Helmuth Sales Rep of the Year
Kim Gombar Recognized as 2007 Regional Sales Rep of the Year
Every year, NAIBA members recognize an exceptional salesperson who serves our regional booksellers in the highest manner of professionalism. The William Helmuth Award goes to the person that best embodies the dedication, book knowledge and heart shown by the late William Helmuth of BookTravelers fame.
For the first time, this distinguished group of Helmuth Sales Reps of the Year includes a telephone sales rep, Kim Gombar of HarperCollins. "Kim is as professional as she is kind--a wonderfully rare combination," says Lucy Kogler of Talking Leaves.
Kim started at HarperCollins in 1993 in the cost accounting department before moving on to Customer Service. Her two years in Customer Service "gave me an understanding of the back-room issues that booksellers have to deal with such as returns, discounts and shipping errors. I found it gratifying to help make these issues a little less frustrating for the booksellers," said Kim. In April 1997, she made the move to Telephone Sales. She now had the opportunity to learn another side of publishing - author signings, co-op advertising, promotions, and many other aspects of the publishing world. Archie Kutz of Lift Bridge Book Shop wrote, "Kim is like IM. Although I really don't know what instant messaging is. But if it is what I think it is it is what I think Kim Gombar is. Always there and ready with the right helpful response and information when you need it most. She's the best and we love her."
"I love discussing books with booksellers, meeting authors and building the momentum and excitement for a new book. My territory covers New York and New Jersey, which is a very active event area. I'm happy to also cover Mystery and Sci-fi specialty stores because mystery is my favorite genre. I enjoy sending advanced readers' copies that I feel my booksellers will appreciate and getting their feedback." Kim also enjoys the perks of working for a publisher, including the unlimited reading material, terrific discussions with knowledgeable, creative booksellers and the opportunity to meet wonderfully talented authors. Rob Stahl, former general book manager of Colgate Bookstore praises Kim, "She is a dedicated and supportive sales rep who helped me as a buyer do my job better. Whenever Kim's name is mentioned, other book other buyers say the same thing."
Kim has lived in a quiet little town outside of Scranton, PA all her life, and is married to her high school sweetheart, Andy. They have a 23 year-old son, Christopher and a cute little Shih Tzu named Gizmo.
Praise for Kim came from all over the territory. Tom Williams of Mendham Books wrote: "Kim is a terrific rep. She is always familiar with our store and her list and knows what will, won't and might work here. She does so much more than just sell us this season's releases. She is meticulous and timely with all the thousand and one details that need to be taken care of and she is our advocate at HarperCollins" .
"Even though we've never met, Kim Gombar knows who we are and who our customers are. She expertly guides us through volumes of catalogs pointing out books we've overlooked or nudging us to be more bold with our quantities so we won't be caught short. Kim is patient when we can't find the packets of inserts she sent and sends another set out promptly. She makes sure we take advantage of specials so we can watch our bottom line. And she does all this with great spirit and a smile (over the phone). Thank you for being a partner in our venture. Congratulations," from Margot Sage-EL of Watchung Booksellers.
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