When Taylor started her college career, she was similar to a lot of students. She had an idea of where she wanted her professional life to go, but she was hoping for a little direction along the way. As so often is the case, the best guidance often comes from unexpected places. In Taylor’s case, it came from a part-time college job, which has now developed into a successful post-college career.
Hard work pays off
When Taylor started school, she was looking for a job with flexible hours to help pay the bills. Her mom mentioned a merchandiser position that was available at Scotts. The role required a lot of lifting and physical activity, but the hours were flexible to fit her college schedule and allowed her to be outside, traveling from store to store in the area. Scotts was also a bit of a family tradition. Taylor’s mom and aunt currently work there, and her grandmother had worked for the company, too. Taylor took the job and ran with it.
Learning on the job
As a new merchandiser, Taylor had a lot to learn. Scotts has a deep line of lawn products, but as she learned the products, her confidence grew as well. “When I started out, I was quiet, reserved and didn’t have much confidence, but learning out in the field really helped my confidence grow,” Taylor explained. “The job is physical, lifting and moving product in stores, but I like staying active and on the move as part of my everyday work.”
Three years later
Fast forward three years, Taylor graduated from college and graduated from merchandiser to sales manager—the youngest on her team. The quiet, reserved merchandiser transformed into a confident, savvy bulldog fighting for product space in the store. “I really became passionate about grass and seed. I enjoyed talking about the benefits of our products to store managers and gaining space in the stores,” Taylor stated.
What’s next?
At 22 years old, Taylor is a full-time sales manager at Scotts, and the sky’s the limit from here. The student is now the teacher, as Taylor helps her team of merchandisers find their confidence and their passion for helping people take care of their yards.
Now, Taylor is thinking about where her career can go from here. With product coverage throughout the country, she has the opportunity to go to several different places from Florida to Denver and more. It’s amazing where a little confidence, guidance and hard work from a part-time college job can take you.
