Sales Development Program

Sales Apprentices are responsible for learning Palmer-Donavin’s product offerings, sales systems, and customer service processes through hands-on experience, training sessions, and mentorship from experienced outside sales representatives. This role supports sales efforts by developing product knowledge, practicing strategic selling techniques, and assisting with customer outreach, pricing, quoting, and order management to prepare for a future role in outside sales.

Key Responsibilities:

• Learn product offerings and sales procedures through training, vendor interaction, and hands-on experience to support customer inquiries and sales activities.
• Master the use of Eclipse to enter orders, check pricing and availability, and support inside sales functions.
• Collaborate with outside sales reps to contact customers, demonstrate products, and prepare estimates or bids tailored to customer needs.
• Study purchasing, credit, warehousing, and distribution processes to build cross-functional understanding and strengthen internal relationships.
• Support outside sales efforts by completing reports, analyzing trends, and participating in customer outreach and sales calls.
• Develop sales skills through role-playing, strategic pricing study, and learning the Palmer-Donavin selling method.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree (four-year college or technical school) required, preferably in Business, Marketing, Communications, or a related field.

• Experience: No prior sales experience required; internship or customer service experience a plus.

• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel); familiarity with CRM tools (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) preferred.

• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to present ideas clearly and confidently.

• Interpersonal Skills: Strong relationship-building skills with a customer-first mindset.

• Adaptability: Ability to learn quickly, take initiative, and work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

Requirements

• Must successfully pass a criminal history background check.

• Must have a valid driver’s license and an acceptable Motor Vehicle Report (MVR).

• Must be willing and able to relocate to assigned markets, which may include Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Iowa, Illinois, West Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.

• Program length: 12–18 months.

• Travel expectations: 25–50% during the program for customer visits, training, and company events.

• Commitment to completing all training modules and sales milestones within the program timeline.