Hard work, dedication, and a love of all things HVAC/R– for seven Totaline sales associates, these attributes paid off as they rose to the top of their field in 2008. At the regional training held in February 2009 in Orlando, Fla., these seven individuals were recognized for their accomplishments, and for one, the title of Sales Associate of the Year was awarded.

According to Totaline Training Manager Jim Flynn, in order to qualify for the award, Totaline counter sales associates must first complete a written test. “In each region, the sales associates have an opportunity to take a test specifically for counter sales associates,” Flynn said. “It’s a 100-question test, and it covers everything that sales associates might experience on the counter, both technical and customer service related,” he added.

Then, the top four scorers from each region move on to the next step – evaluation by their supervisors. “The immediate supervisors rate associates on a number of criteria, including customer service, professionalism, and job dedication,” Flynn said. “The top scorer from each region becomes a finalist, and gets to come to Orlando for the awards ceremony.”

Top finalists for 2008 included Christopher Higgs of Koch Air LLC of Indianapolis, Ind.; Alexander Perales of Totaline Southern California, Bakersfield; Jamie Miller of WWG Totaline, Ottawa; and Thomas Rogers of Habegger Corporation in Cincinnati. Birch Bicha of Auer Steel and Heating in Milwaukee, a two-time finalist, and Joseph Jaegers of Totaline Northeast, Tonawanda, a three-time honoree, were both 2008 finalists as well.

But the number one honor of the day – the Totaline Sales Associate of the Year Award – went to Dustin Turner of Totaline South Central, Pearl. Along with a commemorative plaque, Turner was also presented with the trip to Orlando, which included a one-day pass to Disney World.

Flynn said that the Sales Associate of the Year ceremony is just one way to honor those who are on the front lines at Totaline sales centers every day. “The Totaline employee standing at the counter, facing our customer, is the most important person in this corporation. People buy parts from people,” he said.

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