Outside Sales Representative - Equine Nutrition

Spikes & Houles Feed Stores is a trusted, family-owned agricultural retailer proudly serving farmers, horse owners, and rural communities throughout Minnesota. With multiple locations and a strong reputation for quality products and personalized service, we are committed to supporting the success of our customers and the animals they care for.

We are seeking a motivated and knowledgeable Outside Sales Representative to help expand our presence within the equine community while strengthening relationships with existing customers.

The Outside Sales Representative is responsible for driving revenue growth, strengthening customer relationships, and expanding our market share across the region. This role focuses primarily on equine customers, including boarding facilities, training barns, breeders, veterinarians, competitive riders, and hobby farm owners.

The ideal candidate will serve as a trusted advisor by delivering expert product knowledge, customized feeding solutions, and proactive service while identifying new business opportunities that align with Spikes & Houles’ commitment to quality and customer care.

Sales & Business Development

• Develop and execute a strategic territory sales plan targeting equine operations and agricultural accounts.

• Prospect, qualify, and secure new equine customers to grow market share.

• Maintain and expand strong relationships through regular farm and facility visits.

• Achieve or exceed established sales, margin, and growth targets.

• Promote feed, supplements, forage products, bedding, fencing, seed, and farm supply lines.

• Identify opportunities for bulk feed programs, delivery services, and specialty product growth.

Customer Consultation & Product Expertise

• Provide consultative sales support, including customized feed program recommendations.

• Educate customers on nutrition best practices, product benefits, and seasonal planning.

• Stay current on equine nutrition trends and competitive products.

• Coordinate with feed manufacturers and vendor representatives to meet customer needs.

Territory & Account Management

• Maintain accurate customer records and pipeline activity within CRM systems.

• Monitor territory performance metrics and report regularly to leadership.

• Collaborate with store managers to align outside sales efforts with in-store inventory and promotions.

• Support product launches, seasonal promotions, and customer outreach initiatives.

Community & Industry Engagement

• Represent Spikes & Houles at trade shows, equine events, clinics, and community activities.

• Build meaningful relationships within the local equine community.

• Provide feedback to leadership on market trends and customer demand.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of outside sales experience, preferably in agricultural, feed, animal health, or equine-related industries.

• Strong working knowledge of equine nutrition and horse management practices.

• Demonstrated success in growing a sales territory through relationship-based selling.

• Excellent interpersonal, presentation, and negotiation skills.

• Self-motivated with strong organization and time management abilities.

• Proficiency with CRM systems and Microsoft Office.

• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel regularly within assigned territory.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, Equine Science, Agricultural Business, or related field preferred.

• Equivalent industry experience will be considered.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent travel within assigned territory.

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds (feed bags, product samples, promotional materials).

• Ability to walk uneven terrain at farms and outdoor facilities.

• Occasional evening or weekend work to support customer events.

Benefits & Perks

We value our team members and offer a competitive and supportive benefits package, including:

• Competitive wages

• Flexible day, evening, and weekend schedules

• Tuition assistance for eligible employees

• Scholarship opportunities

• Employee discounts

• Health and welfare insurance options

• 401(k) savings plan with company match

• Employee referral bonus program

• Internship program and development opportunities

Why Join Spikes & Houles?

• Be part of a respected, community-focused agricultural retailer

• Build long-term partnerships within Minnesota’s strong equine community

• Competitive compensation and growth potential

• Supportive, team-oriented environment

If you’re passionate about the equine industry and thrive in a relationship-driven sales environment, we encourage you to apply and grow with us.

E-Verify:

Gertens participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E-Verify program in all facilities located in the United States. The E-Verify program is an Internet-based employment eligibility verification system operated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.