Sales Trainee
About the job
- Good planning, organization, communication, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
- Knowledge of the organization's policies.
- Working-level knowledge of account management, scheduling, customer support and service, product knowledge, product pricing, sales support, warehousing, distribution, transportation, and records management.
- Basic telephone skills with the ability to identify key issues, evaluate facts, and recommend appropriate action.
- Proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite software and relevant sales systems technology.
- Zero to two or more years of experience with a Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, or equivalent industry experience preferred; zero to one or more year of experience with a Master of Science, Master of Arts, or Master of Business Administration.
- Serve as an inside sales representative for new and existing accounts through inbound and outbound telephone calls.
- Facilitate all aspects of the sales process, including identifying new opportunities, developing sales solutions, closing sales opportunities, negotiating pricing, and providing customer service and follow-up.
- Partner with outside sales representatives to maximize sales efforts and uncover opportunities.
- Understand the company's vision, mission, strategy, and business unit objectives, and set and accomplish individual performance goals accordingly.
- Identify new sales opportunities with new and existing customers.
- Focus sales time on the largest and most profitable opportunities, including segmenting account lists and creating customer or product sales plans.
- Improve profitability, product penetration, and product mix with customers.
- Qualify sales opportunities through market and customer research and collaboration with outside sales representatives.
- Develop sales solutions and competitive pricing strategies, communicate value propositions to customers, and propose or reevaluate solutions as necessary.
- Close sales opportunities by gaining purchase orders and executing order fulfillment procedures.
- Provide customer service and post-sales satisfaction while facilitating long-term relationships for repeat business.
- Manage assigned product responsibilities, which may include managing inventory levels through indirect product sourcing, managing inventory turns, promoting products to other inside sales employees, assisting with product pricing, and developing promotional literature.
About the company
BlueLinx distributes building products for residential and commercial construction, remodeling, repair, and related projects, serving markets from manufacturing to homeowner projects. Its products, including framing, finishing, and specialty materials, move to customers through a reliable distribution network guided by knowledgeable staff. The company differentiates itself with its size, established channels, and hands-on expertise that ensure dependable delivery and broad product availability. Its goal is to help customers complete projects efficiently by offering a wide catalog and practical guidance.
Company Size
1,001-5,000
Company Stage
IPO
Headquarters
Marietta, Georgia
Founded
2004
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Q2 2026 sales rose 4.4% to $814 million; adjusted EBITDA rose 33%.
- Q2 2026 operating cash flow turned positive, with $655 million liquidity and 0.6x leverage.
- Trex begins loading in 2026, with management targeting larger 2027 contribution.
What critics are saying
- Housing softness persists; BlueLinx said Q3 2026 specialty volumes stay flat sequentially.
- Freight, diesel, and supplier-price increases squeezed SG&A throughout first half 2026.
- If specialty mix shift stalls, BlueLinx remains a low-margin commodity middleman.
What makes BlueLinx unique
- Sept. 24, 2026 Westlake named BlueLinx sole PVC trim distributor across 27 locations.
- BlueLinx spans fifty states with locally focused sales and broad distribution-center coverage.
- Disdero acquisition and Trex rollout deepen specialty mix beyond commodity lumber.
