Outdoor Power Specialist

Ace Hardware Corporation; Hot Springs (AR); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Ace Hardware Corporation in Hot Springs, Arkansas, is seeking a skilled Small Engine Mechanic specializing in STIHL equipment. This role involves diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining outdoor power equipment while providing excellent customer service.

The ideal candidate must possess strong communication skills, experience in sales, and a high school degree, with a preference for further education. Responsibilities include routine maintenance, managing parts, and ensuring customer satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Education/Training: High School degree, some college preferred.
• Experience: Sales experience with retail and/or business customers.
• Skills/Knowledge: Ability to read customer personalities.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose and repair small engines and outdoor power equipment.
• Perform routine maintenance on STIHL equipment.
• Order and manage replacement parts.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Ability to diagnose and repair small engines

Organizational ability

Time management skills

Education

High School degree, some college preferred

Tools

Retail computer systems

MS Word

Excel

Job description

We are looking for a skilled and motivated Small Engine Mechanic specializing in STIHL equipment to join our team. The ideal candidate will diagnose, repair, and maintain outdoor power equipment while providing excellent customer service.

This position plays a key role in keeping customer equipment running efficiently and supporting sales of outdoor power products.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose and repair small engines and outdoor power equipment including chainsaws, trimmers, blowers, and cut-off machines
• Perform routine maintenance and warranty service on STIHL equipment
• Assemble and prep new equipment for sale
• Order and manage replacement parts
• Communicate repair estimates and timelines with customers
• Maintain a clean and organized service shop
• Follow manufacturer repair procedures and safety guidelines

Knowledge, Experience, and Competencies

• Education/Training: High School degree, some college preferred. Possess product knowledge of hardware / commercial / consumable products along with a willingness to learn.
• Experience: Sales experience with retail and/or business customers, ability to establish relationships with customers and fellow associates. Outside sales experience and proven track record of success at cultivating new accounts and establishing profitable relationships.
• Skills/Knowledge: Excellent communication skills, ability to read customer personalities, organizational ability, high attention to follow up, and strong time management skills. Analytical and pricing knowledge with the ability to conduct comparison analysis and make sound decisions a plus. Knowledge of retail computer systems, MS Word and Excel a plus.

Preferred Skills

• Previous small engine certification or technical training
• Familiarity with chainsaws, trimmers, blowers, and pressure washers
• Basic computer skills for work orders and parts lookup

Activities

Account Development

• Strengthen relationships with existing business customers and increase their purchases
• Manage a prospect list based on business customer prospects and follow up appropriately
• Follow up on customer needs based on outside activities
• Maintains sales & gross margin and is responsible to maintain discounts and review in accordance with the store business discount policy
• Create/manage the "process" for customer quotes and orders

Inventory

• Validate inventory levels to meet expectations set with business customers
• Manage the sourcing of product for special orders and determine if the demand warrants adding to store inventory mix
• Ensure orders are received, maintained in the designated area and customers are notified for pickup/delivery

Sales Calls

• Conduct sales calls with current customers, prospect with new customers and follow up on opportunities in a timely manner
• Manage supplies at customer location including inventory levels, create orders and deliver supplies based on customer needs.