AIM Magazine 2016 | Page 95

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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