hard time getting paid on time, a few empty promises and even a few lies. The straw that broke the camels back was a bounced check for $40.00.

Sometimes there is nothing you can do to break into a market if management does not have any respect for the vendors it works with, the word gets around real quick in this industry.

In business, vendors and clients are the most important people, without either one of them we don't have a business. Mutual respect toward one another is an absolute necessity. You say in your opening statement "no one like a sales guy".

I think the better statement is no one wants to work with a company they dont trust.

All the best
I hope you can turn it around
Russ @ MR

Russ, I am sorry that this has happened to you. This was before my time and apparently, this wasn't handled properly.

You are absolutely correct, it is hard to get into the market when there has been trust broken and even harder when people have a "pre-notion" about a company they haven't worked with prior.

I am not aware of the full details, but since I have started with A.W., there has been some major management changes.

Hopefully you have reached out to Russ privately and made sure all invoices were taken care of, eventually!

Rich, I did just that. It’s important to take care of your vendors, friends and family’s. I did speak with Russ and got a better understanding of the incident. I appreciate Russ of informing me of this information.

I have a feeling there is a lot more to this story than we are being told.

This company invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in new moulding equipment having minimal experience milling lumber. I was really excited to help these folks as I am with all my clients.

I suspect a classic story of the cart before the horse. They had all this money for the equipment, but when it came time to pay the vendors the funds seemed to have dried up, and from what I hear thru the grapevine I am not the only vendor who has had issues with getting paid on time.

We are all in this together, trying to help clients so we can make a living and support our families. When issues about getting paid and mistrust enter the mindset, people they are hesitant to help anybody.

I would be willing to help this company again except the terms would be prepay before any work is completed. I believe these people had good intentions, maybe they are in this industry a little deeper than anticipated, I seen this many times in my career.

I am hoping this company can be successful, they have a lot of premium moulding equipment and good men & women that can do the work, just need the clients.

Thanks Derrick for calling me, your sincerity is much appreciated, you are the only one to take the first to step try to address the problems we experienced, other folks just didn't seem to care about anybody. Your attitude is in the right place, you will be successful wherever you work.

Russ @ MR

Russ, thank you sir! I greatly appreciate it and the pleasure was mine speaking with you. Thank you for your time.