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Growth & Insights and Company News
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5%Westlake (NYSE:WLK) Stock Analysis: Institutional Confidence and Strategic growth initiatives. Sep 25, 2026 Market News FMPWestlake (NYSE:WLK) Stock Analysis: Institutional Confidence and Strategic Growt... * An analyst price target revision for Westlake (NYSE:WLK) still indicates a significant potential upside of 46.27%. * Institutional investors, including Bank of America (NYSE:BAC), are actively increasing their stakes in Westlake, signaling growing confidence. * Westlake's strategic expansion of its distribution partnership with BlueLinx (NYSE:BXC) is set to strengthen its supply chain and support future growth in key building product markets. Westlake (NYSE:WLK) is a global chemical manufacturer and building materials supplier. The company operates in sectors including specialty chemicals and building products. With a market capitalization of approximately $8.61 billion, it is a significant player in its industry. An analyst at UBS recently lowered their price target for Westlake to $98.00. A price target is an analyst's projection of a stock's future price over a certain period. At the time of the report, the stock's price was $67.00, which represents a potential upside of 46.27% from that level. Despite the revised target, institutional investors are showing interest in the company. Bank of America (NYSE:BAC) recently acquired a new stake of 232,213 shares. This position is valued at approximately $16.95 million and represents about 0.18% of Westlake. Other firms are also increasing their investment. Parallel Advisors LLC increased its position in Westlake by 133.80% in the first quarter. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. also raised its stake by 219.40% during the fourth quarter, showing growing confidence from investment managers. Operationally, a Westlake subsidiary expanded its distribution partnership with BlueLinx (NYSE:BXC), as highlighted by GlobeNewswire. This move strengthens its supply chain for building products like Kleer(R) PVC Trim and TruExterior(R) Siding across major U.S. markets, supporting potential future growth. Market news and analyst rating coverage Rayan Ahmad covers market news, analyst rating changes, and company developments for the FMP blog. His work focuses on summarizing price-target updates, earnings results, and broker actions into accessible, data-backed market updates. Financial data for every need. Real-time quotes and 30+ years of historical data, including prices, fundamentals, and insider transactions - all accessible via API. Stock Screener 2017-2026 (C) FMP
Westlake Royal Building Products(TM) broadens Kleer(R) and TruExterior(R) distribution through expanded BlueLinx partnership. * Westlake Royal Building Products has broadened its distribution partnership with BlueLinx, with Westlake Royal becoming BlueLinx's sole PVC trim supplier, further expanding the long-standing relationship between the two companies. * Kleer(R) PVC Trim will be available through 27 BlueLinx distribution locations serving customers throughout New England, the North and Mid-Atlantic, the South, the Ohio Valley and select Central U.S. markets. * TruExterior(R) Siding & Trim distribution will expand from 12 to 17 BlueLinx locations, including five additional locations in Massachusetts, Vermont, Maine and New York. * The expanded relationship reinforces both companies' commitment to helping building professionals and homeowners access durable, low-maintenance siding and trim solutions through one of North America's largest building products distribution networks. HOUSTON, Sept. 24, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - Westlake Royal Building Products(TM)("Westlake Royal"), a Westlake company (NYSE: WLK), today announced an expanded distribution agreement with BlueLinx, one of North America's leading building products distributors. Through the long-standing partnership, Westlake Royal will serve as BlueLinx's sole PVC trim supplier, distributing Kleer(R) PVC Trim across its network while also broadening the geographic footprint of TruExterior(R) Siding & Trim. "BlueLinx has been a valued, longtime distribution partner of Westlake Royal Building Products, and we're pleased to expand our relationship through this agreement for Kleer PVC Trim," said Bill Conlon, vice president of U.S. sales, siding and trim, Westlake Royal Building Products. "Becoming BlueLinx's sole PVC trim supplier represents an important opportunity to grow the Kleer brand and expand its reach in key markets. Combined with BlueLinx's strong customer relationships and distribution capabilities, we are well positioned to provide building professionals with greater access to the high-quality, low-maintenance trim solutions they demand." Kleer PVC Trim will be available through 27 BlueLinx distribution locations serving customers throughout New England, the North and Mid-Atlantic, the South, the Ohio Valley and select Central U.S. markets. Kleer PVC Trim delivers the warmth and character of wood but is engineered to resist moisture, dirt and UV damage while requiring minimal maintenance. Available in a wide range of sizes and profiles for both exterior and interior applications, Kleer PVC Trim can be used for window and door trim, beadboard, decorative mouldings, casings and post wraps, helping pros and homeowners create authentic, standout details for long-lasting beauty. "We are excited to expand our relationship with Westlake Royal and further align our partnership with our customer-facing strategy," said Shyam Reddy, president and chief executive officer of BlueLinx. "The addition of Kleer PVC Trim strengthens our value proposition by enhancing our specialty product offering in 27 key markets