Customer Service Representative

The Company:
Kinter is a family business obsessed with making retail display hardware easier for our customers. We’ve been manufacturing and distributing retail display hardware for over 40 years. Our approach to business is simple — treat each other and our customers like family.

Summary/Objective:
The Customer Service Associate works to support the Sales department by providing responsive, professional assistance to customers throughout the sales process. This includes handling inquiries, processing orders, following up on leads, and resolving issues to ensure a positive customer experience. The role also involves collaborating with internal teams, managing project details, and contributing to the overall efficiency and success of the sales operation. The pay range for this role is fixed at $50,000 to $60,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Candidates with strong, relevant experience may be offered salaries toward the higher end of the range, while those earlier in their careers can expect offers aligned with the entry level of the range.

Essential Functions:

• Handle incoming sales calls and assist customers with inquiries.
• Respond to product questions and requests for quotes (RFQs) generated through the website or print advertisements.
• Confirm and process orders received via phone, fax, and email.
• Support the sales process by managing projects, tracking open orders, and resolving issues as needed.
• Identify new sales opportunities through proactive follow-up on inbound leads and targeted outbound outreach (calls and emails).
• Provide customer support through webchat.
• Serve as backup for front desk reception and inbound call handling.
• Support the Sales department and overall business operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced and evolving environment.
• Extremely proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or similar software.

Preferred Education and Experience :

• High school diploma required; bachelor's degree or equivalent experience preferred
• Previous inside sales or customer service experience required.
• Background in one or more of the following industries is highly desirable: printing, retail display construction, point-of-purchase (POP) signage, or hardware distribution.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Adjusting or moving objects up to 15 pounds.
• Ability to make repetitive movements, including moving of the wrists/and or fingers, bending, or squatting.

Work Environment

• This position will work indoors in a temperature-controlled environment.

Travel

• None.

The Location:
Kinter is located on the outskirts of Waukegan, just minutes from Gurnee and Wadsworth. Office and warehouses are located off IL Route 41, which makes the commute easy from surrounding towns.

Why Join Our Team?

• Be part of a dedicated, family-owned business with a proven track record of success and a deep commitment to its employees.
• Enjoy generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Benefit from comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance—100% covered for the employee by Kinter, with no payroll deductions.
• Secure your future with our fully employer-funded pension plan (contributions start after 1 year, fully vested after 5 years, with no deductions from your paycheck).
• Unlock long-term growth potential and opportunities to advance within the company.