What are the responsibilities and job description for the Wood Coatings Outside Sales Representative position at Hood Distribution?
Founded in 1899, Hood Distribution is a leading wholesale distributor of hardwood lumber, plywood, composite panels, wood finishes, stains, and other specialty building products. With twenty-three locations across the Eastern U.S. We proudly serve retail lumberyards, cabinet shops, millwork houses, furniture manufacturers, and construction professionals. Our customers rely on us to help them transform raw materials into something exceptional.
We are seeking a motivated and high-performing Wood Coatings Outside Sales Representative to join our Columbus, OH team. This role is ideal for a competitive, customer-focused professional who thrives on building relationships, solving problems, and driving sales growth. You’ll be responsible for growing coatings sales, supporting existing accounts, and developing new business opportunities within your territory.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and manage a local territory with a primary focus on coatings, finishes, and stains.
- Service existing accounts while proactively identifying and securing new business with cabinet shops, furniture makers, millwork houses, store fixture companies, and architectural firms.
- Plan and execute customer visits, product presentations, and in-shop demonstrations.
- Provide training and technical support on coatings application, product usage, and spray equipment setup/maintenance.
- Partner with vendor representatives and internal sales team members to deliver solutions and drive product penetration.
- Monitor competitive activity, including pricing, new products, and market trends.
- Address customer inquiries, concerns, and complaints promptly, ensuring high levels of satisfaction.
- Prepare and submit regular call logs, sales reports, and territory analyses to management.
Education/Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business or related field preferred; or 1–3 years of coatings, paint, stain, or related sales experience.
- Strong sales and closing skills with a proven ability to develop new business.
- Solid knowledge of wood coatings and finishing products.
- Hands-on experience with spray equipment setup, use, and repair.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
- Strong organizational, planning, and analytical abilities.
- Bilingual skills are a plus.
- Must hold a valid driver’s license, have a clean driving record, and reliable transportation.
Why Join Hood Distribution?
- Competitive base salary plus uncapped commission.
- Opportunity to represent a well-established, growing market leader.
- Supportive team environment with strong vendor relationships.
- Professional development and training opportunities.
Additional Information:
Hood Industries offers a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package including medical, employee assistance program, dental, vision, cancer, life, 401k, flexible spending account, and LTD, available first of the month following completion of one month of continuous full-time employment.
Hood Industries requires that applicants provide authorization and consent to a background check and a drug screen to continue in the selection process. All employment offers are contingent on meeting our background check standards and successful passing of required drug test. If hired, you will be required to provide documentation indicating your legal right to work in the U.S.
An Equal Opportunity Employer