Seated At Mission Control, He’s Got Everyone’s Back
Inside Sales Coordinator Josh Hamrick talks AEC’s family atmosphere, problem solving, and making life a bit easier for everyone else.
AEC’s Josh Hamrick knows what it means to juggle hats to get the job done. Working inside sales, he’s everyone’s support guy, making sure things run efficiently and smoothly.
We recently got Josh on the phone to talk about what it’s like to serve as “mission control” for the AEC sales staff.
What exactly does the job of “Sales Coordinator” entail?
My job is to support the sales guys in any way that I can. I’m basically customer service, taking service phone calls and emails.
How long have you been with AEC?
I’ve been here for 16 years. I started off in the warehouse, and then over the years morphed into this position as people retired and our business model changed to where we’re shipping more from other locations. I’ve been Sales Coordinator for at least 10 years now.
We’ve heard from a lot of the sales staff that they essentially serve as their own boss, seeing their projects from start to finish. Where do you enter that process?
When you say “everyone is their own boss,” that’s really for the sales staff (laughs). I have many bosses, and I do what I can to make their job easier, because in the end it will benefit all of us if they’re being more productive.
I recognize that they have a lot on their plate, so I’m mostly in the background helping process orders, track down old orders to see if things match up—whatever will help free up the sales team so they have more time for other things.
When anybody calls the office, I’m usually the person who picks up the phone, and if I can help in any way I do—and if not I’ll find the right person in the right territory.
What has kept you at AEC for so many years?
I like helping customers. It’s satisfying to solve problems and make their job better or their life a little easier. It’s also just the atmosphere here at the company. We’re treated really well and everybody helps each other out.
Can you tell me more about that? How do you think your experience differs compared to those that spend most of their time out on the road?
As far as the family atmosphere, I think it’s the same if not more so for me. It can be a little isolating out on the road, but I’m here in contact with everybody in the company on a regular basis. And even though there are levels of seniority, we’re all still on the same ground with respect to one another and treat each other as equals.
What should a client expect when calling in to AEC?
Courtesy and general kindness, a level of expertise and experience, and that I’m going to do my very best to help them with their problem. And if I can’t, I’m going to—as quickly and efficiently as I can—get them in touch with someone who can.
Lastly, what do you like to do when you’re not at work?
My life is dedicated to chasing my kids around. When I’m not here, I’m pretty much a professional chauffeur.
So when you’re not taking care of one family you’re taking care of another.
Exactly, that’s my life (laughs). The phone number changes, but the duties really don’t.
Josh Hamrick is often the first point of contact for clients calling in to Advanced Equipment Company.
If you have any questions about contacting your local Material Handling Specialist or finding a solution that fits your application, you can call Josh and the rest of the AEC family at 704-527-3141.
