ENVISION WHAT'S POSSIBLE, GENERATE EXCITEMENT, BRING IDEAS (AND SALES) TO LIFE, ALL WHILE WOWING OUR CUSTOMERS.

THE OPPORTUNITY:

We are offering a rare opportunity for an individual that is highly knowledgeable and experienced in custom headwear sales. This role is not just about selling incredible hats, it's about leading our sales efforts and driving the growth of our Zephyr brand through collaboration and mentoring of our rep force. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in the headwear industry and a strategic mindset to identify market opportunities and develop effective sales strategies.

It's equally important that this person is a humble, committed, personable, motivated individual with a servant leadership style who thrives on guiding and developing team members. We are looking for someone who has a genuine passion for selling our unique and cool hats, builds relationships, and drives positive change. It will also be a strategic advantage if the candidate lives, eats, sleeps, and breathes all things hats, embodying our brand's spirit and dedication. While a love for tees is a plus, a strong focus on headwear is key.

This position is unique, serving a dual role. As our resident licensed hat expert, you will work with customers and reps, striving to increase sales, and providing efficient and excellent customer service (WOW Our Customers is one of our core values). You will actively seek out new business, work directly with customers, respond to requests, and write orders. At the same time, you will wear a leadership hat (see what we did there...), leading the development of and guiding our Sales Reps on all things Zephyr hats. And quite literally, jeans a tee a Zephyr hat is pretty much our standard dress code around here.

We're not your average company, either in culture or performance. We like each other. We love our products and our customers. Much like the customers with whom we do business, we like to win, and we know the best team does just that. Speaking of Team, it's another one of our core values, reflecting our collective drive to succeed. We are a brand and a company on its ascendancy, with a non-corporate culture where decisions can be made quickly, change is welcomed (we remain NIMBLE and open-minded), and individuals have the ability to define their own success (cue core value of Meritocracy).

Much like Bigfoot, this is a rarely seen opportunity that doesn't present itself often, so don't wait to apply.

Essential Job Functions | Lead Motivate Create Foster Build Drive Growth = Results

• Lead identification of accounts and potential accounts with opportunity for headwear growth (in collaboration with reps), and lead the both the arrangement of appointments with those accounts as well as lead the headwear presentation with those accounts
• Mentor and train reps on the ways to sell our hats and maximize headwear sales for our customers through leading incredible sales presentations
• Develop and implement strategic sales plans to achieve company sales targets and expand our market presence
• Work closely with Business Development and Line Development teams to effectively prepare and execute growth plans, with specific leadership focus on relationships and sales, and of course, hats
• Provide expert insights into product development, licensing opportunities, and market strategies
• Collaborate on brand strategies, sales goals, line planning, operational needs and marketing initiative
• Serve as the go-to resource for all things related to licensed headwear within the company
• Establish and monitor sales territories, goals and progress of reps
• Lead and motivate reps as well as coach them by example to problem solve and achieve goals
• Together with the Blue 84 Licensed Sales Manager, develop and maintain systems to continually attract and onboard new reps
• Create and foster relationships with reps, key buyers, store owners and licensing entities
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities with potential licensees and retail partners
• Regularly deliver visible metrics on goals and sales progress to the management team
• Manage and grow new & existing sales funnel with reps
• Maintain a thorough understanding of the competitive headwear landscape
• Entertain customers in various social settings, such as dinners and industry events
• Attend trade shows to develop relationships and generate new leads

Qualifications | Big Picture Thinker NIMBLE Headwear Know-How Proactive

• Must have a deep passion for hats, including: wearing, customizing, and selling them. The ideal candidate will be an expert in hats, obsessed with innovative ways to enhance them, and have proven experience in effectively conveying this enthusiasm to customers; be proud to sport the 'Z'
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field preferred but not required
• Five or more years of experience in the headwear industry
• Five or more years of successful sales experience building and managing customer relationships
• Sales management experience preferred, but not required
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to analyze market trends and translate insights into actionable sales strategies
• Self-motivated, results-oriented, and able to work effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Must love dogs (we kinda like them at our MN headquarters, and we hope you do, too)
• Experience using technology, such as PowerPoint, Excel and Salesforce, to be organized and efficient
• Proactive ability to anticipate needs of key accounts and ensure successful positioning
• Welcoming of change, nimble and open minded
• Personable, friendly, energetic, humble, optimistic, and have a good sense of humor
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Must have an ability to recognize our culture, contribute to it, and be a part of it. Big egos, game players, "me firsts", entitled, and other such traits need not apply. We kind of mean it J
• Ability to travel 40-50% of the time, based on needs and seasonality

OUR CULTURE IS ONE-OF-A-KIND AND TRULY SETS US APART. We are proud of our humble beginnings and non-corporate style. We offer a unique atmosphere, unlike any other manufacturer. We work hard to be the best and we seek only committed individuals that will help move our company forward and embrace our values and culture. Lakeshirts | Blue 84 is one of the largest privately-owned screen-printing manufacturers in the United States, responsible for decorating and distribution of a wide variety of garments for the resort, college and K-12 markets. At Lakeshirts, we employ over 900 great people, proudly producing 45,000 garments daily. It's not just a job but a lifestyle. Our job descriptions help support and guide you in the role you play in making our company successful. LIFE'S BETTER IN A T-SHIRT. IT REALLY IS.

Cognitive or Mental Requirements of the Job:

Employee must be able to see and hear, read and write. Requires adaptability, analyzing, assessing, calculating, decision making, dependability, judgment, reading, speaking, following direction, handling multiple priorities, reasoning.

Physical Demands:

OCCASIONALLY: Lift, Stand, Carry, Lift under 10 lbs, Carry under 10 lbs, Reach above shoulder heightPush, Pull, Climb, Balance, Bend, Twist, Crawl, Reach, Lift 10-24 lbs, Lift 25-50 lbs, Lift over 50 lbs, Carry 10-24 lbs, Carry 25-50 lbs, Carry over 50 lbs

FREQUENTLY: Walk, Reach at shoulder height

CONTINUOUSLY: Sit, Reach below shoulder height

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive and should in no way be considered a contract or guarantee of employment. Employee may perform other related duties as needed based on the ongoing needs of the business. Minnesota is an Employment-At-Will state and implies no specific length of employment.