Category: Uncategorized

Pamela Schilling – Upton, Wyoming

I’m Pam Schilling and, my husband, Steve, and I live on the family ranch north of Upton, Wyoming.  Life is never dull or the same from day to day here!  We have a commercial Angus cow/calf operation, and all the ranch duties that involves! Our family has been truly blessed to be able to grow up in the fresh air and beautiful country! Steve and I married in 2003 and combined our family with my two kids, Travis and Mandy.  Both are adults now and Travis added to the family with his wife, Shenna. They in turn gave us two beautiful grandchildren that bring laughter and sunshine into our lives.

Becoming an AP Rep was totally unexpected; I had never thought about it until my name was brought up to the regional manager!  I haven’t regretted it – I have a wonderful customer base and have made some great friends! I try very hard to have good communication with ALL of them.  So many of them thank me every time I call, text or email them to remind them the due date is near.  Having been a customer first, I know I always appreciated a reminder – life gets busy and we are all prone to forgetting from time to time!  I also find being flexible with delivering orders is much easier than just a set date and time.  Life not only gets busy, it happens, and there are times that you cannot make the appointed time. I try not to make extra trips, but incorporate having to make a trip to town with delivering the groceries!!  In turn they reciprocate by coming to the ranch if it happens again!!

Since I make a lot of my meals from scratch, some of my favorite products are the pre-made ones… #7944 mashed potatoes are wonderful and easy to make, and the #7151 frozen doughnuts are a particular favorite around here anytime, but especially on the weekends!!

My sales have picked up!  I tried everything at first – ads in the newspaper, going to craft fairs, etc., but the best advertisement for me was my customers!! The food sells itself; it is wonderful!!  I try to provide the best customer care service I can.  Together it seems to have been a good combination because I have gotten more new customers through word of mouth than any printed ads!!  Thanks Alison’s Pantry for giving me something that I enjoy doing!!

Making the most of your Food Show Experience

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It’s AP Food show week. Yahoo! What does this mean to you as a rep?  Are you planning on showing up and being entertained, or have you planned what you want to accomplish during this trip? Our Food show will be held on Saturday, Sept 16th from 11am to 3pm in the UCCU center at Utah Valley University in Orem, UT. If you haven’t decided whether or not you are planning on attending, please come. You won’t be disappointed! Friday night we will be hosting a rep recognition night exclusively for our reps. This will begin at 7pm in the UCCU center in the North Presidential Meeting Room. Use the main UCCU  Center door and there will be signs directing you to the elevators. It is located on the 3rd floor.

Taking the opportunity to attend business conventions are a must if you are planning on growing a successful business. You will want to learn all that you can during the time allotted to you. Here’s a few ideas on how to make this a successful visit.

Jenny Childs

  1. Review the Agenda– You aren’t going to want to miss out on any of the presentations. Make your visit a destination, not a sideline. Spend the time needed to access the information that you need to learn. Be the first to arrive and the last to leave. Those that invest their time and energy in learning and bettering themselves, will achieve their goals. Food show agenda
  2. Get Oriented– Take a minute to look over the area, get familiar with the venue and layout of the show. Plan to visit all the booths and demonstrations.  MAP   Directions to UCCU
  3. Find out who’s going– There’s never a better time than a conference to meet and greet other reps that you are familiar with from Face Book Groups and where you live. Don’t count on simply running into them. Instead, reach out to them ahead of time to let them know you’ll both be in attendance. This way, you can plan a few minutes to stop-and-chat and get to know each other better. We learn from each other in this business and what a better way than to learn together at the food show.   _MG_4755
  4. Bring the right gear to enjoy yourself.
  • Keep your phone and laptop chargers with you. You’ll probably spend a huge part of your day on your devices, taking pictures of products and people and demos — don’t get caught with dead batteries.
  • Pack enough business cards. Make sure you have some on hand and a stash in your luggage. You never know how many people you’re going to meet that you might want to get back with.
  • Bring the materials you need for taking notes and carrying samples.
  • Wear good shoes for walking as you will be walking a lot around the floor.

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  1. Arrive early-You don’t want to be stuck at the registration desk while everyone else is off to the classes. The AP registration desk opens at 8:15 AM, the first demo class begins at 9AM. Register as early as possible so you can minimize your time standing in lines and maximize your time learning and meeting people. Seating is limited in the demo classes, arrive early.
  2. Divide and conquer- If you’re attending with friends and family, try and see as much as possible. Split up and visit the booths solo, you will accomplish and learn so much more when you can focus on the items that you are interested in. Sometimes crowds grow around booths, take the opportunity to look around and find the less busy booths to take advantage of the vendors access and ask your questions, with the plan to go back to the busy booths when they die down. The more attendees you can meet and speak with, the more of an asset you’ll be to your customers. The Food show is an opportunity to pick the brains of the companies that we offer products from. Don’t waste it.  _MG_4761
  3. Ask, ask and ask again- Find out all you can about the products that are featured, knowledge is power. This knowledge will build more confidence in the products that AP sells and in your ability to give your customers the products that they want.
  4. Get them while you can- Take advantage of the special offers on show items. Some of the product vendors will be offering special items available at the food show only. Keep your eye out for those.
  5. Share your knowledge- Return home to your customers with a wealth of knowledge and the excitement to set goals and to work hard to achieve them. Share this knowledge and samples with your customers. With the new online ordering system being an AP rep is easier than ever.
  6. Have Fun!! Enjoy yourself, be positive and show your excitement. Be infectious!

