Recommendations for a job in the industry

[jonaddis84]

Hello all.

Some background.

Im almost 27 yrs old, not married (for the moment, not much longer though), and am obsessed with everything outdoors, especially shooting long range, and shooting in general. I live in one of the most boring parts of the country, Toledo, OH. Total elevation change in a 50 mile radius is about 10ft.

I am currently in my final semester at University of Toledo majoring in Mechanical Engineering Technology, will graduate in May.

I have also completed training at Wyotech in Automotive Technology and Chassis engineering. I did that thinking I could be a technician the rest of my life, and by the time I was done I was ready to go back to engineering school and finish that degree, hence the fact that I am almost 27 and just now graduating.

I can build anything I set my mind to. I am not certified, but I will put my TIG welding skills up against almost anyone. Am somewhat proficient with machine equipment mainly lathe/mill. Have some CAD experience.

It has been my goal for a few years now to move west, I do not have a set location, but I would love to have mountains visible from my house. Ive been to quite a few locations snowboarding, my favorites so far are Bozeman, Montana and Jackson, WY. Im sure Jackson is almost out due to extremely high cost of living, but its an option.

Long story short (too late for that probably). I was hoping for some ideas from you guys for places to apply for a job at. I was hoping to start my application process with companies that are in the firearms industry and would be amazing to work with, and Ill work down from there.

Thanks for any help!
Jon

 

[BOLTRIPPER]

Re: Recommendations for a job in the industry

i would have dropped a dime on a airline ticket to got to shot show and sniff around there,,,,but its too late now as the show has completed its run.

 

[High Binder]

Re: Recommendations for a job in the industry

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jonaddis84</div><div class="ubbcode-body">majoring in Mechanical Engineering Technology, will graduate in May.
</div></div>

That's the two year associates program they have right?

 

[maxpower220]

Re: Recommendations for a job in the industry

I always thought "the industry" was a reference to porn. If you find a way for a straight guy with a small penis to get hired, pass the word.

 

[jonaddis84]

Re: Recommendations for a job in the industry

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: maxpower220</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I always thought "the industry" was a reference to porn. If you find a way for a straight guy with a small penis to get hired, pass the word. </div></div>

No its a full blown 4 year bachelors program. Biggest difference between it and regular Mech Eng is that its slightly less math intensive and more applied sciences instead of theory.

I wouldve loved to go to shot, but first I didnt realize anyone could go now, and second I wouldnt have been able to miss school.

 

[BoredEngineer]

Re: Recommendations for a job in the industry

Jon, with hands on skills I would be looking for small companies as they will allow you to push a pencil and turn a wrench. Do some searching on the internet on products that interest you and things that you would buy as your toys. The major factor in getting ahead career wise is loving your job and what you do. After that the money will follow.

If you're interested in the outdoors and automotive tech then apply at places that build recreational vehicles.
Heres one for example.

http://www.wideopenind.com/#/10

 

[HOGGHEAD]

Re: Recommendations for a job in the industry

The sporting goods industry is actually a small tight knit grup. There are good jobs in the industry. But there are also a lot of not so good jobs in the industry.

Do you want to stay in your field??

The reason why I ask is because the big money in the sporting goods industry is in sales. And that is not exactly what you are trained for. But never the less that is where the money is.

If you would consider sales then that is a great place to start.

If you prefer to stay in the field then the bottom line is put together the very best resume you can. And flood the entire industry with that application. Along with letting them know in no uncertain terms that you are willing to move anywhere in the country. Travel happens alot in the industry.

Don't leave any stone unturned.

I would even send applications to every single gun smith or small gun company I can find. That is where you might really find a niche if your intention is to stay in your field.

And show some interest. Follow up every resume with phone calls. Find out who the real contact person is in every entity, and make sure he knows your name,. Call him, send him post cards, heck find out his birthday and send him a birthday card. You must show them that you really want the job. Then sit bak and watch the offers roll in!! Think positive, or stay home!! Tom.

