James (Jim) Johnson

• Began with Hobart Corporation as Service Tech. Had internal training with seasoned techs and a Service Advisor.
• Took on large scale very important project deliver double stack convection ovens to 121 state wide grocery stores. Single handidly. Completed task ahead of schedule.
• Began watching training videos and learning basic skills on repairing mixers/slicers.

Had first weekend at 1 year anniversary on call. Was sent on a DW call with no experience, but was able to fix the unit.

Following Monday morning was ready to give notice or demand better training when was informed there is an opening and parts that may be perfect for you.

Ran parts dept for 9.5 years we were amongst the first offices to ever receive inventory exemption.

Tremendous opportunity came up that several employees highly recommend that I apply for internal as assistant branch manager

This position opened a door to me becoming the first ever full time contract sales rep.

• Contributed to overall shop efficiency by promptly fulfilling internal part requests from service technicians.
• Conducted regular inventory audits to prevent discrepancies and maintain accurate records.
• Managed special order requests, ensuring prompt communication with customers regarding availability and pricing.
• Enhanced customer satisfaction by efficiently managing parts orders and inventory.
• Had the first UPS computer system installed in the Dallas Branch. With permission from Vern Shuey who was very excited and didnt mind me being the Guinea Pig.
• After 6 months in Parts we moved to Dallas, Branch Manager was replaced by a Region Manager Hank Chapman.
• Merged Dallas and Fort Worth, Tyler and Waco int a Super office with 28 techs.
• Parts room manager went out for 60 days due to surgery. I took on the entire dept. found major discrepancies. Reported these and shortly after was designated Parts Room Manager. Increased personnel under me to include 2 other people.

Contract sales was a requirement of a new ABM and I took it on with passion. I found my element able to connect with people. Ensure trust in them that the product I was offering should not be a choice in todays business model. I sold Dallas Cowboys a $170K service agreement at there new home in Arlington right as there 1 year warranties were expiring. I sold Baylor Medical Center Dallas a $300K agreement that was extremely specific to there needs and from there being able to earn trust in anyone with a commercial kitchen. 17 years I sold agreements maintained national accounts such as Olive Garden, Red Lobster. And grew and exceeded my quota every year. Then Hobart decided we really should be handling this everywhere as is being done in Dallas. My position took a drastic change with quota going from $575K to $2.5 Million. I was told I would be handling much larger territories and the numbers would be obtainable. Unfortunately we all were dismissed however I was offered to pick up a unique position as a Parts Specialist.

I was told I would be handling certain customers. My phone would ring I would answer it. Help look up parts and do my best to assist maintenance personnel for Hy-Vee, Menards, and several other centralized customers. Never just a local customer looking for a part.I learned the CC system and was getting the hang of it. When the current Branch Mgr Dallas asked if I would take the Texas Installation Manager position. I had zero experience but a relationship with the main contact at a local dealer hub who asked for me by name to replace the gentleman they let go 2 hours earlier. I was asked to take this job with all the promises of I am the perfect fit and leadership will assist in whatever is necessary to help me succeed.

Installs was an eye opening experience. We no longer sell our equipment we use dealers. Dealers all go through EPI Dallas. EPI Dallas send all quote requests to me. I was covering the entire State. Meeting there sales people at customer locations wether it was new equipment new location, old location just needing to remodel the floor and everything moved out and back in. Or places like Hospitals who were the only thing booming during Covid. I was quoting hospitals to remove the 30 year old dish washer, bring plumbing/electrical up to code and drop in a brand new unit. It was going incredible. I was one of the few who was working right through the pandemic until I got Covid. Then after 12 days in the hospital without them knowing exactly what I has in November of 2019 I then got it again in July, and September.

• Managed high-stress situations effectively, maintaining professionalism under pressure while resolving disputes or conflicts.
• Resolved customer complaints with empathy, resulting in increased loyalty and repeat business.
• Handled escalated calls efficiently, finding satisfactory resolutions for both customers and the company alike.
• Responded to customer requests for products, services, and company information.
• In a nutshell take and load service calls for 8 States. Load New Customers, COD customers handling accepting and loading/running CC. Answer check the status of existing Service Order phone calls, follow up on missing quotes, Parts being ordered/expedited/transferred.
• Sent and received credit applications followed up with customers letting them know account is now net 30. And moved forward with the loading calls end of the business.