While employed at a manufacturer’s rep., Brad Vermillion grew tired of that company’s inability to secure a product line, so he reached out to his friend Justin Bjankini.
“After being let go again — the third time in two years — due to the loss of a major line and seniority, I called Justin and asked, ‘Hey, you always brag about your company. Can you get me an interview?’” said Vermillion.
Vermillion visited the Aurora branch for an interview in April 2005. G.W. Berkheimer extended an offer and he started as an inside sales representative the following Monday.
“Inside sales taught me the basic knowledge of the industry along with procedures that G. W. Berkheimer had in place,” said Vermillion, 39. “I wanted to be better each day through the learning of daily tasks and tons of training.”
In 2006, Vermillion was transferred to the Rockford branch, where he eventually assumed the role of outside salesman.
“At this time of my career, I was taught to learn what was needed from our customers and to find ways to provide it,” he said. “I also focused on making great relationships along the way.”
In 2008, he was promoted to the role of equipment specialist, and in 2017, he became the equipment manager for all 11 Illinois branches.
“Seeing the results of the hard work we provide our customers is the most rewarding part of working in this industry,” he said. “It’s very rewarding and gratifying. They say if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life. I absolutely love what I do.”
Vermillion aspires to continue to push himself and his team to be the best at what they do.
“I want to look back and say the things we did were game-changing,” he said. “I will always strive to move to the next level in our company.”
Vermillion signs his emails with the slogan, “Go the extra mile, it’s never crowded.”
“I truly believe this,” he said. “There are so many ways to learn and grow with this industry. Take advantage of the training that is available, learn it, and put it to good use.”
Vermillion is proud to be one of many talented workers at G.W. Berkheimer.
“Success all starts with the kind of people that you work with,” he said. “The bar is set from our leadership team to be the best. We, as a team, genuinely care about our customers and their customers. I feel we have that personality trait to want to help each time the phone rings, email sent in, delivery truck leaves, or we head out to visit our customers.”
Vermillion previously earned G.W. Berkheimer’s President’s Award for top sales within my division. When not working, Vermillion, who participated in G.W. Berkheimer’s Leadership of Our Future Team (LOFT) program, enjoys making memories with his family and friends.
“I also enjoy traveling,” he said. “I have only two states left to visit to reach all 50 states. I have played sports all my life at a high level and currently play softball.”
Publication date: 01/31/19
