Skip French Valdese, North Carolina Southeast Territory Sales Manager Van Beek Natural Science

What education are you bringing to this position?
I've been learning about livestock my whole life.

Please describe your agricultural background.
I grew up on a beef cattle and horse farm. I developed a new territory by introducing a company to the cattle industry of that region. I educate producers on the many vaccines, implants, dewormers and antibiotics for their livestock.

What territory will you cover?
The Southeast: Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Florida.

What are your new responsibilities?
Working closely with distributors, distributor reps, veterinarians and producers, educating them about Van Beek products. Conducting training meetings for distributors and producers and offering them assistance about our products. Also, to build strong working relationships between Van Beek and many organizations.

What previous positions have you held?
I began my career at Southern States as a warehouseman, then was promoted to a custom applicator and store manager.

After Southern States, I moved on to Lextron Animal Health as a territory representative for North and South Carolina. I then assumed the role of an Eastern Regional Sales Manager with KMG Chemicals Inc., Animal Health Division.What excites you most about working in this new role?
I am excited about the opportunity to introduce Van Beek products to a territory that is not developed yet, and to detail our products to customers.

How will you be of most help to producers in your region or area of expertise?
When concerns are addressed I feel confident that, with my knowledge in the animal health field, I can respond to them with correct information.

Why did you choose this company?
The company has a family atmosphere, which is very important to me. Also, the products that are produced by Van Beek are superior in the industry.

What's your best story from the first day on the job?
When my boss and I began to visit producers, we were overwhelmed with the response that we received. As we were detailing Van Beek products to them, we were warmly accepted and the producers were excited about the products.

They were pleased to hear that I would be visiting them and working this territory. With this kind of response, I knew this new endeavor for me was the right choice.

What goals would you like to accomplish while in this position?
I would like to have distributors in every state in my territory promoting the sales of our products. I also would like to have all dairies in these states using Van Beek products. PD