Western Interiors
The Premier Flooring and Tile Group
Western Interiors
The Premier Flooring and Tile Group
Rep Introduction
I have always believed that business is personal and this is just one reason I feel this letter is so important. I hope it might in some small but significant way help you to gain a little better understanding of me. So let’s start at the beginning. The date is March 23rd, 2020. I tune into the local news as Governor Inslee announces a “Stay at Home Order”, it’s official, Washington is closed for business. For a moment it seems like the whole world goes silent, everything has changed, but after careful consideration I pack my belongings and am headed for the Idaho border. My goal, to find a need and fill it. I still recall the very first store I walked in, “welcome to the world of flooring the gentleman said, you may not know this yet, but now you’re in it for life.” Little did I know just how true this premonition would ring. It reminds me of the last piece of advice my mother gave to me, “find something you love to do, if you can accomplish this, you will find the key to a life worthwhile.”
Thrust then into a new sector at a time of great uncertainty, a number of important realizations began to reveal themselves. With the ports in a state of chaos, I quickly found the value in representing manufacturers with deep stock, superior responsiveness and reliability. In driving the expanse of the Mountain West, I came to intimately comprehend the challenge of properly servicing this vast but beautiful territory. I also understood that covering Idaho, Montana, Washington and Oregon would require careful planning and as a full commission salesman, creating new business would directly correspond with my ability to more frequently call upon my accounts. I knew the risk and the sacrifice to come could only be justified if I was presenting the very best products on the market, an objective I am confident in achieving.
Further, working to establish strategic relationships has always been a fundamental part of my attack plan. I recognize that showroom space is often limited and my competition, fierce. So if I am to be successful, just as it is important to choose the right partners, it is also essential to offer lines that differentiate themselves in quality, style and cost. To compete, I have secured dependable and local distribution networks because if there is one thing we all know, timing is everything. And unlike Shaw, Mohawk, Cali, etc. who sell online, to big box retailers or every game in town, I would much rather pick a few winning horses and ride together. In the end, this pursuit has become more than just a calling, but an adventure, and my clientele have become more than just my associates, but my friends.
Some brief observations concerning a significant shift on the horizon. With the advent of CCA’s 2.0 launch I recognize the effort by our industry’s largest players to limit the independence of dealers. Yet I do not view this transition as a discouragement but rather, an opportunity. Even CCA members understand that this “one size fits all” roll out does not fully meet the needs of their customers, nor does it include products that are particularly unique or exclusive. Whether a participant or not, the manufacturers represented in the line up I have carefully procured for you will help your business to stand above the crowd. That is why I embrace my role in competing head on with these large corporations who seem to be trying harder than ever to box the little guy out. I may not have a large expense account or unlimited resources, but I will always find it an admirable mission to bring you first-rate options deserving of a shot.
On a personal note, I grew up on Eastern Long Island and among my many hobbies, nature and sporting chief among them, I love to write and have published in a number of mediums both leisure and academic. The short story enclosed (“Robbed By An Indian Game Warden”) I hope will provide some sense of entertainment and context as to what I am trying to accomplish. Like the tradition of my grandmother’s annual Christmas letter which inspired this endeavor, it’s a special way for us to stay connected.
Finally, this is my commitment to you. I will always help you win the job. I will be one of your most present and responsive reps and maybe most importantly, I will be here for the long haul. I would love the opportunity to come do a PK with you and your team and appreciate your time in reviewing my portfolio. To this end I have enclosed a number of brochures and price lists I personally created to highlight these differences. Please contact me should you have any questions at all and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Steve Sweeney