Counter Sales Associate

Gerken Companies; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan with company match

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Company-paid life insurance

YMCA membership at no cost

Job summary

Gerken Companies is hiring a Counter Sales Associate for their Akron location. The role involves providing building material solutions to customers, processing orders, and working closely with contractors and homeowners. Key qualifications include a high school diploma and two years of customer service experience. Benefits include medical, dental, vision insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, and PTO. If you value service and integrity, consider applying to join our team.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of inside sales, retail, or customer service experience preferred.
• Building materials, construction, or masonry product knowledge is a plus but not required.

Responsibilities

• Assist customers in person, by phone, or via text.
• Accurately enter customer orders into the order-entry system.
• Work closely with outside sales representatives.
• Inform customers about product preparation and pricing.
• Handle cash sales and reconcile cash transactions.
• Follow up with customers after purchases for satisfaction.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Customer-focused mindset

Dependability

Organizational skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Kuhlman Corporation is part of The Gerken Companies, a family of businesses built on integrity, safety, and long‑term success.

About the Role

We’re hiring a Counter Sales Associate to support customers by providing building material solutions at our Akron location. This role works directly with contractors, homeowners, and internal sales teams to answer questions, process orders, and ensure customers have what they need to successfully complete their projects.

This is a full‑time, year‑round position.

What You’ll Do

• Assist customers in person, by phone, or via text by answering questions and recommending appropriate products
• Accurately enter customer orders into the company’s order‑entry system
• Work closely with outside sales representatives to support customer orders and product inquiries
• Inform customers about product preparation, application rates, safety information, pricing, and delivery timelines
• Handle cash sales, reconcile daily cash transactions, and process credit card payments
• Follow up with customers after purchases to ensure satisfaction and address questions
• Initiate purchase orders for direct shipments and process merchandise returns
• Prepare reports related to inventory, rentals, and special orders as needed
• Replenish showroom shelves with building materials and accessories
• Coordinate with the Credit Department regarding customer accounts when needed
• Maintain regular in‑person attendance
• Perform additional duties as assigned by management

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, and up to 100 pounds with assistance
• Prolonged periods of standing and sitting
• Ability to safely navigate the facility, including climbing ladders
• Ability to work in varying weather conditions when required
• Willingness to work outside normal business hours as needed

What You Bring

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Minimum of two years of inside sales, retail, or customer service experience preferred
• Building materials, construction, or masonry product knowledge is a plus but not required
• Strong communication skills and a customer‑focused mindset
• Ability to resolve customer concerns professionally
• Dependability, organizational skills, and attention to detail
• Ability to represent The Gerken Companies in a professional manner

What We Offer

• Competitive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Paid Time Off (PTO), holidays, and additional leave options
• Company‑paid life insurance and disability coverage
• Employee Assistance Program and other wellness benefits
• YMCA membership at no cost for employees

If you enjoy working directly with customers and want to be part of a team that values service, integrity, and long‑term growth, we encourage you to apply!

Kuhlman Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.