In the next instalment of our series of interviews with agents and reps across the furnishings industry, we spoke with John Dolan who shares his view of being a rep in the industry and why sustainability and educating the consumer is important.

Meet John

John Dolan, Head of Sales in Ireland for Sealy Posturepedic.

How long have you been a rep in the industry?

I’ve been selling within the industry for the last 22 years.

What drew you into the life of a Rep and what’s the day-to-day like?

Having a major retail background, I was approached by my previous MD to come on board to bring new insights and experience to the business.

What is the best part of your role?

I love the interaction with retailers/Agents not just on a business level but personally which I really enjoy. Also, each town/city has a different want and need for their business. Always learning.

What is the most difficult?

Sometimes convincing retailers to move away from previous ranges and experience new and exciting product that I know from experience will suit their business.

Do you have any highlights so far?

There are quite a few to mention from multiple awards from major retailers over the years but winning the Best Agent/Rep in Northern Ireland Award in the Big Furniture Awards really has meant a lot as it was the retailers across the country that voted for me. It is their endorsement of what I and Sealy Posturepedic have been and are doing.

What challenges do you think currently face agents/Reps in the furnishing industry?

A big challenge is dealing with low quality products coming into the marketplace from abroad. Whilst these offer a low-cost option, they have a short usage life. We all need to educate and plan for a more durable and sustainable product going forward.

What would you like to see change?

Sustainability as a key issue is growing in awareness for both retailers and consumers. I would like to see the bedding industry taking a more hands on approach to deliver the best for this planet. Sealy along with NBF are perusing this very strongly.

What would help agents more?

For the Companies they represent, Trust in you Rep/Agent as they know the area to get the best result for both the company and themselves. Also make sure the company they represent is professional and will look after the retailer and end consumer into the future.

What would you say to someone considering becoming an agent?

Be brave and go for it, it is a great and rewarding job. You will reap the benefits, but you have to put in the effort. It will be hard initially but build up your reputation and the rest will follow.

What is the most important attribute to have as an agent and why?

To build a good relationship with your customer and to be honest with both existing and new retailers. There is nothing worse than someone saying they can do something and not deliver on it.

Can you share something that irritates you the most as an agent?

Reps and agents can be tempted to over promise to meet their targets. Whilst I understand this pressure, in the longer term this does not benefit the retailer or the consumer, this is something that I find rather frustrating.

Can you share an insight into your plans for the year ahead?

To spread the innovations that Seay Posturepedic have for the marketplace. The main promise for me is “To be the heart and soul of sleep”. I firmly believe in this statement with the work Sealy have put in over the last number of years, “Sealy are after all the World’s number one mattress brand, being the No1 Brand”.

What’s the next big thing you are seeing in the industry and why?

It’s all about durability, sustainability and educating consumers on a better night’s sleep from reputable companies.

Final thought…

It is a privilege to work for Sealy, the biggest bedding brand in the world. 

Their dedication to innovation and technology is second to none. Everyone in the company has the same vision and to have access to the latest Technology and trends worldwide makes us No 1. Also, a major thank you must go out to the whole team at Sealy for always having my back.

They trust me to get the best result in Ireland.

John.dolan@sealy.co.uk / +00353876596065 / www.linkedin.com/in/john-dolan-83226692/