Every two weeks, FCNews seeks out flooring retailers across the country to offer their advice on hot topics of the day. This week we asked: What do you look for when hiring an RSA?
Here are their responses:
We’re looking for team members that have a passion for design and a willingness to grow every day. We hire people with positive attitudes that actively listen in order to qualify our clients’ needs. If a candidate has the right personality—and a positive attitude—we can give them the proprietary skills needed in our business.
– Scott, Browne, Macco’s Floor Covering, Green Bay, Wis.
We look for people that are driven and have a positive attitude that fits into our culture. They need strong problem-solving skills and a strong desire to serve our customers. If they have those traits, we can teach them all the other pieces that make a great retail salesperson.
– Taylor Dore, ICC Floors, Indianapolis
I used to look for experience but in the last five years some of our best salespeople have come from outside the industry. We look for people who are confident, organized and forward-thinking. We look for those who think outside the box, aren’t afraid to ask for the order and can problem-solve and handle issues that may arise during the install.
– Dan Mandel, Sterling Carpet & Flooring, Anaheim, Calif.
No. 1, I look for the applicant’s core values. If a candidate is 30, his core values have been developed, and for me to change it in a year or two is highly improbable. No. 2, does the applicant care for people? If you care about people, I don’t worry about our customers or co-workers being mistreated. If you care, you will return calls, follow up and do what’s best. No. 3, does the applicant have the job requirements and does he want the job?
– Roy Tokuhama, Abbey Carpet & Floor of Hawaii, Honolulu
Experience with retail helps. Setting and maintaining customer expectations is an art not everyone naturally possesses. I find this to be the most important part of the transaction in order for things to go smoothly throughout the project.
– Ben Case, Carpet Collection, Lockport, N.Y.
