Counter Sales Associate

Baker Distributing; Lafayette (LA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

Medical

Dental

Vision

401k

Tuition Reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program

Employee Referral Bonuses

Wellness Incentives

Short Term Disability

Employee Stock Purchase Program

Paid Parental Leave

Career Development Opportunities

Paid Holidays

Job summary

Baker Distributing is seeking a Counter Sales Associate in Lafayette, Louisiana, to drive sales and provide technical support for foodservice equipment lines. Responsibilities include assisting customers, managing inventory, and collaborating with sales teams. The candidate should have a high school diploma, preferred experience with HVAC or foodservice equipment, and demonstrate strong customer service and analytical skills. Benefits include paid time off, medical, dental, vision, and career development opportunities.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; equivalent education or experience may be considered.
• Experience with HVAC or foodservice equipment is preferred.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills focusing on customer service.
• Mechanical or technical experience is preferred.
• A valid driver's license is required if driving is essential.

Responsibilities

• Assist in sales support and provide technical information.
• Merchandise showroom and merchandise products.
• Resolve customer relations problems with dealers and end users.
• Service customers via walk-in and telephone.
• Create customer quotes and support product tracking.

Skills

Customer service

Interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Effective communication

Problem-solving

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Office

Forklifts

Pallet jacks

Job description

Job Summary

The Counter Sales Associate is responsible for assisting Southern Ice Equipment, a Baker Distributing Company, with growing the Foodservice 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

• Commercial ice machines
• Super-automatic coffee equipment
• Beverage dispensing systems
• Water filtration solutions
• Related food service, equipment and service parts

Essential Duties and 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 keep 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 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.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off
• PTO rollover
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 401k
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistant Program
• Employee Referral Bonuses
• Wellness Incentives
• Short Term Disability
• Employee Stock Purchase Program
• Paid Parental Leave
• Career Development Opportunities
• Paid Holidays