Q&A with Regional Sales Manager Ron Rooks

Get to know Regional Sales Manager Ron Rooks

Ron joined Bishop-Wisecarver less than a year ago, and with him, he brings more than a decade of experience in industrial sales. The Atlanta, Georgia resident represents BWC in the southeastern United States, from the Florida boot to to Texas. He sat down with us for a quick minute to answer a few questions. Got some of your own for him? Send an email to ronr@bwc.com.

[ Connect with Ron on LinkedIn here ]

Question: Tell us a about your background, your education, how long you’ve been with Bishop-Wisecarver and what you like most about being on the BWC team?

Answer: I graduated from the University of North Florida with a B.S. in Education. Before getting into sales I was a school teacher and also coached different sports. I have been in industrial sales for 11 years now and have been with BWC for all of nine months. What I like most about being with BWC is the team concept we possess as a small company, and that I have access to everyone for help. And although we are "small," we have an aggressive plan in place and everyone is on board.

Question: What do you like about sales?

Answer: I enjoy being a part of a solution for our customers. A lot of times, an opportunity is created based off someone else’s failures. I enjoy being their solutions provider and bringing in the BWC team to solve their issue. I also really enjoy meeting new people every day, getting to know them, seeing their manufacturing process and learning about their specializations.

Question: What do you enjoy most about working with engineers?

Answer: I learn something new from our engineers every week. It’s good to have open dialogue with them so we can work together to find the right product or solution for the end user.

Question: What challenges arise from selling a product based on features and benefits?

Answer: Having to help a customer realize an issue they may have without knowing it themselves. When a component only lasts a few months versus a few years, it’s what they’re used to, but we know different and want to educate them on how our products can perform better.

Question: What makes for a good selling relationship with a customer?

Answer: Trust and respect. You could be selling the greatest product since sliced bread, but if the customer doesn't trust or respect you, you’ll never see the business. Those two things help build a strong relationship – both professionally and personally.

Question: If sales were a team sport, what would it be and why?

Answer: Football. If one person doesn’t do their job correctly, chances are the play fails.

Question: Speaking of sports, what’s your favorite team or teams?

Answer: Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta Braves and Georgia Bulldogs.

Question: What do you like to do outside of work?

Answer: Spend time with my best friend and wife Kristi and our dog Puddy. I also like walking through Piedmont Park in Atlanta, running, participating in triathlons and playing golf.

Question: What’s your favorite coffee beverage? Cream, no cream, sugar, no sugar?

Answer: Normally, coffee with cream. But every once in a while I treat myself to a Skinny Vanilla Latte.

Question: Favorite quote?

Answer: I’ve got many, but here are my two favorites ...

"Those who compete, whether they win or lose, shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat.” — Teddy Roosevelt

“I always have to think about what’s important in life to me are these three things: Where you started, where you are and where you’re going to be.” — Jim Valvano