Richard Thompson
Burlington,NC
Summary
Experienced and technically skilled Sales Specialist with over 25 years in the heavy equipment industry, including 10+ years focused on paving equipment sales. Leveraging a deep mechanical background as a technician, I specialize in territory development, customer training, product launches, and field support. Proven track record in increasing sales, managing dealer relationships, and leading customer satisfaction initiatives across multi-state regions.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Volumetric Concrete Specialist
James River Equipment
01.2023 - Current
- Direct sales and technical support for volumetric concrete trucks.
- Pre-delivery inspections (PDI) on all trucks, addressing technical issues with manufacturer support.
- Conduct on-site machine start-ups, calibrate materials, and train customer crews.
- Maintain active deal tracking spreadsheet for 40+ sales staff.
- Handle all warranty communication between JRE and the manufacturer.
Paving Product Specialist
James River Equipment
06.2020 - 12.2022
- Recruited by JRE due to exceptional service and paving expertise at Carlson Paving.
- Led customer transition into JRE’s paving product line, fostering strong trust.
- Delivered on-site product training and support for sales teams.
- Coordinated manufacturer-led training programs for new paving equipment.
Territory Sales & Product Specialist
Carlson Paving Products
05.2014 - 06.2020
- Managed 7-state territory, with 4 direct sales states and 3 dealership-supported regions.
- Increased screed and paver sales by 50% in Mid-Atlantic territory, especially in NC, SC & VA.
- Provided hands-on and classroom training for dealers and end users.
- Acted as primary contact for warranty, service, parts, and engineering support.
- Assisted all aspects of Carlson’s World of Asphalt booth during trade shows.
- Built lasting relationships with dealers and customers, restoring confidence in the brand.
- Maintained detailed records of sales, service, and warranty cases.
Field Service & Training Technician
Gregory Poole Equipment / Arrow Equipment
05.2009 - 05.2014
- Performed equipment repairs, start-ups, and demos for paving equipment.
- Delivered technical training to customers’ operators and technicians.
- Supported sales team with technical insights before and after sale.
Grove Crane Technician
J.W. Burrows
03.2006 - 05.2009
- Certified to service Grove Cranes up to GMK class.
- Conducted repairs and maintenance on various crane models.
Skills
- Territory Sales Management (7 States)
- Paving & Volumetric Equipment Expertise
- Customer & Dealer Training (On-site & Classroom)
- Product Start-ups & Demos
- Technical Diagnostics & PDI
- Manufacturer & Warranty Liaison
- Trade Show Management
- Team Collaboration with 40 Salespeople
Websites
Accomplishments
- Brought over 50 high-volume clients to JRE — expanding their entire product line customer base.
- Grew Carlson's Mid-Atlantic sales by 50%, reestablishing strong dealer/customer relationships.
- Known for turning stagnant sales deals into closed contracts through technical engagement.
- Spearheaded training programs and jobsite support, freeing up sales reps to grow territory reach.
Certification
- Class A CDL License
- Caterpillar Paver Training
- Weiler Paver & Transfer Machine Training (new product launch)
- Grove Crane Certification – up to GMK class
Timeline
Volumetric Concrete Specialist
James River Equipment
01.2023 - Current
Paving Product Specialist
James River Equipment
06.2020 - 12.2022
Territory Sales & Product Specialist
Carlson Paving Products
05.2014 - 06.2020
Field Service & Training Technician
Gregory Poole Equipment / Arrow Equipment
05.2009 - 05.2014
Grove Crane Technician
J.W. Burrows
03.2006 - 05.2009