Jesse Lakins has been a Kidron District Sales Manager in the Michigan, northern Ohio, and western Pennsylvania territory for the past 7 months.  He was hit hard during his training by Covid-19 and has had to regroup and overcome obstacles in our new normal.

Tell us about you past work experience.

“I started working at Waltco at 17 years old as a general helper. I worked my way up over the years by learning many different parts of the business such as purchasing and parts and service before settling in inside sales.”  After 12 years in inside sales, Jesse moved up to inside sales manager covering the Midwest to Northeast area of the US with many direct reports.

“I always wanted to pursue a career in outside sales and I considered myself young enough at 40 to make that change,” said Lakins.

So why Kidron?

“Kidron is a local company and I’ve know the Kidron name for a long time.  I knew John Sommer, Jr., VP of Kidron Sales, personally as well as many other Kidron employees.  When I saw the position open up, I thought it would be a smooth transition and the perfect location for me being it was right in my back yard.”

Lakins who lives in Akron, OH, covers all of Michigan, Ohio; north of Route 30 above Canton, and western PA.  He has been with his wife Renae for 22 years and they have 3 kids together, 2 boys ages 21 and 13 and a girl, 5.  They all enjoy family time and sporting events particularly baseball, football and boxing.

How have things changed for you since Covid-19?

“Dramatically!  My past experience worked to my advantage by going back to old inside sales habits like hitting the phones and cold calling – like riding a bike.”   Jesse is building a good pipeline considering the troubled market by getting more quotes and deals through all of his calling efforts.

Lakins was just getting started on the road training with his fellow sales team and manager John Sommer, Jr.  when everything stopped due to Covid-19.

“I’m coping very well working from home.  I’m fortunate enough that my wife, who works at a doctor’s office, was not laid off during this time.  With both of us being essential workers, our 5-year-old is able to attend daycare which helps me stay focused on my job.”

How are you staying close to customers while social distancing?

“Basically a lot of LinkedIn.  I’m searching for customers on LinkedIn, messaging old and new contacts.  I’ve been sending out emails and making calls.”

“I made a name for myself at Waltco, and I plan to make a name for myself at Kidron”

With Jesse’s flexibility and strong determination, there is no doubt he is one to watch as an outstanding sales leader!

Contact Jesse Today!

If you’re interested in getting in touch with Jesse Lakins, email him at jlakins@kidron.com today, or contact any member from our sales team.