Yakima, a leader in vehicle racks and cargo solutions, recognized the achievements of its sales representatives during the company’s 2018 sales meeting, which took place at its global headquarters in Lake Oswego, OR on June 6-8. It named Pacific Rep Works as its Agency of the Year, and recognized longtime Yakima representative Bill Kaplan with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Led by Bob Westler and Mitch Lemas, the Pacific Rep Works team of Matt Gaudette, Jeff Nelson and Dave Goulet represent Yakima in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana. Pacific Rep Works has been a Yakima partner for 12 years, and the team has contributed more than 60 years of combined service to Yakima when their work under a prior agency is also tallied.
“Pacific Rep Works consistently achieves the highest expectations of Yakima sales and service, and in 2016, they produced significant growth over the prior year in a mature and well-distributed territory,” said Ben Tindall, Yakima director of sales USA. “They are a benchmark for professionalism in supporting dealer excellence, with the goal of enhancing the consumer experience with Yakima. Additionally, they provide insightful communications and outstanding market intelligence. They really set the bar this year, and we’re thrilled to recognize them with our Agency of the Year award.”
The Lifetime Achievement Award was established this year to honor the life and work of Yakima sales representative Bill Kaplan, who passed away in February 2017. The inaugural award was established to posthumously recognize and honor Bill for his lifelong commitment to the Yakima Brand. BP Associates – where Bill worked for 32 years – accepted the award on behalf of Bill’s daughter, Erica.
In the future, the award will go to the sales representative or Yakima employee who best exhibits the qualities that embodied Bill’s contributions: a passion for the brand and for helping others to get out there and enjoy nature with family community and friends; creativity in energetically communicating compelling stories and life lessons; and stepping up, above the fray and the expectations of others, to invigorate and to enhance every experience.
“Bill Kaplan was truly an inspiration for all who benefitted from his passion, energy, and love of the industry,” said Jason McGibbon, vice president of sales at Yakima. “Though the Yakima family is mourning his loss, this award is a small token of our deep appreciation for all he did for Yakima, both professionally and personally, over the years.”
Photo courtesy Yakima
