Why Join Custer?

Custer creates personalized spaces that elevate well-being, promote innovation, and transform the communities in which we live and work. Established in 1981, Custer has grown beyond West Michigan to become a premier Steelcase dealership and a full-service interior solutions partner serving corporate, education, and healthcare clients. Our team delivers environments that empower people to do their best work - integrating workplace strategy, design, furniture, flooring, and technology to support a better way of working.

Custer continues to grow - expanding our reach in West Michigan and deepening our relationships in the Kalamazoo and surrounding communities through exceptional service and a commitment to long-term partnership. As part of this growth, we’re seeking a motivated Account Manager to represent Custer locally, build meaningful client relationships, and contribute to the continued success of our Kalamazoo market.

 Opportunity at a Glance

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.

Job Responsibilities

Sales & Revenue Growth

• 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

Business Development & Market Growth

• 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

Client Relationship Management

• 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

Account Maintenance & CRM 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

Reporting & Documentation

• 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

Cross-Functional Collaboration 

• 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

Qualifications

• 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
• Knowledge of social media platforms for client engagement and research, preferred

Education, Experience & Other Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience
• Experience in Account Management or Sales, preferred
• Experience working with CRM software, preferred
• Must reside in the greater Kalamazoo area
• Must have reliable transportation
• Must have valid driver’s license

 Compensation & Benefits

• Starting salary for this position is $55,000-$65,000, based on experience and qualifications.
• • Upon completion of the training program, the role will transition to a compensation structure that includes base salary plus commission.
• The company offers a full range of benefits including: Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account, Life Insurance, Disability and Other Insurance Plans, Paid Time Off, Holidays, 401(k), and Short- & Long-Term Disability.