Traverse City, Michigan, United States · Remote OK
$60k–$120k/yr
Description Company Information: Creston is a distributor of metal cutting tools and related products and services with a strong presence in West Michigan from Traverse City to Benton Harbor. We are family-owned with ove…
Skills: Outside Sales, B2B Sales, Account Management, Technical Sales, CRM
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Develop and grow business relationships with customers in the Northern Michigan market to meet sales and profit goals. Provide technical cutting tool solutions and conduct tool tests to demonstrate cost-savings and value to end users.
Requires 3+ years of outside sales experience specifically with HSS, carbide, and cutting tool applications in a manufacturing environment. A college degree or trade school certification is preferred, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office and B2B sales techniques.
Description
Creston is a distributor of metal cutting tools and related products and services with a strong presence in West Michigan from Traverse City to Benton Harbor. We are family-owned with over 50 years of technical expertise and a reputation for superior customer service. We have an opportunity for the right sales candidate to serve the Northern Michigan market.
Structured compensation plan with a starting base salary of $60,000 to $80,000 plus 5% calculated variable compensation for Year 1 based on gross margin. Compensation structure for Year 2 converts to a base of $40,000 and 12% calculated compensation based on sales with a total compensation target range of $106,000 to $120,000.
This position is primarily responsible for developing, maintaining, and growing business relationships with customers in a sales territory with Key Accounts and providing products and services that meet customer needs. This position also helps to ensure that individual and company sales and profit goals are met.
· Develop business relationships with existing and potential new customers
· Understand customer business models and product needs
· Understand related industry terminology and applications of products
· Possesses advanced business acumen and technical knowledge to position CIS as a value-added strategic solutions partner
· Uses knowledge of manufacturing economics to communicate costs, identify cost drivers, and develop solutions
· Develop cutting tool solutions for customers that meet or exceed their requirements
· Expand sales with end users relative to annual sales goals
· Function as subject-matter expert on all product lines and technology that CIS provides
· Work with customer to show tangible cost-savings and value and submit related monthly cost-savings reports to manager.
· Perform tool tests for end users
· Provide territory & customer progress reports and opportunities for growth, including detailed sales forecasts/projections & appropriate CRM account data entries
· Responsible for contacting and interacting with prospective new customers
· Maintain relationships with CIS vendors to help grow their portfolio. Provides regular account updates to satisfy vendor requirements.
· Maintain established margin objectives
· Understand vendor tool pricing and product application/function as a liaison to achieve continued and additional sales.
· Maintain accurate sales records and generates various reports relevant to marketing and sales
· Perform regular customer business reviews
· Develop a personal business plan with annual goals, including key account strategic sales plans
· Travel as needed
· Consult with manager and leadership team to identify and solve potential problems
· Work closely with other teams and departments on projects as needed
· Work with the accounting department to help ensure receivables are current and communicates forecasting of potential negative financial implications
· Attend product training, seminars, and other educational opportunities to advance skills
· Attend industry trade shows, exhibitions, etc.
· Perform other duties as assigned
Requirements
· College degree or trade school preferred but not required
· 3+ years of outside sales in HSS, carbide and cutting tool application experience
· Experience and knowledge of business to business sales techniques
· Experience in manufacturing or industrial sales
· Knowledge of metal cutting tools required
· Proven track record of managing and growing an industrial sales territory
· Ability to quickly build relationships with key decision-makers and end users
· Knowledgeable about selling VMI programs
· Must be able to work at all levels within the customer account (operations, end users, purchasing, engineering, upper management, department-heads, etc.)
· Strong presentation skills, including general ability to use Power Point
· Working knowledge of web/digital services
· Ability to operate a personal computer, including use of Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, Power Point, Outlook, etc.)
· Ability to effectively use databases and other similar on-line systems and related software
· Be able to physically visit customer locations throughout a specified territory
· Customer Service - Responds promptly to customer needs and fulfills commitments
· Interpersonal Skills - Is respectful and able to relate well with others
· Oral Communication - Responds well to questions; demonstrates ability to convey message
· Written Communication - Able to read, interpret, and convey information effectively
· Teamwork - Able to work effectively on a team, giving and welcoming feedback
· Analytical - Uses facts, intuition, data, and experience to make decisions
· Problem Solving - Gathers & analyzes information; identifies & resolves problems
· Technical Skills - Pursues training and development; shares expertise with others
· Change Management - Is open to change and supports others affected by change
· Cost Consciousness - Uses organizational resources wisely and effectively
· Diversity - Shows respect and sensitivity towards differences of others
· Ethics - Works with integrity and performs work honestly
· Organizational Support - Follows policies & procedures; supports organization's goals & values
· Strategic Thinking - Adapts strategy to changing conditions
· Judgment - Exhibits sound decisions; explains logic and involves others
· Motivation - Demonstrates desire to succeed and achieve excellence
· Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes work activities; manages time; sets goals and action plans
· Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; reacts well under pressure
· Quality - Demonstrates accuracy & thoroughness; looks for ways to improve quality
· Adaptability - Adapts to change; able to deal with change, delays, or unexpected events
· Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work, meetings, appointments on time
· Dependability - Follows instructions and completes work as directed
· Initiative/ Resourceful - Asks for help and finds answers when needed
FLSA Status: Exempt Expected Hours: Full time EEO Class: Sales Worker
Department: Sales & Marketing Reports To: VP of Sales Manages: No direct reports
The position requires flexible, self-directed work schedule to successfully perform job duties
The physical demands identified here are representative of essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions: driving, thinking, concentrating, adding, traveling, sitting, standing, stooping, lifting up to 25#'s, reaching, seeing, hearing, and speaking.
Productivity, Delivered.
At Creston Industrial Sales, we help manufacturers thrive in an increasingly competitive, global marketplace. From local operations to large-scale production facilities, our mission is simple — to strengthen your position through smarter products from top brands and new innovations, greater supply chain efficiency, and sustainable growth strategies. Our team brings deep industry knowledge and hands-on experience to every partnership. We don’t just supply parts — we deliver solutions that improve productivity, reduce costs, and drive profitability. Proudly rooted in the Midwest since 1958, Creston Industrial Sales is dedicated to building long-term relationships with manufacturers who value quality, reliability, and collaboration. Your success fuels ours — and together, we’re shaping a stronger, more resilient industrial community. What We Offer: Industrial Tooling and VMI Solutions MRO and PPE Tool Repair and Regrind Fluid Management Supply chain optimization Process improvement and efficiency support Dedicated local service and technical expertise Your success is our business. Productivity, Delivered.
Offices: 1150 Front Ave Nw, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504-4211, US
Productivity, Delivered.
At Creston Industrial Sales, we help manufacturers thrive in an increasingly competitive, global marketplace. From local operations to large-scale production facilities, our mission is simple — to strengthen your position through smarter products from top brands and new innovations, greater supply chain efficiency, and sustainable growth strategies. Our team brings deep industry knowledge and hands-on experience to every partnership. We don’t just supply parts — we deliver solutions that improve productivity, reduce costs, and drive profitability. Proudly rooted in the Midwest since 1958, Creston Industrial Sales is dedicated to building long-term relationships with manufacturers who value quality, reliability, and collaboration. Your success fuels ours — and together, we’re shaping a stronger, more resilient industrial community. What We Offer: Industrial Tooling and VMI Solutions MRO and PPE Tool Repair and Regrind Fluid Management Supply chain optimization Process improvement and efficiency support Dedicated local service and technical expertise Your success is our business. Productivity, Delivered.
Offices: 1150 Front Ave Nw, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504-4211, US
