Outside Sales Representative – Pumps & Rotating Equipment (Northeastern MN)

Cogent, Inc. (through our Edelmann & Associates brand) is seeking a results-driven Outside Sales Representative to manage and grow our territory in Northeastern Minnesota. The ideal candidate has a strong technical background in pumps, rotating equipment, or industrial process solutions, and thrives in a consultative sales environment. Join our employee-owned company where your success contributes directly to your future.

About the Role

Are you an entrepreneurial sales professional who enjoys building relationships, solving problems, and growing business in industrial markets? At Cogent, an employee-owned company, we believe our people make the difference. We’re looking for a motivated Outside Sales Representative to expand our market presence in Northeastern Minnesota and Western Wisconsin, serving customers across Oil & Gas, Biofuels, Chemical Processing, Asphalt, Pulp & Paper, and Food Processing industries.

As part of our Edelmann & Associates team, you’ll represent the top pump and rotating equipment manufacturers and provide technical solutions that help customers optimize performance and reliability.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and execute a territory growth strategy aligned with company objectives.
• Identify and qualify new business opportunities while expanding relationships with existing customers.
• Promote, present, and sell industrial pumps, rotating equipment, and related services.
• Provide technical consultation to customers to identify challenges and recommend effective solutions.
• Partner with inside sales and support teams to ensure customer satisfaction and project success.
• Manage proposals, pricing, and terms in line with company profitability goals.
• Maintain accurate records of sales activities in CRM systems.
• Stay current with product knowledge, industry trends, and competitive intelligence.
• Travel within territory (approximately 2–3 hour radius; 10–20% overnight).

Skills & Qualifications

Required:

• 2–4 years of B2B technical or industrial sales experience.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with familiarity in pumps, rotating equipment and industrial process systems.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and CRM tools.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel regionally.

Preferred:

• Experience in Chemical, Pulp & Paper, Food Processing, Oil & Gas, or Biofuels industries.
• Proven track record of territory growth and consultative sales success.
• Background in mechanical, process, or industrial engineering concepts.

Why Work With Us?

At Cogent, you’re not just an employee — you’re an owner. Our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) means your contributions directly build your financial future. We offer a collaborative, innovative culture that values integrity, teamwork, and personal growth.

We Offer:

• Employee Ownership (ESOP)
• Base Salary + Uncapped Commissions
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Profit Sharing Bonuses
• Health, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance
• Generous PTO, Paid Holidays & Volunteer Time Off
• Career Growth Opportunities Within a Growing, Employee-Owned Company

Make Your Mark with Cogent

This is more than a sales role — it’s an opportunity to build long-term relationships, make an impact in the industrial market, and share in the success you help create. Join a company that values innovation, accountability, and community.

Apply today and help us build something exceptional—together!

Experience

Required

• 3 year(s): B2B Technical or Industrial Sales Experience

Education

Required

• High School or better in General Studies

Preferred

• Bachelors or better

Licenses & Certifications

Required

• Driver's License

Skills

Required

• Territory Management
• Stress Tolerance
• Solution Selling
• Sales Negotiation
• Sales Forcasting
• Prospecting
• Problem Solving
• Organizational Skills
• Multitasking
• Mechanical Aptitude
• Interpersonal Skills
• Engineering Concepts
• Effective Written Communication
• Effective Verbal Communication
• Account Management

Preferred

• Salesforce

Behaviors

Required

• Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity
• Leader: Inspires teammates to follow them
• Enthusiastic: Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest

Motivations

Required

• Growth Opportunities: Inspired to perform well by the chance to take on more responsibility
• Financial: Inspired to perform well by monetary reimbursement
• Self-Starter: Inspired to perform without outside help
• Goal Completion: Inspired to perform well by the completion of tasks
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Inspired to perform well by an ability to drive new ventures within the business

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.