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equipment Specialist

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dancing Queen

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Will someone post some information about the Patterson Dental Equipment Specialist position? I have learned plenty from the hiring manager, but I want to hear from others who are giving an honest opinion. Seems like great position. What are the down sides? The Branch is struggling and needs a turnaround. I know it won't be easy, but worth a career move?
 












Not so fast? Is this a game? I worded the original post poorly. "I have learned plenty" was a bad choice of words. Asking more questions to the hiring manager isn't appropriate yet, so I thought I would see if anyone in here would offer info. I just want some insight to how the Equipment Specialists work with Sales Reps and how the position is different than a rep position. There is very little posted about Equipment Specialists. How does the pay compare? How do the call points of an ES compare to that of a sales rep? Hiring Manager told me the learning curve for an ES may be up to 2 years due to the extensive product line, and the need to understand office design, dental office operation etc..., made tougher by the fact that the branch is struggling. Looks to be a tough gig but the right person can be rewarded for making a positive difference. (That is any position worth fighting for.) Linked in shows several equipment specialists, many who have been doing it for a long time. My perception is a fulfilling career and ES would be a sought after position. This may mean nothing, as I haven't even taken the proctored exam in the local branch. Doesn't mean I can't ask questions in here though. Any insight would be great!
 




Equipment specialist is much different than a territory rep position. The highest paid people at any Patterson Branch are equipment specialists and CEREC Specialists. The Territory reps essentially work for the ES as they are the ones that bring in the leads. Once the es has a lead they work with TR to get the deals done. ES is responsible for all equipment except for CEREC. Including chairs, cabinets, lasers, ovens, etc. A lot of business falls under the responsibility of the ES. It's a prime position with a great company. I'd be all over this one.
 




Depending on how much money you are looking to make or used to making, the equipment job is a good choice. As previously stated, the territory reps work for the equipment reps. That is semi true. The nice thing about being a territory rep (I just became one, previously a territory rep) is that if your territory rep sells a piece of equipment without you, you still get paid. Territory reps are the soldiers at the front of the line who are getting beaten daily. Equipment reps are "specialists" and most territory reps tell the doctor how great they are and are in turn welcomed with open arms. Not only is the base pay much higher than the territory rep, you do not have as much BS to deal with.

Here is how it works as a equipment rep, the territory rep tells you that an office needs a piece of equipment. You go in and figure out which would be the best for them and provide them a proposal. If that account is "owned" by that territory rep (meaning they buy EVERYTHING from that person) then you do not have to discount the price much. If the rep is trying to get a foot in the door, then you can help them out with a competitive price. You are paid on gross margin so if you discount the price, you get paid less. At the same time, if the territory rep earns his way as the sole provider, then you will have a chance to sell them more equipment in the future.

Long story short. TAKE THE JOB!!!! Base pay is above 70k with mileage and expenses and car allowance.

At the end of the day, Schein, Benco, Patterson, etc are all great companies. Get in with one, do well, and you can move anywhere you want in the dental world.
 




After the interview processes, I am getting a written offer for the Equipment Specialist Position in the next 2 business days. Manager says not to expect to be on the growth plan for 2.5 years. That seems a bit long, but I am looking forward to digging my heels in and grinding. Who can tell me about purchasing stock at a discount? Sounds like a pretty sweet little bonus. Is there a limit on that? How long do you have to hang on to it? I am certain there has to be some sort of limits/rules associated with this, as its a hefty arbitrage opportunity.
 




Dancing Queen said:
After the interview processes, I am getting a written offer for the Equipment Specialist Position in the next 2 business days. Manager says not to expect to be on the growth plan for 2.5 years. That seems a bit long, but I am looking forward to digging my heels in and grinding. Who can tell me about purchasing stock at a discount? Sounds like a pretty sweet little bonus. Is there a limit on that? How long do you have to hang on to it? I am certain there has to be some sort of limits/rules associated with this, as its a hefty arbitrage opportunity.
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When the ES role was initially set up, you were a salaried employee indefinitely with all expenses reimbursed because of the amount of travel you have to do covering the entire branch geography.

It doesn't make sense to move you to the TM plan ever. You may want to look into that further. Have you spoken with any other ES reps at other branches? Definitely do that before taking the job.
 




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