Jason Smith has joined Bobcat of Atlanta as the manager of Sales and Marketing for the company’s Atlanta and Marietta locations.

Smith founded a steel building material company and has been in the construction business for more than 12 years. His company, Smith Steel and Supply, was based in Rome, Ga., with branches in Dublin, Ga., and Erin, Tenn. The company specialized in components needed to build an entire steel building including the frame, secondary components, insulation and fasteners and would deliver to a job site ready to be assembled. Component sales became Smith’s strength and the niche that worked for his business plan. After Smith built his business and did some strategic consolidations, he sold the company to a competitor in 2010.

Following the sale of Smith Steel and Supply, Smith joined his father-in-law in the commercial truck business. Selling fleets of over the road and commercial (medium and light duty) trucks, Smith gained vital business to business experience.

Bobcat of Atlanta was one of Smith’s previous customers.

“Bobcat of Atlanta had bought several trucks from us. It is there that I met Rick Gilbert, the owner and Joe Foster, the general manager and COO. They were in need of a sales manager,” said Smith. “They identified me as a candidate and they invited me to meet with them and talk a little bit about the opportunity. After we initially talked, and the more we spoke, we realized it was a good fit for both parties. It was a blessing really.”

Smith was familiar with heavy equipment from his previous businesses, but admitted he still had a lot to learn.

“This is an industry that is really booming right now. That’s very encouraging because the compact equipment need stretches across so many vocations, which says good things about the overall economy,” said Smith.

Smith is a believer in Bobcat’s intense training program.

“I’ve been involved daily in this intense training program, as well as receiving onsite training. I’ve brought a set of management skills with me and am now learning the nomenclature and technical aspects of the equipment. From the sales staff and guys on the counter and even the technicians, everyone has done a great job of helping me to get up to speed. I certainly appreciate each and every one of these individuals. It definitely feels like a family atmosphere here,” said Smith.

With the operations running smoothly under the direction of Foster, Smith is able to focus solely on inside and outside sales and marketing.

“Bobcat of Atlanta has a great reputation and the current growth and growth potential is definitely exciting,” said Smith. “Any time a company is growing both the franchise and the brand, like we are here with Bobcat, I think we’ve got some pretty exciting prospects on the horizon. I know we’re moving in the right direction.”

For more information, visit www.bobcatofatlanta.com. CEG

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