Sallie Buck
Commercial Sales Representative – Marceline, Missouri
My current position with Walsworth is Sales Representative for the Commercial Division. I work directly with customers and prospects, typically taking specs for projects over the phone or via email communication, submitting an internal quote request for a formal quote to be generated, and then following up with the customer or prospect a few days after they receive the quote. I stay in contact with them to answer any questions and help with details until the job comes to us for production. Always having worked in the Commercial Division, I was the Customer Service Manager for six years, have worked in Estimating, and in the first Commercial Marketing position. Prior to full time positions, I was in many of the production areas during the summers between my college years. That included the bindery as well as some departments that no longer exist – typesetting, paste-up, proofreading and plate making.
My day-to-day work consists of calling a list of customers and prospects just to stay in touch, submitting quote requests to Estimating to provide price quotes, working with the Scheduling team for ship dates, talking with the Customer Service team to learn of the status of live jobs and returning calls to any leads that come my way. My goal with those first-time calls is to convince them Walsworth is the best fit for them to produce their jobs.
Considering my “grown-up” jobs, my time has always been in printing and always with Walsworth. May 15th of this year marked my 49th anniversary with the company. (YES, I began as a child!)
As a college student, it was important to earn money for the next school year so my employment with Walsworth during those summers is how I started working here. Upon college graduation, I was offered a full-time job with Walsworth, accepting it with the intent to eventually move to the “big city.” That “big city” move for me was from my hometown with a population of 138 to Marceline with a population of 2,200.
I do love my job and the day-to-day interactions with my co-workers, folks from other departments and helping those prospects with suggestions about their projects. Many phone conversations are with a first-time publisher and helping them with details they need to know. I enjoy that feeling of satisfaction in offering the guidance and encouragement that helps them make sound decisions.
I’m not a coffee-drinker, but if I had a personalized champagne flute, it would say, “I Love Mondays.” There is something about a fresh start to a new work week and that “feel good” feeling of accomplishments when Friday rolls around.
Having goals to complete tasks every day and marking them off my “to do” list is my daily motivation, whether at work or home. Also, being around my work “family” is a plus.
For a long time, I have been a fan of New Year’s Resolutions – I love the challenge! Like many, I have not always succeeded for the full year, but there are some that I have not only made it one year but kept them up. My longest is giving up cola (Coke and Pepsi) for 43 years and counting!
I was raised on a farm very near Marceline with five siblings and attribute a good work ethic from that farm living. My remaining three siblings are in the area, as well as six nieces and nephews and even more little ones of the next generation.
Outside of work, I do enjoy travel and am overdue a trip to Las Vegas, one of my favorite vacation spots. A couple of trips overseas were very enjoyable, especially a river cruise on the Rhine. Additionally, my college roommates and I have managed to stay in contact and for the last 20 or so years, have done some mini vacations together, ranging from a one-day get-together at one of our homes to a get-away vacation. We are looking forward to our trip next month to the Savannah/Hilton Head area. My other interests include walking with a goal of 20 miles a week. The treadmill works in the winter months, but I much prefer outdoor walking.
I gave it up a few years ago, but I did work a part-time job at Wal-Mart, which took most of my free time. I always had interest in retail, so applied and was hired for 3-month holiday help to last from October through December. I stayed on and 15 years later got that retail-thing out of my system.
Walsworth has been a huge contributor to my future, allowing for long-term, full-time employment, an investment plan, insurance coverage and the opportunity to travel and meet some great people. Being the largest employer in the county, Walsworth has provided jobs for many people throughout the 85-year history and offers many opportunities for advancement. Locally, the company is a supporter of many organizations, including the Community Chest and Rotary Club, both of which give back to the community.
I enjoy being a member of and involved with the Marceline Rotary Club, Community Chest, Downtown Marceline and the Walsworth Community Center. I am also in my eighth year serving on the Marceline City Council. All these organizations and groups are great to be a part of, giving back to the community in many ways.
I have lots of great memories during my time with Walsworth. So many employees and customers are truly my friends. I appreciate my time spent with the company and plan to finish out my career with Walsworth.
