Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: East_TX_Spa on March 06, 2007, 06:51:10 pm
-
From AQUA Magazine:
National Sales Manager, Hot Spring
Date Entered: 02/23/2007
Expire Date: 04/01/2007
Category: Sales/Retail
Contact
Company: Watkins Manufacturing Corporation
Address: 1280 Park Center Drive
Vista, CA 92081
Email: hrstaff@watkinsmfg.com
URL: www.hotspring.com
Description
Watkins Manufacturing Corporation is the global leader in design, manufacture and marketing of portable spas. We are the makers of Hot Spring® Spas, the world's number one selling brand, and Caldera® Spas, known for delivering Pure Comfort®. Watkins is a division of Masco Corporation, a family of companies whose products you trust in your home for quality and value, including Delta® faucets, KraftMaid® cabinets, Behr® paints and many more. Consider joining us as a National Sales Manager, Hot Spring Spas on our Vista, California-based Sales Team. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing product sales for one of our leading spa lines. This position includes senior sales management responsibilities for the Hot Spring family of products. You should have a Bachelor's Degree with 10+ years' experience in wholesale & retail sales, and a minimum of 5 years’ management experience is required. Strong leadership skills are a must, as well as the ability to travel 75 to 90 days per year. Strong verbal and communication skills and knowledge of current sales and merchandising techniques are required. Pool and spa sales industry experience is preferred. Our newly enhanced compensation program means that sales professionals with Watkins stand to be industry front-runners in growth and earning potential. In addition, you will find one of the most generous benefits packages and an exciting work environment.
Instructions
We encourage you to visit our website at www.hotspring.com. If you would like to join the leading spa manufacturer and live in sunny San Diego, and you meet the qualifications, please send your resume, with salary requirements to: hrstaff@watkinsmfg.com Watkins Manufacturing Corporation 1280 Park Center Dr., Vista CA 92081 Fax# (760) 598-5534 EOE
Gomboman, here's your big break! :)
-
Yeah. Mark M-J got a better offer. I couldn't believe it - but he really loved living up north, and the deal was just too good to pass up.
We will all miss Mark.
But - this is a very good opportunity. Don't worry, you don't have to work directly with us dealers very much. You would be one level removed. The reps and management team at Watkins are world-class. Absolutely world-class.
8-)
-
We have job openings also. ;D Sales and service. :D
-
I wonder what a job like that would pay :o
-
Is the Internet/Photoshop specialist position open? ;D
-
Considering you would have to live in San Diego I'm sure this position would pay well over six figures with huge bonuses if the company hit sales targets.
-
Guess again. The days of spa sales reps making 6 figures are well in the past. Most of them are paid a decent salarie and earn a 1.5-2% commission on their dealers performance. None the less, not bad work if you can get it. The pay ranges from high 50s to mid 80s. It must have been rough for them last year as industry figures estimate the hot tub market down from 25-40% depending on your market. Of course Chas and Chris are exempt from that since Watkins numbers never fluctuate more than .5-1% ;)
Considering you would have to live in San Diego I'm sure this position would pay well over six figures with huge bonuses if the company hit sales targets.
-
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/masteryosoki.jpg)
Listen to Master Yosoki, you should....mmmm....yeessss.
-
I thought this was a national sales manager position? Wouldn't that mean you would be in charge of managing all of the regional managers for the entire USA?
-
Guess again. The days of spa sales reps making 6 figures are well in the past. Most of them are paid a decent salarie and earn a 1.5-2% commission on their dealers performance. None the less, not bad work if you can get it. The pay ranges from high 50s to mid 80s. It must have been rough for them last year as industry figures estimate the hot tub market down from 25-40% depending on your market. Of course Chas and Chris are exempt from that since Watkins numbers never fluctuate more than .5-1% ;)
$50K - 80K? Do you think that includes the comissions?
