On July 1st, 2014, Arco Steel celebrated Carolyn Akers Wade and her 23rd year with the company. "I started when I was 4 years old," says Carolyn jokingly "that's my story and I'm sticking to it!"
A lot has changed since this bright-eyed, fresh out of school, younger Carolyn joined the Arco family; she has become somewhat of a metal building aficionado, has married, has had two children, and has earned the role of Arco Sales Manager to name just a few. "One thing that has not changed," said Arco Steel Buildings President and CEO Allen Freeman, "Carolyn is still the most hardworking, dedicated salesperson I have ever met."
When asked what makes a successful salesperson, Carolyn answers "When I begin working with a customer, the first thing I do is put myself in their shoes, and then I just listen." She goes on to explain, "I listen, and ask myself 'What would I want to know if I was where they are on my project?"
Carolyn and her husband have actually been on "that side of the fence". They own an Arco building in Tucker, Georgia; Wade's Used Vans. "I have personally experienced the process of building a metal building from the ground up. I feel like I understand and recognize my customer's needs, so I personally take my customers by the hand, and walk them through the process."
Carolyn is dedicated to the customer and to Arco Steel Buildings. She takes pride in every job. "I've known Carolyn for many years," says her General Manager, Dick Betsch "there is no one who will work harder for their customer than Carolyn. She is early to work and one of the last to leave at the end of the day. She stays until the job is done."
To say that Carolyn has the support and admiration of the owner Allen Freeman is an understatement. "Carolyn has been the Arco Salesperson of the Year for eleven years in a row now. If that doesn't speak volumes about her level of commitment, I don't know what would. We are certainly looking forward to see what the next 23 years will bring!"
