The Face of One Ward Representative

Jane and Don Sharpe (pictured above) already owned a Ward Cedar Log Home, which they loved, and "When we had the opportunity to build our dream home, there was no question — it too would be a Ward," says Jane. At that time, Jane was head of corporate communications for a large bank in Connecticut and her husband a veteran newspaper editor.

While the Sharpes were designing and building their dream home in 1989, Jane grew to respect the company — the professional and customer-oriented way they approached business along with the quality of the materials. After leaving her corporate position, Jane took some time off and then started a search for fulfilling work. She chose to become a Ward sales representative because, after much research and with her personal experience with the company, she found that "working for Ward combined solid earning potential with unmatched flexibility." Jane now represents Ward Cedar Log Homes full time in western Connecticut and southeastern New York.

Her enthusiasm for the product and years of marketing experience make working for Ward a natural fit. "Being a sales representative gives me a chance to do what I enjoy most," says Jane, "Sharing my home with log home enthusiasts, telling the Ward story, and managing my own small business."

Ward provides all of the materials, the full home package, thorough and on-going training for its sales representatives (such as a yearly sales rep conference where reps meet with industry experts and share ideas), and customer leads. All of this "gives sales reps the quality product and information they need," says Jane, "while allowing us to develop our business the way we choose."

"I enjoy working with people and designing top-quality homes, but the Ward staff is what makes it possible," Jane emphasizes. "Ward has the technology to do what's needed, but they still answer the phones personally. This level of service impresses me! If I need to solve a finance question, then I just call Ward and speak with the head of finance, who pulls my customer's information and solves the problem with me then and there. And if the person I need isn't available at the moment, I'm sure to get a return call the same day. Working with a premier company makes all the difference."