I would think a NAtional sales manager , requiring a BS and 10 yeas exp and located in SanDieago would make more, but then again, I am very unfamilliar with $$in the sales industry. Is the "national sales manager" as glorifying as it sounds, (head of sales? or more a title as in the banking industry that has more VP's than paris hilton has lovers?).
Like Cburke stated, I would have imagined the position such as this, total compensation would be in the six figures, and had a number at least 2x that of the numbers you gave.
-
I thought this was a national sales manager position? Wouldn't that mean you would be in charge of managing all of the regional managers for the entire USA?
Yes, the Grand Poobah of the sales minions.
Terminator (loyal follower)
-
So what is Hotsprings annual sales? I would think at least a couple hundred million a year. Lets say they sell 25,000 spas a year at approx 9,000 each that is still $225 million in sales. If you are big daddy manager I would think you would be paid over $150k per year plus bonus.
-
The really big money is in the rubber ducks. THe mark up on a Hotsprings duck is something like 300%.
From http://www.sdhc.net/giaboutus2.shtml
To afford a median-priced house ($550,000) today in San Diego, buyers need an annual income of about $134,000
...The average new detached home in San Diego County sells for $861,759
I would think as national sales manager I could afford a house in the town I worked.
Addiotnaly http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Diego,_California tells me:
The median income for a household in the city was $45,733, and the median income for a family was $53,060. Males had a median income of $36,984 versus $31,076 for females. The per capita income for the city was $23,609. About 10.6% of families and 14.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 20.0% of those under age 18 and 7.6% of those age 65 or over
Sounds like a mess. :P Same stats on the East coast...something has to give.
-
Lets say they sell 25,000 spas a year at approx 9,000 each that is still $225 million in sales.
$9000 each????
1) maybe you're confusing the manufacturer with the dealer.
2) even the dealer spa sales don't average $9k since their tubs probably range from $4k to $10k.
-
The entire pool & spa industry tends to be underpaid for similar work in other industries. I'd be surprised if the National Sales Manager for Hot Spring makes much more than $125 base + bonuses based on company profitability.
I have a pretty good idea what the Watkins' regional guys make and its not that great for what they do and how much they travel. Having spoken with other reps in the industry, Watkins' has a reputation for not paying the best.
-
The entire pool & spa industry tends to be underpaid for similar work in other industries. I'd be surprised if the National Sales Manager for Hot Spring makes much more than $125 base + bonuses based on company profitability.
I have a pretty good idea what the Watkins' regional guys make and its not that great for what they do and how much they travel. Having spoken with other reps in the industry, Watkins' has a reputation for not paying the best.
But they have better percs, I understand. And, better dealers. ;)
-
Having spoken with other reps in the industry, Watkins' has a reputation for not paying the best.
Just another way we are able to keep our prices low and provide better value to the consumer.
Terminator
-
Guess again. The days of spa sales reps making 6 figures are well in the past. Most of them are paid a decent salarie and earn a 1.5-2% commission on their dealers performance. None the less, not bad work if you can get it. The pay ranges from high 50s to mid 80s. It must have been rough for them last year as industry figures estimate the hot tub market down from 25-40% depending on your market. Of course Chas and Chris are exempt from that since Watkins numbers never fluctuate more than .5-1% ;)
Hot Springs was down almost 25% last year.
-
East Texas Spa was up 21% and was named Territory Dealer of the Year. :)
Terminator
-
Hot Springs was down almost 25% last year.
Never heard that. What is your source?
-
re: "industry figures estimate the hot tub market down from 25-40%"
That is a shock!
I thought the "backyard industry" was booming and that
the hot tub industry would obviously piggy-back that
boom?
-
Hot Springs was down almost 25% last year.
Direct transmission from the MotherShip....Your estimate is off by about 20%. Far less than rest of industry. Extended market share lead once more.
Please try again. Beeeeeeee goooooooood El-li-ot......
End transmission.
-
re: "a median-priced house ($550,000) today in San Diego"
"Median-priced"?....whoa
I hope it looks like a $550,000 house in Big D!