Stacee Izatt

  AP Regional Sales Manager

 

Meet Joshua Kissee

 

How long have you worked at Alison’s Pantry?

This one is a little difficult to answer because when I was a kid my brother and I would walk to work after school and my mom would give us silly little jobs like washing the windows or dusting the blinds.  Mostly we just sat around and ate any candy we could find.  When we found the sugar free candy we thought we hit the jackpot, but it tasted awful.

What do you love about your job?

Working with so many great people.  I love solving problems.  We have a lot of wonderful reps and employees. Sometimes I’ll get an email or note from a rep saying how much they love AP and it makes it all worth it. I also love working with my brother Jesse.  He has the patience of a saint and he really balances my high strung personality out a lot.

 

What is hard about your job?

Working with said great people.  Lol  but seriously we do have some difficult personalities, but for the most part they are great to work with. It’s difficult to get people to see change as a good thing.  Launching the online ordering program has been pretty difficult.

 Tell us about your family.

I have a beautiful wife Danielle; we’ve been married for 13 years.  We have two children, Mckayla is 8 and William is 5.  I love them more than anything.

 

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I really love going to the gym.  I typically go early in the morning 5-6 times a week.  I’ve recently gotten into biking too. pretty much anything outdoors is a lot of fun for me.  I love to go shooting with my friends.  My wife and I love to watch movies together.

 

What is your favorite Alison’s Pantry product?

#7102 Pilgrims Tempura Battered Chicken Breast Strips  Those are soooooo delicious.  I dip them in some Sweet & Sour sauce for a kick.

 

What is your favorite family meal that includes an AP product?

We have quite a few, but I love the chicken cordon bleu with white shells and green beans.

 

Melissa Mickleson, Glasglow, MT

Melissa Mickleson

I have been a representative with Alison’s Pantry for about 5 1/2 years. Previous to that, I was a very enthusiastic customer. I was always sharing my catalog and telling people about the products.  People were usually surprised when they found out I didn’t actually work for the company, I was just a very happy customer.

One of the things I love about Alison’s Pantry, and one of the things I tell potential new customers, is that no matter how you choose to eat in your family, we have food for you. We have convenience foods, we have spices and meats if you choose to cook from scratch, we have baking mixes, we have fruits and vegetables, and much much more. Interestingly, my own eating habits have changed multiple times over the course of the last five years and with every new thing I try, Alison’s pantry has got me covered.

My best advice is to be reliable and organized. My customers come to a pick up day at my home. They know I always have a flyer box stocked  with the current catalog attached to the side of my garage. Make sure to send out reminders, whether they’re emails, texts, or phone calls. Be friendly and approachable, and you’ll find that you have gained not just customers but new friends.

 

AP Referral Contest Winner!

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Here’s How
  1. Refer yourself, or refer a friend, to become a new Alison’s Pantry Representative.
  2. When an AP Rep refers a friend, the Rep and the friend will each receive one entry.
    A customer who refers themselves will receive two entries.
  3. Entries will be active when the new Representative completes the sign-up and brief training, and places their first order*.

    Additional winners will be selected May 17th, and June 14th, 2017

*First order must meet minimum requirements.

Meet Carlos Flores!

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Ever wonder who is in charge of organizing the warehouse at Alison’s Pantry? Meet our warehouse manager, Carlos Flores! He is new to AP and we are happy to have him.

He is originally from El Salvador but after living in New York for 15 years he moved to Utah working for an investor running his warehouses.  He also began his own business: ”Flores Apparel LLC”. www.floresapparel.com.   He and his wife, Vanessa, have been married for a year and they are expecting their first child in July. With the upcoming birth, he felt he needed more permanent employment and came to work for Alison’s Pantry. He has been with AP for 3 months now. He loves working with the good people at Alison’s Pantry, and enjoys working closely with Josh and Jesse.  AP has a great work environment, is down to earth, a good place to be.  He feels so well treated!

As a newbie to Alison’s Pantry, he hasn’t had the chance to try all of the products, but so far loves the Bacon Wrapped Pork Fillets. He also loves the Soup Supreme Clam Chowder and is looking forward to trying many more AP products.

Carlos loves the city and the outdoors.  He enjoys fishing and sports, especially basketball.  He is so excited for his new baby girl to be born and can’t wait for her to get here so they can enjoy the summer as a family.

Thanks Carlos for working hard for our company, we appreciate your dedication!

