Every year, Chemsearch FE nominates one or two “Rookies of the Year” who represent FE’s commitment to creating sustainable facilities and provide unmatched service to his/her customers through training and education. The nominee(s) actively grows his/her own industry knowledge and shares this knowledge, not only with their customers, but also with their own peer group. Lou has done an excellent job of representing our culture and, for this reason, was nominated as “Rookie of the Year”.
Lou grew up in West Hartford, Connecticut. He has spent most of his life in Connecticut, but he did live in Denver for about six years before moving back to Connecticut two years ago to be closer to his family and to start his own. He and his wife, Alissa, are expecting their first child in August.
Louis and his wife enjoy cooking and entertaining, especially on the weekends. They typically make it a point to rotate on Sundays between each of their families to share a meal together. He also enjoys traveling, golfing, skiing and hiking. He loves watching baseball and is a big fan of the New York Mets. Louis had been enjoying barbecuing lately and is hoping to master things like ribs and pulled pork, working his way up to brisket.
What are the most rewarding parts of your job?
The best part of the job is that it doesn’t feel like a job at all. I am warming up a new potential friend who might just happen to become a customer. I get to hang out with friends who lean on me to help their business or make their lives easier. I especially enjoy my contract business because it’s guaranteed income and I’m a trusted member of my client’s operation. Each day offers something different and I get to help my customers in a number of ways. We have a full suite of products for a facility.
How does working for FE align with your life goals?
I love how much freedom this position provides for both my career and my family. I get to hit the open road and overcome challenges on a daily basis. Working for FE is meaningful work and allows you to approach many different kinds of businesses with solutions they may not have been aware of. In a lot of ways I feel like a small business owner, I am in control of my brand and my success. FE gives you all the tools you need and you always have someone to turn to for help when you need it.
What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment so far in your career with FE?
Well, getting voted Rookie of the Year! I really appreciate the amount of growth I’m seeing in my business and with the company. I feel like this is a company that promotes its talent from within, and I have plenty of opportunities to grow with it. I especially enjoy mentoring newer employees to help them grow their business and also taking out new potential hires on field rides to show them the advantages of working for FE. I’ve only been working here for a year and half and I have so much more I want to accomplish.
Where were you (job or industry) before joining FE? Did you see yourself in a sales role?
Prior to FE, I worked in the employee benefits world for 10 years. I started in customer service and worked my way up to account management then sales. I always knew if I wanted to make the level of income I was aiming for I should be in sales. I think I’ve had success in my sales career because I genuinely enjoy meeting new people and listening to their life experiences. Sales is the greatest job in the world if you’re passionate about the products and believe in what you’re selling.
What do you consider a fulfilling workday?
I love a day where maybe I finally made an appointment I’ve been trying to make for a number of months or demoing for a new potential client. The day just seems to fly by when I am sitting down with my customers. It never hurts to make a few sales along the way too!
Lou’s manager, Grant, shares his experience working with Louis:
It has been a pleasure working with Lou. Lou’s background in customer service has helped him develop strong relationships with his customers. Also, his product and industry knowledge has really helped him become a great asset to his customers and peers.
What has Lou excelled at since first starting with FE?
Lou is a very hard worker and has done well in many areas. He wanted to quickly learn everything he could and spent extra time studying to become an expert. He does a great job at what I call “sticking to the process.” Lou’s ambition is a big reason why he has been chosen to work with new reps as part of the development team.
How would you describe Lou’s relationship with his customers?
Lou has done a great job becoming more than just a vendor for his customers. They look to him as a resource. I am not sure I have seen a rep so young in the business have customers calling him for solutions or reorders. They could buy their products and services anywhere else but they choose to continue working with him.