(http://www.ebby.com/thumbnail/286728/listing_11.jpg?x=450;y=283)
2908 Darlington Drive - Plano, Texas - $524,900
(http://www.ebby.com/thumbnail/286728/listing_24.jpg?x=450;y=338)
(http://www.ebby.com/thumbnail/286728/listing_23.jpg?x=450;y=338)
(http://www.ebby.com/thumbnail/286728/listing_21.jpg?x=450;y=338)
(http://www.ebby.com/thumbnail/286728/listing_25.jpg?x=450;y=338)
(http://www.ebby.com/thumbnail/286728/listing_28.jpg?x=450;y=338)
http://www.ebby.com/details/286728.html
-
Store sales folk get paid on the retail sale, reps get paid on the whole sale purchase.
So what is Hotsprings annual sales? I would think at least a couple hundred million a year. Lets say they sell 25,000 spas a year at approx 9,000 each that is still $225 million in sales. If you are big daddy manager I would think you would be paid over $150k per year plus bonus.
-
Hold on to your shorts folks. The American people have VERY short memories, and the fading memory of 9/11 has contributed to the decline in sales in the "backyard industry." Imedeatly following 9/11 there was an unprecidented ammount of "nesting" going on (aparently still is in East Texas, here's to your long memories...The Alamo, 9/11, etc...). Since...many have begun over seas teravel once again reducing the ammount of discretionary income available to the luxury hot tub industry. If you have a better explanaition for this in a thriving economy, lets hear it. So, as I say hold on to your shorts, I know of 3 of my competitors here that are going bye bye, thank goodness, thinning of the heard!
re: "industry figures estimate the hot tub market down from 25-40%"
That is a shock!
I thought the "backyard industry" was booming and that
the hot tub industry would obviously piggy-back that
boom?
-
We're prepped for the best year in recent history.
8-)
-
We're prepped for the best year in recent history.
8-)
Is that beacuse of Ventura countys great economy or the fact that the Coleman / Artesian dealer closed, The Cal Spas dealer closed, and the freeway is going right through "Spas West" front door.
I Wish half of my competition would just go away.
-
East Texas Spa was up 21% and was named Territory Dealer of the Year. :)
Terminator
Really? You were only up 21%? Bummer.
Don't worry, maybe you'll do better this year. It's starting out great for us.
8-)
-
Is that beacuse of Ventura countys great economy or the fact that the Coleman / Artesian dealer closed, The Cal Spas dealer closed, and the freeway is going right through "Spas West" front door.
Most of the above.
BTW - Spas West called. They are having a clearance sale.
8-)
-
Hold on to your shorts folks. The American people have VERY short memories, and the fading memory of 9/11 has contributed to the decline in sales in the "backyard industry." Imedeatly following 9/11 there was an unprecidented ammount of "nesting" going on (aparently still is in East Texas, here's to your long memories...The Alamo, 9/11, etc...). Since...many have begun over seas teravel once again reducing the ammount of discretionary income available to the luxury hot tub industry. If you have a better explanaition for this in a thriving economy, lets hear it. So, as I say hold on to your shorts, I know of 3 of my competitors here that are going bye bye, thank goodness, thinning of the heard!
You're in Reno, right? Who is going away, if you can share?
-
Never heard that. What is your source?
I read it in Pool & Spa News, maybe they were wrong.
-
I read it in Pool & Spa News, maybe they were wrong.
I'd appreciate it if you could provide a link to the article, I'd like to read it. Thanks! :)
Term
-
Guess again. The days of spa sales reps making 6 figures are well in the past. Most of them are paid a decent salarie and earn a 1.5-2% commission on their dealers performance. None the less, not bad work if you can get it. The pay ranges from high 50s to mid 80s. It must have been rough for them last year as industry figures estimate the hot tub market down from 25-40% depending on your market. Of course Chas and Chris are exempt from that since Watkins numbers never fluctuate more than .5-1% ;)
I think we sometimes throw figures around that aren't always totally accurate. There are so many variables and it varies greatly geographically. I've heard many different figures that is suppose to represent the spa industry at a glance but the fact remains that no one knows for sure. . Kinda like ozone and cost savings associated to it, I've heard the industry was down 5-25% overall but there has been no data to back it up.