The Secret to Making Connections

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One of the biggest reasons people purchase AP products is because they like you, the sales rep, and the service they receive from you.  Making connections and building relationships with your customers and potential customers is the underlying secret to your success.  Here are some fascinating tips on how to connect better with people and have a meaningful relationship with them.  And when you do, you will see your sales skyrocket!

“The golden rule of friendship states that if you want people to like you, make them feel good about themselves.  This is the key to all successful relationships.  If you help someone feel good about themselves, they will credit you with helping them obtain that good feeling.  People will be eager to fulfill your wants and needs if they like you.” Jack Shaffer Ph.D

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Here are 3 techniques to help people to feel good about themselves:

  1. Emphatic Statements. Emphatic statements mirror what someone says or the reflect their emotional status, and are designed to indicate interest and attention in the person.  Here are a few examples of the basic formula:
  • “So, you like the way things are going today”.
  • “So you are having a good day today”.
  1. Allow others to compliment themselves. Use an emphatic statement to give them an opportunity to pat themselves on the back. If someone says they just spent long hours finishing a project at work, you could say, “Wow, it takes a lot of dedication and perseverance to complete a project like that.” Not only will they think that what you said is true, they will also say something to that effect, making them feel good about themselves.  Here is another one, “How do you manage to stay in shape with your busy schedule?”
  1. Ask a favor. Try something simple like when you are at a party, calling someone by name and then asking them to watch your drink while you go to the bathroom.  People who do favors for others feel good about themselves.

There are many ways to help people to feel good about themselves.  The most important key is to listen carefully to what the other person is saying, and focus on them rather than thinking about what you will say next.  All of these ideas came from the book, “The Like Switch,” by Jack Schaffer.  He has so many other fantastic ideas in his book!  You can find it here:  The Like Switch

Julie RSM

Ribbons, Ribbons. What’s your color?

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As an Alison’s Pantry representative, each time you reach a new tier of commission you will receive a social media graphic ribbon from your RSM.  This ribbon is for you to display on the signature line of your email or on your Facebook pages and groups. These ribbons are a small tribute to the work, dedication and time that you put forth in your business. AP is proud of you and all your accomplishments, we want to honor you in a visual way, besides all the tasty food, great relationships and the increased commission level that you earn, it’s our way of patting you on the back for a job well done.

Each time you move up from one tier to the next you will receive the corresponding ribbon. Your customers will be impressed with your achievements and you should feel good about displaying it.AP_TopTenBadge_2

The other ribbon available is the top ten ribbon. This top ten includes all the reps in the company and is determined following the close of orders for each catalog. This ribbon is a great accomplishment, if you earned it, then display it proudly.

Haven’t received your ribbon, or reached a new level lately? With the renewal of Spring comes the ability to make changes and set new goals. Share your goal with your RSM, she is there to help you achieve, offer ideas and direction and be your cheerleader when you succeed. We love to see you shine.

So, let’s display those ribbons, be a team, set some goals and go to work!  As Mary Kay Ash used to say, “Nothing happens until somebody sells something.”

Stacee Izatt

RSM

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Meet Cecily- AP Buyer

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Meet Cecily Lawson, she is the buyer for AP, without her hard work and dedication our orders would not be easily filled, sorted and delivered to our customers. She works hard at managing the ins and outs of over 800 products daily. Here’s a bit about her.

I have been with AP about 2 years – I started in the Fall of 2014, took a 6-month sabbatical last year, and returned in the Fall of 2016.

I love working with Kim and the Brokers. It’s always fun to research and assist with finding quality products that would fit Alison’s Pantry customer base.  Some are huge wins and others not so much. I’m also a bit of a nerd, I love the computer program Excel and nothing is more engaging and challenging for me than assembling and compiling data for analysis.  For most people that would be boring.  The unpredictable nature of this job can be challenging and frustrating at times. There are so many variables we can’t control. For example, we have no control over Suppliers delivering late or shorting us product, customers ordering heavier than we expected, or when the weather delays our trucks.  There is a lot of scrambling that goes on in the background to keep everything running smoothly.

I am married to a wonderful man named Rob who happens to be in this industry too.  Our children are grown up and out of the house so right now it’s just the both of us living at home. We recently moved to Kansas City, Missouri for his job and we miss our four kids and five grand kids terribly. They have all been out to visit and we’re planning their next trip for this summer. We’re doing our best to entice them out to the Midwest.

I love a good read so I usually have my head in a good novel or I’m out in my yard working. I admit I also like a good Netflix binge watch.  Since we are new to the Midwest, on the weekends we almost always go out for drives or try to find a local festival or event. When I have extra time, I volunteer with the Kansas City Pet Project helping rescue animals.

My favorite AP product is Daily’s Bacon of course! (my husband is a Regional Sales Manager for Daily’s). This changes from time to time but my current favorite item is the #1400 Lockhart Gourmet Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough 108ct – I’m a bit of a cookie snob and these are high quality, tasty, tasty cookies. Since it’s just the two of us, I love that I can cook up a couple cookies when we are craving something sweet or when I need a plate to take the neighbors without having to make a whole batch.

Thanks Cecily, we appreciate all you do for our great company!