Posted by Traveling Salesman at 8/25/2012 10:07 PM
As I prepare for the upcoming Las Vegas Fastener Show, it occurred to me it has been almost exactly one year since I started up my rep agency. Really, the better description would be re-starting my rep agency. I started up my own agency in 1995 after working for another agency for 14 years. I built my business up, got engaged (a long story), sold my agency and left my home area of Ohio. Fast forward a few years and I made it back to Ohio, got rid of a husband and found myself employed as a direct sales Account Manager for Ifastgroupe. I was still in sales but this time I sold for one company, had benefits, an expense account and the feeling of security that comes with a regular paycheck. The people at Ifastgroupe were good to me and I enjoyed my time there, but deep in my soul, I am a manufacturer’s representative. I knew I was a rep and I wanted desperately to get back to being an independent rep.
I am not looking for sympathy here, but I will tell you candidly and honestly, when I restarted my agency in August, 2011, I had no income. Seriously, I had none. Zero. I did have the commitment from a few good companies that said they would allow me to represent their companies and pay me a commission on whatever I sold. That was what I needed, just a few good lines to get me started again. A year later, I am making a little money, I’m providing for my son and I’m paying my bills. As of now, there’s not a lot left over so if you see me in Vegas in some of the same clothes I wore last year, please be kind. (…)