There is also a very wide variety of pay structures out there at any sales positions although I don't doubt the figures you have produced are from your own experience only. The difference is that it's a mighty big world.
I don't know of too many reps that make under 6 figures. If you're not making more than that, get out as you can't afford your position. Commonly, it takes $25,000- $45000 to properly service a territory in expenses alone. In my experience, base salaries are no more. This is a sales driven position where you are paid based on sales. As in any sales, a higher base lower commission generally equates to lack of motivation to sell and therefore any rep position I have heard of has a draw period which switches to straight commission after a given period of time. Mine was 8%.
This position can generate a great income in the right territory and with the right company. At even a 5 or 6% commission structure, a territory which creates 2 million+ dollars in sales (which is pretty good) provides a decent income. There's a great deal of travel and stress associated with it but for the right person with the right skill set, it's a good job.
Lastly, overall I do believe the industry sales figures overall were down in 2006 from previous years. That said, the GREAT dealers had a record year for the most part in my experience. The Beachcomber store I use to manage had its best year ever in 2006 than in the previous 22 years. What does that tell you? (Other than they did better AFTER I left) ;D
This industry is saturated with retail companies and very few understand the key strategies of retail. There's so many that are just "in" the spa business but don't focus their attention on it as pools and service are where their main source of income are. Then at the end of the year, they question why sales are down for spas... The companies "playing" with spas (displaying less than 8 spas on the floor) are going to fall by the wayside in the next couple of years as this industry becomes even more competitive and the stronger dealers rise. The bottom line is that if you are going to sell spas, learn how to do it properly or don't do it at all. My words of wisdom in my departure from this industry... ;)
Both pools and spas can be successfully retailed in one store but it takes a certain retailer that truly understands the strategies of retail to accomplish it. In my experience, that is about 5-10% of retailers.
I know, I know... I thought Steve was leaving.... ;D
-
I don't know of too many reps that make under 6 figures. If you're not making more than that, get out as you can't afford your position. Commonly, it takes $25,000- $45000 to properly service a territory in expenses alone. In my experience, base salaries are no more. This is a sales driven position where you are paid based on sales.
I know, I know... I thought Steve was leaving.... ;D
Seeing that this is your area of understanding, are spa sales reps independent or are they employees for some companies and independent for others? That might explain the disparity in some of the nmbers people are throwing out there.
-
When you say income is six figures but travel expenses are up to $45000, net ncome is $60000 to $80000.
Watkins guys have expense accounts.
When a rep is paying for his own travel expenses, i have found it to be a disincentive for him to do his job.
-
Seeing that this is your area of understanding, are spa sales reps independent or are they employees for some companies and independent for others? That might explain the disparity in some of the nmbers people are throwing out there.
Almost every manufacturer is looking to make this an independent position that I have seen and heard. Again, there are differing beliefs on this but I can only draw from what I've seen and heard.
Hottubdan wrote: When you say income is six figures but travel expenses are up to $45000, net ncome is $60000 to $80000.
Watkins guys have expense accounts.
When a rep is paying for his own travel expenses, i have found it to be a disincentive for him to do his job.
I'm not clear how you came to this conclusion? It's 6 of one, half dozen of the other... Either you're paid to allow for your expenses on your own or paid less and have an account for expenses from the manufacturer. The end result is the same right? What the former DOES do is make you travel wisely... The key is to have a clear understanding on the cost to look after a given territory and know that you can directly effect your income as you grow it.
If I need to make $85,000 annually and I know it will cost me $30,000 to service my region, whether they pay me $115,000 total per year or $85,000 and cover my expenses with an account is the same thing. This position should pay a final income of 6 figures based on the commitment required to do it properly. I couldn't imagine the travel away from my family, stress and total commitment to all of the businesses while teaching them sales, marketing, profit margins, training, event selling, homeshows, cash flow projections, market positioning and the list goes on and on for any less. That's just my opinion though...
