Sales Consultant Spotlight on Toby McCracken
Toby McCracken began his career with Sauder Courtroom Furniture in 2004. Based in Alabama, Toby’s territory spans the bayous of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, to the panhandle of Florida. We are fortunate to have Toby representing Sauder Courtroom Furniture as he demonstrates servant leadership through his commitment to serving others. Toby is best known for his attention to detail, providing his customers with information and resources to make decisions comfortably. We interviewed Toby to learn more about him as a person and as a sales consultant. Learn more about Toby and see what he has to share below.
Tell us a little about yourself
When I am not working, there’s a good chance you’ll find me running around my hometown in Spanish Fort. I enjoy living an active lifestyle. I’m an avid runner; and while it’s mostly for fun, I occasionally train and compete in races throughout the region. My wife, Kristin, and I have been married for 23 years; and are proud parents of two beautiful daughters, Libby and Caroline. Within driving distance, my family and I like to visit our favorite beaches between Pensacola, Florida and Gulf Shores, AL. It continues to be a great way to learn, laugh, and connect, all while making great memories.
How did you get started in the furniture industry?
Before I was a sales consultant, I became a middle school teacher right out of college. The classroom environment was too confining for me, so I went into sales working for a beverage company. I learned early on that I enjoyed customer facing interactions in providing solutions and services. My introduction to the furniture industry started when I interviewed with Sauder Education®. During my interview, Sauder determined that my skills would best serve the worship and courtroom market. To this day, I would say they made the right decision. I became a sales consultant for Sauder Worship Seating® in 2004. Nineteen years later, I am still blessed to be a part of this team representing Sauder Courtroom Furniture.
What do you enjoy most about your job as a sales consultant?
There are many aspects to my job that I enjoy. I am blessed and fortunate enough to travel to new places and meet new people. The most rewarding part is developing relationships with our customers. I have had the privilege to work with many government facilities that range from courthouses through the county, state, and federal level, to detention centers and other municipalities. It brings me joy to be part of these projects that include judges, architects, contractors, and designers. I am honored to have those relationships turn into long-term friendships and professional connections – where we all help serve our community. My efforts are not here to sell a product but to educate and provide our customers with the information and knowledge to help them make a comfortable decision.
Which Sauder Courtroom Furniture product is your favorite and why?
My favorite product is our Clarity™ and Vista jury seating. I appreciate the elegant simplicity of its design with minimal bolts and fasteners. Our seats are owner-friendly, requiring little to no maintenance or greasing of any parts. This makes it easy to disassemble the seating and remove the fabric covers for cleaning or replacing during interior changes and repairs.
A memorable project.
In 2020, we completed the Rankin County Courthouse project in Brandon, Mississippi. We were awarded the project by meeting the specifications and expectations set forth by the architect and designer of their courtroom benches and furniture. This installation consisted of 44 of our all-wood courtroom benches totaling over 600 linear feet in a Rift Red Oak species with a custom finish. With the assistance of our CAD and Chancel department, we also produced several custom attorney tables for each courtroom.
Sauder Courtroom Furniture is committed to manufacturing the highest quality of products. Our care and attention to detail are well represented by working closely with architects and designers to transform designs into shop drawings and specifications for new courtroom installations or courtroom renovations. Sauder Courtroom Furniture’s skilled chancel department includes specialists who produce final build-to drawings for approval which are then brought to life as finished products for the courtroom.
