Jim Tietjens

In an interview with Jim Tietjens, manager of special sales for Rawlings, a sporting goods manufacturer, he explained:"Our customers want to know where the merchandise is being shipped, how, when, and 'why' if something goes wrong.Just because a truck pulls away from the warehouse doesn't mean the job is over."He keeps in touch with his customers to assure quality service.He makes it easy to do business with him.Tietjens calls it "out-hustling" the competition.

His customer-oriented focus goes further."Education and communication is the key to being a good manager.People need to understand the business.For example, when a new assistant joined me, I felt it was important for her to know all of the 'whys' behind the type of sales we make," said Tietjens.

Many of his sales are to middle people who re-sell Rawlings bats, balls, gloves, etc., to the end-user.In many cases their product is purchased and given away to attract more business for their buyers.For example, a Pizza Hut promotion with Rawlings' basketballs increased restaurant sales for their customer.

Tietjens says he meets with his team daily if necessary.He wants to assure a positive end result.He reminds them never to promise what they can't deliver.

According to Jim Tietjens, Special Markets Manager for Rawlings, only 1,998 of the Mac 25 Limited Edition bats will be produced and each one will be numbered accordingly (for example, Limited Edition 1 of 1998).

The bat will retail for $129.95 and be sold exclusively through Nikco Sports' toll-free number (800-345-2868).Nikco Sports will donate a portion of the proceeds to Cardinals Care, a program that benefits youth outreach programs and organizations serving children in the St. Louis community.The overall goal is to raise $10,000.

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"Mark has even requested a few of the bats be set aside for himself," Tietjens adds.
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Tietjens concludes, "Beyond his incredible talent and the excitement he has brought to the game of baseball for the whole country this year, we are delighted to be associated with someone who means as much to the city of St. Louis as Mark does.Pairing Mark McGwire up with Rawlings - a name as old as baseball and one that got its start here in St. Louis - just continues the love affair McGwire began with the city and its fans last season when he was signed by the Cardinals."

Rawlings is a major manufacturer of competitive team sports equipment and apparel for baseball, basketball and football, as well as licensed MLB, NHL and NCAA retail products.Rawlings is a major supplier to professional, collegiate, interscholastic and amateur organizations worldwide, including the Official Baseball Supplier to Major League Baseball and Minor League Baseball, as well as the Official Basketball and Football for NCAA Championships.

Jim Tietjens, manager of premium sales, Rawlings Sporting Goods.Call 314-349-3519.