Our next Top Young Tabletop Talent that were want to profile is Josh Smith of Bargreen Ellingson. Outstanding dealer Bargreen Ellingson has been the tabletop leader in the Northwestern U.S. for many years and with a continuing influx of talented young professionals like Josh…mixed in also with some outstanding experienced salespeople – you’ve got a formula for long-term tabletop success. And, we couldn’t be happier! The future for great tabletop in that part of the world looks very bright.
Q: We understand that you had a bit of an unusual beginning with Bargreen Ellingson. Let’s start at the beginning…..what were you doing prior to joining your company and how did it happen that you ended up working at Bargreen Ellingson? And, finally….how long ago did you join?
A: Well prior to signing on with Bargreen Ellingson, I had a wide variety of odd jobs. I always had at least a part time job from the age of 15 on, but never really found anything that I saw as a permanent fit. I worked at a recycling plant, as a tile setter apprentice, dabbled in concrete work, and then made my way into foodservice. I worked as a dishwasher at several places and always seemed to be moved into a more jack of all trades position after a short time. Prep-cook, maintenance, you name it. I was still only working part time, when a friend of mine asked if I might want a more stable full time job. He was working as a delivery driver for Bargreen Ellingson at the time and said that they needed help moving warehouses. I came with him to their (at the time) brand new location in Fife on a Saturday and just started moving boxes. After about a day and a half, they realized that I was not with the high school football team volunteers that they had also helping them out and offered me a full time job. Seems like yesterday, but that was just over 13 years ago in February of 2001.
A: I really enjoy a challenge coupled with responsibility. Proving your worth based on your performance, so I wouldn’t say I have any specific role that I am mentally locked into. With our growth, I could easily see the company creating new roles or needing to fill positions as others advance. I would be happy doing what I do now, but would also love the chance to grow even more. So to answer your question, I would probably consider something in a managerial role of sorts.
Q: In your time with Bargreen Ellingson, what sale has been you most memorable? And, why was that particular sale so memorable?
A: That is an incredibly tough question. One of the things I really enjoy about this work is that it is ever changing and not a day or sale is the same. When I ask myself that question, several different sales flash through my head. The first for every dollar benchmark, the first time I made a huge mistake, the first time I nailed a complex job without issue, etc. All are equally memorable to me, just in different ways. If I am forced to pick just one, it would be my first. I sold a very small dead inventory item from our showroom and the GM gave me crisp $1 bill from his wallet at my first sales meeting. He did it as kind of a joke because there was no money in the sale, but I still have that dollar today.
Q: As someone who has achieved a level of success at a young age, what do you think are the keys to your success? How will you plan to be successful in the future?
A: I believe that the keys to being successful in most fields are to work hard and to build bridges instead of burning them. I know this is a simple answer, but I believe it to be a simple truth. Everything else just seems to just fall into place after that.
A: In my opinion it is an asset to get into this field young and stick with it. There is an incredible amount of products and other information to learn. Allowing yourself ample time to figure these things out is important! Being able to make a few mistakes early on certainly helped me learn and grow from them. Building relationships with the wonderful people in our industry does not happen overnight. It takes some time and again, I feel blessed to have had a decent amount of time to do so and look forward to many more years of it.
Q: What should companies that wish to attract more young people like yourself be doing to attract younger talent?
A: I believe that it has a lot to do with the culture of a company that will most help them attract and more importantly retain young talent. I feel that what Bargreen Ellingson has developed as their culture is very special. Most companies can offer benefits and other cut and dry incentives, but only a few truly build and maintain a culture that will attract quality personnel and retain them. Bargreen Ellingson has solid values and works very hard at maintaining them. The sense of family and understanding is evident on a daily bases at every location around the country. My suggestion to the companies that are struggling with this would be “Develop a culture that has values and stick to them!”
Q: Since we are all about tabletop and Bargreen Ellingson is a great tabletop dealer, how do you view the role tabletop plays in a restaurants overall operation and in the overall guest experience?
A: Tabletop is one of the most important components to a guest whether they realize it or not. It plays a part in all of the senses in that the guest will experience. The visual aspect is fairly apparent, but the others may go more unnoticed. A certain wine glass may change the way wine tastes or smells, it may feel better or worse in the hand or it may make a sound when touched together adds just the right amount of elegance to the experience. The bottom line is that the entire table top is very intimate and important and should be carefully selected by anyone who wants to provide the best experience overall for their guests.
Q: We understand that you have a tremendous love of all the water….oceans, lakes, rivers, etc. How did this love affair begin and what is favorite way of enjoying your time on the water?
A: I have loved the water for as long as I can remember. I am told that when I was just 6 months old, I made my way overboard from a sailboat into the Puget Sound. I was of course wearing a life jacket, but my parents then decided that I needed to learn how to swim. I have been swimming, sailing, rafting or doing any kind of water based activity I can whenever I can ever since. My favorite way to enjoy myself on the water is out on the open ocean….. It is definitely the place I feel the most free and at home at the same time.
Q: Finally, if you weren’t being the rockstar salesperson for Bargreen Ellingson that you are…..what would you like your career to be?
A: My cousin is a Firefighter and I have an immense amount of respect and admiration for what he does. One of the most enjoyable parts of my job is being able to help people when they are in need. I feel like a becoming a Firefighter would be incredibly exciting and simultaneously fulfilling. Sadly, I don’t think it would be a legitimate retirement job, so I will have to plan on something else when I am too old to write orders.
