inside and outside sales , and branch managers .
“ We ’ re looking at people who have our core values ,” Reece said . “ We do like to promote from within the company .”
Scott Wilmoth , 35 , started as a delivery helper and was promoted to window service technician .
Then , he moved up to inside sales , where he helped customers in the store . Recently , Wilmoth was promoted to outside sales and now works to bring in new business . He has been with the company for 11 years .
“ My first job was as a corrections officer ,” Wilmoth said . “ I realized criminal justice doesn ’ t pay much . When I got married and started a family , I was looking for a better lifestyle .”
Wilmoth heard a neighbor talking about a job at ABC Supply . He applied and got the job .
“ I feel welcome here ,” Wilmoth said . “ I feel like I matter .”
Michael Villegas also advanced his career after he started as a driver ’ s helper 11 years ago .
“ I was looking for a job ,” Villegas said . “ I ’ d worked in fast food and as a framer in construction .” He soon became a driver – a job he loved . However , an opportunity opened to become a warehouse manager .
“ Moving up has provided me with more responsibility and helped me grow in my career ,” Villegas said . “ I had goals to be someone better so I decided to move up .”
He ’ s still moving up . Villegas was recently promoted to inside sales .
The company helps employees advance by focusing on training , said Don Willard , Managing Partner of the local store .
“ We do ABC University online training and back it up with hands-on training ,” Willard explained .
Training topics include how to handle hazardous material , how to operate a forklift , how to use protective equipment , and even how to answer the phone .
Finding new people with the right qualifications has not been easy . The best people aren ’ t looking for work , Reece explained . They are already employed .
The local branch has 28 employees plus 10 more in summer from a temp agency .
“ The summer is our busy time of year , when construction is at its peak ,” Willard said .
“ We hire a lot of folks from word of mouth , he added . “ They might be friends of our associates . We also look at the temp workers to see if they have potential . We ’ ve seen their work ethic .”
There is plenty of room to grow at ABC Supply . The Wiscosinbased company has 600 stores and plans to open 100 more in the next two to three years .
Applicants can improve their chances of being hired by following advice from company employees .
“ You need to know basic math , how to calculate linear feet , square footage and roof pitch . It ’ s helpful to be able to read blueprints , type and do 10-key ,” Wilmoth said .
The more knowledge you can give to customers , the more valuable you are to them , he added .
Many people don ’ t know how to market themselves , Reese said . Applicants need to know the company before the interview . Do research and have questions besides just asking what the job pays .
“ You need the basics ,” Reece said . “ You come to work and have good ethics . You ’ re reasonable with people and have communication skills , but basic things aren ’ t basic anymore .”
“ Never look at a position as beneath you ,” Reece said . “ You can make progress .”
Be on time , he added . Don ’ t put pressure on other employees to do their jobs and yours , too .
“ Be willing to do whatever is asked of you ,” Willard said . “ Be passionate about what you are doing .”
“ If you have an idea of a certain job you want , it doesn ’ t mean you can just walk into it ,” Reece said . “ Work every day , work hard and work with others . Look people in eye and tell them the truth .”
“ Do the right thing when no one is looking ,” Wilmoth said . “ Do a good job all the time .”
83