Associate Account Manager

Custer•Kalamazoo, MI

17h•$55,000 - $65,000

About The Position

The Account Manager will strengthen Custer’s presence in the Kalamazoo and surrounding areas by building meaningful relationships, guiding clients through the sales process, and delivering solutions that reflect our commitment to exceptional service. This role manages day-to-day account activity, delivers tailored presentations, and ensures a seamless customer experience from first conversation through project completion. Along with managing existing accounts, the Account Manager will identify new opportunities and build connections that expand Custer’s reach in the local business community. Through consultative selling, strong engagement, and close collaboration with internal teams, this role plays a key part in activating and growing Custer’s presence in the Southwest Michigan market, balancing account management with proactive business development efforts. We're seeking a sales professional who thrives on connection, initiative, and follow-through—someone eager to learn the furniture dealer industry and passionate about being an active member of Kalamazoo community. While direct experience is a plus, we don’t expect you to have it yet; we’ll invest in a full year of hands-on training to help you learn our products, processes, and approach. As a locally based representative, you’ll build trust through consistent client engagement and a genuine desire to help customers achieve their goals. If you’re motivated, coachable, and ready to grow into a long-term career, you’ll make a meaningful impact here at Custer.

Requirements

Interest in sales, business development, and networking
Problem-solving mindset with the ability to think creatively and make informed decisions
Detailed-oriented with excellent organization skills
Ability to multi-task, managing multiple accounts, projects, and deadlines effectively
Negotiation, persuasion and objection-handling skills
Ability to learn how to create and deliver engaging client presentations
Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to engage professionally with clients and internal teams
Proficient in Microsoft Office, Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
Self-motivated, results-driven, and customer-focused
Strong team player with a collaborative mindset
Ability to travel for client meetings and industry events
Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience
Must reside in the greater Kalamazoo area
Must have reliable transportation
Must have valid driver’s license

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of social media platforms for client engagement and research, preferred
Experience in Account Management or Sales, preferred
Experience working with CRM software, preferred

Responsibilities

Support Sales Leader in achieving monthly, quarterly, and annual sales goals
Learn to identify upselling and cross-selling opportunities to maximize revenue potential within assigned accounts
Develop foundational negotiation skills to overcome objections and close deals effectively
Assist with managing sales activities and timelines to support efficient sales cycles and successful deal execution
Progressively take on increased sales responsibilities as product knowledge, confidence, and develop sales skills
Learn and apply foundational business development skills by supporting efforts to identify and engage prospective clients in the SW Michigan market
Assist in building a local sales pipeline through guided outreach, networking events, referrals, and community involvement
Participate in local business and industry events alongside sales leadership to build relationships and increase Custer’s visibility in the Kalamazoo area
Gradually take on increased responsibility for prospecting and relationship development as training milestones are achieved
Collaborate with and learn from experienced sales leaders to understand market dynamics and strategies for growing Custer’s regional presence
Support Sales Leader in serving as the primary point of contact for clients, ensuring clear and responsive communication and excellent customer experience
Build and maintain strong, long-lasting client relationships that drive repeat business
Assist in preparing and delivering engaging presentations tailored to client’s needs, highlight product features, services, and value propositions
Support the handling of client concerns and objections, developing skills in problem-solving and relationship management
Maintain accurate records of customer interactions and sales activity logs in CRM software under guidance from sales leadership
Track account performance and identify trends to improve customer engagement
Ensure timely follow-ups and documentation of key account interactions to support overall account management efforts
Assist in preparing account summaries, sales activity updates, and performance reports for review with Sales Leader
Learn to document key account strategies and provide insights to leadership to support effective sales planning
Work with internal teams to ensure seamless service delivery and customer satisfaction
Partner with sales support and project management teams to execute client requests efficiently
Collaborate with internal teams to prepare customized proposals and solutions for clients
Work with accounts receivable and internal teams to learn billing processes and support timely payment collection