Since I was absent Friday morning, I was not present for Darcy Lennon’s presentation on Stewart’s Food Service. So I went ahead and interviewed, my father Jeff Loomis. He is the owner/operator and head of sales at JD Conveyors, Inc.
About the Company:
Established in 2002, JD Conveyors, Inc (JDC) designs and manufactures equipment serving the aggregate and recycling sectors of the market. Owner/Operator, Jeff Loomis keeps busy throughout the week designing and manufacturing the equipment for clients and suppliers.
Overall my impression of the presentation was good, it was interesting. Three most significant things I have learned from Jeff, is that it takes a lot of time, hard work and consistent effort to be successful in order to keep your sales up and customers interested in using your brand.
The Selling Process:
When qualifying a potential customer, JDC does not qualify them as a prospect but they qualify their requirements, while evaluating what the customer needs, the type of company in which he operates and if JDC can design and manufacture the proper equipment to fit the company's needs. For example, if a company approaches JDC looking for an aggregate crusher, they do not manufacture crushers, but if he needs a conveyor, they can be sure to help him out.
Most of the time, JDC does not find the prospects themselves but through one of their dealers (usually Powerscreen Canada). The prospects then come in and discuss their needs with the company and then they are evaluated. Sometimes the prospects come directly, by word of mouth from previous customers or speak to them at trade shows JDC participates in. When closing sales, JD Conveyors has proven reliability of their equipment. They receive a lot of customer recognition during and after the sales process which helps with closing of a sale.
Based on what I learned about the daily difficulties my father has in order for his business to be successful, has opened my eyes a little bit about the struggles of owning your own business and the importance of a successful sale. It has always been brought to my attention that I could work for the “family business” or potentially take it over. In truth, I’m not interested in the aggregate industry.
Two goals that I have already set for myself, is to move into the Gift Registry department at the Hudson’s Bay Company. In which I have recently accomplished. My second goal is to transfer into a full time position as a Wedding & Gift Registry Consultant at the Hudson’s Bay - Queen Street store in downtown Toronto. After I have worked 8 months to a year there, I hope to climb the ladder into the corporate office in the event management industry. I will achieve them by working hard, and by not giving into distractions.
