American Optical Sales Representative - Pacific Northwest

Position Overview

American Optical is seeking an experienced Independent Sales Representative to develop and grow wholesale business with specialty retailers and premium optical points of distribution throughout the assigned Rockies territory.

The Independent Sales Representative will operate as an independent business providing sales representation services to American Optical. The primary focus is identifying and developing new accounts, expanding existing customer relationships, increasing wholesale sales, and representing the American Optical brand professionally in the marketplace.

The ideal contractor has a proven record of outside or territory sales success, strong prospecting and relationship-building skills, and experience independently managing a geographic sales territory. The role involves extensive travel throughout the assigned territory and may require transportation and overnight travel at the contractor's discretion based on business needs and customer opportunities.

About American Optical

Based in Vernon Hills, Illinois, American Optical is one of the oldest optical companies in American history and a pioneer in eyewear innovation. Founded on the belief that quality eyewear should be accessible to everyone, American Optical helped establish spectacle manufacturing in the United States and has introduced iconic sunwear styles worn by pilots, Presidents, and NASA space crews.

Independent Contractor Responsibilities

The Independent Sales Representative will independently perform sales representation services, including:

• Develop and maintain business relationships with specialty retailers and premium optical accounts across the assigned territory, including Gift, Boutique, Men's, and Travel channels.
• Identify, qualify, and pursue prospective wholesale accounts and business opportunities.
• Present American Optical products, brand positioning, and value proposition to prospective and existing customers.
• Develop and execute an independent territory business-development strategy designed to increase wholesale sales and account distribution.
• Cultivate existing accounts and identify opportunities for additional product placement, assortment expansion, and reorder business.
• Pursue mutually agreed-upon sales and business-development objectives.
• Maintain appropriate account and sales activity records and provide agreed-upon business updates to American Optical.
• Support appropriate product presentation, merchandising, and brand representation at customer locations using American Optical-provided brand materials and guidelines.
• Provide product information and educational materials to customers when appropriate to support product knowledge and accurate brand messaging.
• Attend mutually agreed-upon local, regional, and national trade shows and industry events as a representative of American Optical.
• Represent American Optical professionally and protect the integrity and reputation of the brand when interacting with customers and prospective customers.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of demonstrated success in outside, territory, wholesale, or account sales; optical industry experience is a plus.
• Proven ability to develop new business and grow existing accounts.
• Strong customer relationship and business-development skills.
• Experience independently managing a sales territory and customer pipeline.
• Familiarity with ordering platforms and business-to-business sales processes.
• Proficiency with commonly used business software, including Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong verbal, written, presentation, negotiation, and listening skills.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation suitable for territory travel.
• Ability to transport and handle multiple product sample bags weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability and willingness to travel extensively throughout the assigned territory, including overnight travel when necessary to support customer and business-development activities.
• Reside within or have a reasonable business presence in the assigned territory.

Independent Contractor Relationship

This opportunity is for an independent contractor and not an employee of American Optical. The contractor will operate an independently established sales business and will be responsible for determining the manner, means, timing, and sequence of performing the contracted services, subject to applicable customer requirements, brand standards, contractual obligations, and agreed-upon business objectives.

The Independent Sales Representative:

• Is responsible for managing their own schedule, sales activities, customer contacts, and territory-development methods.
• May provide services to other companies, subject to any applicable confidentiality, conflict-of-interest, non-solicitation, or other contractual obligations.
• Is responsible for their own business expenses, transportation, travel arrangements, insurance, licenses, taxes, and other costs associated with operating their independent business, except for expenses expressly agreed to in writing by American Optical.
• Is not eligible for American Optical employee benefits, payroll withholding, paid time off, or other benefits provided to employees.
• Is responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local tax and business requirements applicable to their independent business.
• May use their own business tools, equipment, systems, and methods to perform the services, except where American Optical provides materials or systems necessary for brand representation, ordering, or customer support.
• Will not have authority to bind American Optical to contracts, pricing commitments, or other obligations unless specifically authorized in writing.

Success Measures

Success in the engagement will be evaluated primarily on business results and agreed-upon deliverables, which may include:

• New account development and qualified opportunities.
• Wholesale sales growth and account expansion.
• Customer retention and relationship development.
• Quality and breadth of distribution within the assigned territory.
• Professional representation of the American Optical brand.
• Timely completion of mutually agreed-upon sales and business-development activities.