 

[Bryan27]

Re: Recommendations for a job in the industry

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HOGGHEAD</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The sporting goods industry is actually a small tight knit grup. There are good jobs in the industry. But there are also a lot of not so good jobs in the industry.

Do you want to stay in your field??

The reason why I ask is because the big money in the sporting goods industry is in sales. And that is not exactly what you are trained for. But never the less that is where the money is.

If you would consider sales then that is a great place to start.

snip....... </div></div>

Agreed! x10

If you like Bozeman, I believe that is where Simm's is headquartered.

As far as the sales part goes, that is something that I had considered doing when I got out of college. My thoughts would be to find a few new or small companies and go talk to them about becoming an independent sales rep for their company. Develop a portfolio of clients that you rep their product in whatever region you want to live. You'd travel a lot, be responsible for your own expenses and probably not be a 9-5er but there would be a lot of up side to this type of work. You'd be around outdoors people all the time, your schedule would be pretty flexible, your success would be based solely on your efforts and talent. Other than that, it'd be fun and exciting and allow you the opportunity to grow your own brand into a business that you could expand if you choose to. Might be something to think about. You don't have to be a "sales" type of person to be a good rep and selling is a skill that you can learn to be good at, unlike some will tell you it's not a "gift" that you are either born with, or not.

 

[45.308]

Re: Recommendations for a job in the industry

Alaska's economy is growing and if and its a big if the gas pipeline goes through, lots of jobs and big money.

Sales rep? Basically there are 2 different types of reps; independent and company.

Independents are just that, they are not solely effected by one company but have their own sales company and rep for multiple companies, they make around 8% of the sales they generate but if you are well seasoned, I know a few who made 10% but very rare. The more shops you have and the more these shops sell, the more money you make. But, it the shop defaults on payment you can lose your money. Most had a promotion and/or a personal accounts but as I was leaving the field, most companies have stopped these accounts. Out of these accounts, you have to pay for samples and comp'd toys sometime one in the same as samples are used as comp once a new product or sales training in over. Most comp toys have to been given back due to the reason the rep had to pay for it and needs a lot of them for everyone to play with for awhile.

There are two types of company reps; inside and outside. These reps are paid salary and only rep for one company. While they are almost the same they are not. Outside rep can live anywhere and work at home, does most of the travel to shops to promote, only one company I dealt with gave the outside rep a car. Inside works inside the company buildings and does sales and issues there but I know some that had to travel too. Outside reps depending on the company have to pay for samples but not comps, some paid for neither and do not think anyone I know had to pay for it all. Inside pay for neither its all on company account but its very very hard to get an inside comp product.

Like was said before, its a brotherhood and they all know each other. I know a few independents that got sucked into the company and while they are pushed for sales, its less stress. If a shop drops your line with either you will have to answer why did you lose that account and of course ind will lose up front payment while the company rep will lose any bonus.

It is a very cutthroat business and some of the inside workings are very ruthless. While you may see reps hand shaking at a show, behind the scenes its much different. I took two rival reps on a trip in Alaska, funny how we all got along for a while but I was uneasy as I knew about each of them and how they dealt and said about each other. Then it all fell apart as they did not agree on almost everything and started ripping each other many hood, one left.

You will travel and then you will travel some more and when you think its over you will travel again.

Forgot one thing, terms. As a rep you will have to work terms to get a new shop and keep a shop. Sometimes to get a new shop or even keep one, the ind rep will have to eat into that 8% for terms. The better the terms the more likely a shop will bring in your line Vs the other guy. There were many many shops defaulting on terms as I left. I always wanted dating and the % was good to but I need days to turn the product to pay the bill.

Any, some companies do not have warranties like consumers think and either the shop will have to eat returned product or a good rep will eat that warranty product so again comes out of your pocket coin because if you let the shop eat it, you may lose their account.