Counter Sales Associate at Baker Distributing Company in Lafayette, LA

Job Summary 

The Counter Sales Associate is responsible for assisting Southern Ice Equipment, a Baker Distributing Company, with growing the Food service lines of business sales by providing sales support, technical support, logistical information, pricing information, product information and inventory management. This role combines traditional counter sales responsibilities with inside sales support functions to promote growth across Southern Ice Equipment product lines. The goal of this role is to provide strong customer service in a sales-oriented setting while expanding support across key product categories. 

Primary product categories include: 

• Commercial ice machines 

• Super-automatic coffee equipment 

• Beverage dispensing systems 

• Water filtration solutions 

• Related food service, equipment and service parts 
  
  Essential Duties/Accountabilities 

• Represent Baker Distributing Company and Southern Ice Equipment as leaders in the industry ensuring maximum sales. 

•  Interact with internal and outside salespeople, vendors, contractors, and food service customers. 

• Responsible for showroom merchandising and re-stocking product. 

• Assist in resolving customer relations problems with both dealers and end users. 

• Complete sales order process for customers with efforts to up-sell associated foodservice items. 

• Service walk-in and telephone customers and assist with sourcing and shipping parts, inventory control and warranty   administration. 

• Provide customer product and service needs by researching foodservice equipment via computer system, catalog, telephone or other reference sources. 

• Promote and support product categories including ice machines, beverage systems, and water filtration. 

• Create customer quotes, submittals, and assist with vendor pricing and order tracking. 

• Arrange stock on shelves or racks in sales area and keeps merchandise in order. 

• Apply suggestive selling techniques and up-sell to current and prospective customers. 

• Support house accounts and collaborate with outside sales teams to drive growth. 

• Adhere to all company safety protocols and procedures. 

• Utilize personal protective equipment (PPE) as required. 

• Report any safety hazards or incidents immediately to management. 

• Participate in regular safety training sessions and drills. 

• Ensure a clean and organized workspace to prevent accidents and injuries. 

•  Follow all guidelines for the safe handling and storage of products. 

• Maintain a professional and safe demeanor during all customer interactions. 

• Conduct outgoing customer sales or service calls and resolve customer complaints. 

• Perform other duties as assigned. 
   

• Qualifications 

• High school diploma or GED required; equivalent education or experience may be considered.  

• Experience with HVAC equipment and/or foodservice equipment (including ice machines, beverage systems, refrigeration, or filtration) is preferred.  

• Background in sales, operations, purchasing, or inventory management is preferred.  

• Demonstrated interpersonal skills with an emphasis on customer service, problem-solving, and relationship building.  

• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast‑paced environment, with or without reasonable accommodation.  

• Demonstrated interest in continuous learning, mentoring, and leadership development.  

• Mechanical or technical experience is preferred.  

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office or similar productivity tools.  

• A valid driver’s license is required only if driving is an essential function of the position. 

Skills 

• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills with the ability to build and maintain long‑term relationships.  

• Effective written and verbal communication skills.  

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to analyze and interpret data.  

• Effective and creative problem-solving skills.  

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.  

• Demonstrated initiative in seeking continuous process and service improvements.  

• Ability to understand and communicate in English to ensure compliance with safety standards, training, policies, and procedures, with reasonable accommodation available as needed to support effective communication. 

• Ability to move parts and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.  

• Ability to position self to perform essential job functions, including standing, sitting, walking, climbing, kneeling, crouching, or crawling, with or without reasonable accommodation.  

• Ability to perform tasks requiring extended use of computer systems and telephone equipment.  

• Ability to utilize visual acuity is necessary to perform essential job functions such as reading labels, inspecting equipment, monitoring inventory, and operating machinery, with or without reasonable accommodation.  

• Ability to operate warehouse equipment, such as forklifts and pallet jacks, when required by the role and with appropriate training. 
  
  These are benefits that make us stand out to the competition:
  
  Paid Time Off
  PTO rollover
  Medical
  Dental
  Vision
  401k
  Tuition Reimburse
  Employee Assistant Program
  Employee Referral Bonuses
  Wellness Incentives
  Short Term Disability
  Employee Stock Purchase Program
  Paid Parental Leave
  Career Development Opportunities
  Paid Holidays