where we serve customers throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, South, Ohio Valley and select Central U.S. regions. As our sole PVC trim supplier, Westlake Royal plays an important role in helping us deliver a focused, high-quality trim solution to our customers. We appreciate the confidence Westlake Royal has placed in us and look forward to building on this expanded partnership to create additional value for our customers while supporting profitable growth for both companies." BlueLinx locations stocking Kleer PVC Trim include Bellingham, Massachusetts; Burlington, Vermont; Portland, Maine; Buffalo and Long Island, New York; Denville, New Jersey; Frederick, Maryland; Richmond, Virginia; Charlotte and Raleigh, North Carolina; Charleston, South Carolina; Atlanta, Georgia; Tampa, Lakeland and Jacksonville, Florida; Nashville and Erwin, Tennessee; Cincinnati and Akron, Ohio; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Grand Rapids, Michigan; Chicago, Illinois; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Davenport and Des Moines, Iowa; and St. Louis, Missouri. In addition to Kleer PVC Trim, Westlake Royal is broadening the availability of TruExterior Siding & Trim through five additional BlueLinx distribution locations in Bellingham, Massachusetts; Burlington, Vermont; Portland, Maine; Long Island, New York; and Buffalo, New York. This expansion increases TruExterior availability through BlueLinx from 12 to 17 distribution locations. Made from an innovative poly-ash material, TruExterior Siding & Trim is known for its durability, workability and resistance to moisture and insects. To explore the full line of Kleer PVC Trim, visit the Kleer website. To learn more about TruExterior Siding & Trim, visit the TruExterior website. About Westlake Royal Building Products Westlake Royal Building Products USA Inc., a Westlake company (NYSE: WLK), is a leader throughout North America in the innovation, design and production of a broad and diverse range of exterior and interior building products, including Siding and Accessories, Trim and Mouldings, Roofing, Stone, Windows and Outdoor Living. Westlake Royal Building Products manufactures high-quality, low-maintenance products to meet the specifications and needs of building professionals, homeowners, architects, engineers and distributors, while providing stunning curb appeal with an unmatched array of colors, styles and accessories. About BlueLinx BlueLinx Holdings Inc. (NYSE: BXC) is a leading U.S. wholesale distributor of residential and commercial building products with both branded and private-label SKUs across product categories such as lumber, panels, engineered wood, siding, millwork, and industrial products. With a strong market position, broad geographic coverage footprint servicing fifty states, and the strength of a locally focused sales force, we distribute a comprehensive range of products to our customers which include national home centers, pro dealers, cooperatives, specialty distributors, regional and local dealers, and industrial manufacturers. BlueLinx provides a wide range of value-added services and solutions to our customers and suppliers, and we operate our business through a broad network of distribution centers. To learn more about BlueLinx, please visit www.bluelinxco.com. Kriss Swint Westlake Royal Building Products [email protected]
BlueLinx deepens Westlake Royal partnership with Kleer PVC Trim rollout to 27 locations. 24 September 2026, 11:55 AM The expanded distribution agreement highlights BlueLinx's push toward higher-value specialty building products. BlueLinx Holdings Inc. (NYSE: BXC) announced an expanded relationship with Westlake Royal Building Products that adds an exclusive Kleer PVC Trim distribution agreement in key markets and broadens availability of TruExterior Siding and Trim. The company framed the move as part of its strategy to enhance its specialty product mix and drive "profitable sales growth," leveraging its national footprint and local sales force to expand participation in higher-growth building product categories. Kleer PVC Trim will launch in 27 BlueLinx locations, establishing Westlake Royal as the exclusive supplier in key markets. Under the expanded agreement, Westlake Royal Building Products will serve as BlueLinx's "sole and exclusive PVC trim supplier in key markets," with BlueLinx launching Kleer PVC Trim products across 27 distribution locations. The rollout spans markets across New England, the North and Mid-Atlantic, the South, the Ohio Valley and select Central U.S. markets - with the company also noting "opportunities to further expand the distribution footprint."
BlueLinx expands relationship with Westlake Royal Building Products(TM) through exclusive Kleer(R) PVC Trim distribution agreement and market expansion of TruExterior(R) Siding and Trim products. BXC, WLK | 16 hours ago * BlueLinx continues to leverage its scale and profitable sales growth strategy to enhance its specialty product mix with key suppliers * Westlake Royal Building Products(TM) will serve as BlueLinx's sole and exclusive PVC trim supplier in key markets under the expanded distribution agreement * BlueLinx is launching Kleer(R) PVC Trim products in 27 BlueLinx distribution locations serving key U.S. markets for these products, with opportunities to further expand the distribution footprint * BlueLinx also expands availability of TruExterior(R) Siding and Trim, increasing its geographic footprint from 12 to 17 distribution locations. BlueLinx Holdings Inc. (NYSE: BXC), a leading U.S. wholesale distributor of building products, today announced the expansion of its relationship with Westlake Royal Building Products(TM). BlueLinx will now distribute Westlake Royal's Kleer(R) PVC Trim products in 27 distribution locations throughout New England, the