-
I'd appreciate it if you could provide a link to the article, I'd like to read it. Thanks! :)
Term
I found the article and I stand corrected it stated and average of -25% from the industry. It did mention Hot Springs but no numbers. :-[
-
I found the article and I stand corrected it stated and average of -25% from the industry. It did mention Hot Springs but no numbers. :-[
I think Gary should be made to send in a picture of himself for Term to Photoshop as he sees fit as punishment for this egregious error.
If the article is accurate that the industry was down about 25% yet one of the heavyweights was only down a single digit percentage (per Uncle Termy's inside source), it makes you wonder who was REALLY hurting.
-
(http://images.google.com/images?q=tbn:8GbUpzbOcFBhXM:www.vegalleries.com/hbopc/04fred.jpg)
Here you go.
-
Regarding independent rep and expenses. I have had independents and typically they did not serve us as well, in terms of shoing up and helping out. Maybe it was just them. :-/
-
Regarding independent rep and expenses. I have had independents and typically they did not serve us as well, in terms of shoing up and helping out. Maybe it was just them. :-/
If they want to improve your revenue and make money for themselves, they'll show up. When it's a "hand out" from a manufacturer, it can tend to be less urgent so I find it to be the opposite really. More than anything else and regardless of the manner in which money is exchanged, some just don't care enough to take a vested interest in your company.
I'm a true believer that fear motivates and the fear of being broke is very powerful! ;) It can tend to be easier to "coast" when you know there's a substancial base and/or lack of motivation to improve revenue at the dealer level and support them in the way that they should be. Like in any business...it takes all kinds....
Steve
-
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/gary.jpg)
-
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/gary.jpg)
Not that was funny ;D ;D ;D ;D
-
Just local information. When they start dropping off, I'll let y'all know.
You're in Reno, right? Who is going away, if you can share?
-
I have sold other brands over the years, and the reps who were independent had the annoying habit of trying to supplement their income by introducing me to other fine 'opportunities.' More than one of them tried to get me to carry competing products - not all were other spas, or other brands, but many were things that generally sell against tubs.
In 20 years of doing this, I have the greatest respect for my Watkins reps.
Rick S - my very first Rep from 1986 - is still with Watkins MFG Corp as far as I know - he is now head of International sales and I think he is based in Australia.
8-)
-
I have sold other brands over the years, and the reps who were independent had the annoying habit of trying to supplement their income by introducing me to other fine 'opportunities.' More than one of them tried to get me to carry competing products - not all were other spas, or other brands, but many were things that generally sell against tubs.
In 20 years of doing this, I have the greatest respect for my Watkins reps.
Rick S - my very first Rep from 1986 - is still with Watkins MFG Corp as far as I know - he is now head of International sales and I think he is based in Australia.
8-)
You can be an independent rep with an exclusive contract. That's a head office issue in drawing up the contract.
I guess there are 2 sides to that:
1) Dealers sell multiple lines of products to generate revenue from various means so why not a rep? I personally never have but considered repping products that complimented spas.
2) Focus on your main line of product and make it profitable for yourself and your dealers. If "exclusive", the drive to make it a success is possibly increased...
Then there's the legal aspect of exclusivity and the detail of the contract which can be construed as an employee/employer relationship. It can get messy...
-
Per the rep in my area, Rick S is VP of International Sales and based in Vista. He has been around Watkins since the beginning.
-
(http://images.google.com/images?q=tbn:8GbUpzbOcFBhXM:www.vegalleries.com/hbopc/04fred.jpg)
Here you go.
(http://images.google.com/images?q=tbn:8GbUpzbOcFBhXM:www.vegalleries.com/hbopc/04fred.jpg)
Man you put a par of goggles on Fred, some leathers and put him on a VTX and I would say he is dead ringer for Gary!