North and Mid-Atlantic, the South, the Ohio Valley and select Central U.S. markets. Stocking locations include Bellingham, Massachusetts; Burlington, Vermont; Portland, Maine; Buffalo and Long Island, New York; Denville, New Jersey; Frederick, Maryland; Richmond, Virginia; Charlotte and Raleigh, North Carolina; Charleston, South Carolina; Atlanta, Georgia; Tampa, Lakeland and Jacksonville, Florida; Nashville and Erwin, Tennessee; Cincinnati and Akron, Ohio; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Grand Rapids, Michigan; Chicago, Illinois; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Davenport and Des Moines, Iowa; and St. Louis, Missouri. The agreement represents another important step in BlueLinx's strategy to expand its specialty products portfolio with category-leading brands and to increase its participation in attractive, high-growth building product categories across many markets across the United States, thereby leveraging BlueLinx's national distribution footprint at scale to amplify its value proposition for key customers and strategic suppliers. In addition to Kleer PVC Trim, BlueLinx is expanding its Westlake Royal TruExterior(R) distribution footprint by adding TruExterior(R) Siding and Trim at its Bellingham, Massachusetts; Burlington, Vermont; Portland, Maine; Long Island, New York; and Buffalo, New York distribution locations. This market expansion increases BlueLinx's TruExterior(R) footprint from 12 to 17 distribution locations and further enhances the company's specialty siding and trim offering in these new markets with an innovative poly-ash product known for its durability, workability and resistance to moisture and insects. "We are excited to expand our relationship with Westlake Royal to accelerate our specialty products growth strategy," said Shyam Reddy, President and Chief Executive Officer of BlueLinx. "The launch of Kleer PVC Trim and expansion of TruExterior(R) product lines in markets across the United States enhances our siding and trim offering for customers at scale with high-quality, durable, low-maintenance branded products from a trusted industry leader. We appreciate the confidence that Westlake Royal has placed in us and look forward to building on this partnership to drive greater profitable sales growth in the coming years." "BlueLinx has been a valued distribution partner for Westlake Royal Building Products, and this expanded agreement reflects our shared commitment to delivering premium siding, trim and exterior building solutions to customers across the country," said Bill Conlon, vice president of sales, siding and trim, Westlake Royal Building Products. "By adding Kleer(R) PVC Trim to more BlueLinx locations and expanding the availability of TruExterior(R) Siding and Trim, we are making it easier for dealers, builders and contractors to access trusted, high-performance products backed by exceptional service and support. We look forward to continuing our successful partnership and driving growth together in key markets throughout the United States." The expanded relationship creates opportunities to increase share of customer wallet through complementary product sales, to support mix shift strategies toward higher-value specialty categories and to deliver greater value for customers seeking a trusted distribution partner with a comprehensive siding and trim portfolio. ABOUT BLUELINX BlueLinx Holdings Inc. (NYSE: BXC) is a leading U.S. wholesale distributor of residential and commercial building products with both branded and private-label SKUs across product categories such as lumber, panels, engineered wood, siding, millwork, and industrial products. With a strong market position, broad geographic coverage footprint servicing fifty states, and the strength of a locally focused sales force, Stockhouse Publishing Ltd. distribute a comprehensive range of products to its customers which include national home centers, pro dealers, cooperatives, specialty distributors, regional and local dealers, and industrial manufacturers. BlueLinx provides a wide range of value-added services and solutions to its customers and suppliers, and Stockhouse Publishing Ltd. operate its business through a broad network of distribution centers. To learn more about BlueLinx, please visit www.bluelinxco.com. ABOUT WESTLAKE ROYAL BUILDING PRODUCTS Westlake Royal Building Products USA Inc., a Westlake company (NYSE:WLK), is a leader throughout North America in the innovation, design, and production of a broad and diverse range of exterior and interior building products, including Siding and Accessories, Trim and Mouldings, Roofing, Stone, Windows and Outdoor Living. Westlake Royal Building Products manufactures high-quality, low-maintenance products to meet the specifications and needs of building professionals, homeowners, architects, engineers and distributors, while providing stunning curb appeal with an unmatched array of colors, styles and accessories. For more information, please visit WestlakeRoyalBuildingProducts.com. 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BlueLinx Holdings reported second quarter results for the three months ended 4 July, posting net sales up 4.4% year-over-year to $814 million and net income up 49% to $6.4 million, or $0.81 per diluted share. The building products distributor expanded gross margin across both segments despite modest volume growth. Specialty products revenue rose 3.8% to $564 million, with gross margin improving to 20.0% from 18.5%. Structural products sales grew 5.6% to $250 million, with margin jumping to 10.9% from 8.2%. Operating cash flow swung from $27 million used last year to $11 million generated, aided by lower inventory. The company holds $655 million in available liquidity and net leverage of 0.6x. A $7.2 million one-time import duty benefit boosted results.