12/8/2020 - By William Buehn

Lakeland, Florida, December 8, 2020 - Employee-owned Harrell’s, LLC is pleased to announce Julio Molina of south Florida and Sean Klotzbach of central Florida as their Sales Professionals of the year. The Sales Professional of the Year (SPOTY) is the most prestigious award a Territory Manager can achieve at Harrell’s.

In addition to performance, the eleven nominees are evaluated on more than fourteen leadership areas within the company’s Core Values – To Serve Honor and Glorify God, To Take Care of People and To Grow a Financially Sound Company; and their Four Pillars – Humility, Gratitude, Intentionality, Accountability.

Julio Molina – Horticulture

Julio Molina has been providing top notch customer service and technical support to the Horticulture market in the southeastern United States for more than twelve years. Born in Cuba in 1965, Julio came to the United States with his family when he was only 11 months old. He worked hard to make ends meet, taking on a variety of jobs until finding his passion in the horticulture industry. Eventually, he transitioned into ornamental sales and quickly established himself as a leader in the space. He joined Harrell’s in 2007 as the Territory Manager for the Miami and Homestead area, bringing with him a reputation as a customer-focused sales rep and an encyclopedic knowledge of ornamental chemistry. Since joining Harrell’s, Julio has consistently demonstrated what it means to be a team player, always willing to help out those around him through volunteer collateral responsibilities, such as assisting with warehouse inventory or serving as a knowledge resource for other team members.

“He’s the go-to person in the Hort group when questions arise about chemistry—his vast knowledge on chemical usage and labeling are beneficial to all territory managers and the industry at large,” says Scott Martiniere, Sales Director of the Horticulture South team. “Julio is very supportive of his customers and takes pride in the products he represents and sells.”

Sean Klotzbach – Turf

A member of the Florida Turf team since 2012, two-time SPOTY winner Sean Klotzbach continues to maintain commitment to his customers and teammates in the region. As a former 20-year-golf-course-superintendent, he understands his customers’ needs and works hard to support them every day. Sean is the Central Florida Territory Manager, but he also manages a role as a delivery driver of sorts, picking up orders for his customers on a daily basis—a testament to his willingness to do whatever it takes to ensure his customers are successful.

“It takes a lot of work to be Sean Klotzbach, but talking to him, you’d never know it. He’s always humble and positive throughout every interaction, and when things get difficult, Sean shows up,” says Jason Frank, Sales Director of the Florida Turf Team. “His dedication to his customers, his family, Harrell’s, and himself is an example of what we all should aspire to be.” Sean previously won the award in 2017.

Congratulations are also extended to nine additional nominees for the award: Eric Shilling – Turf Mid-Atlantic, Jeff Helvie – Turf Midwest, Jim Wierzbicki – Turf Northeast, Jim Wilson – Turf Southeast, Steve Dolen – Turf South Central, Steve Mercuri – Turf West, Wally Shapielak – Turf Coastal Plains, Zack Bilderback – Hort North, and Jay Skillman – Spec Ag.

“We’re so proud, not only of this year’s winners, but also of all the nominees and the entire sales team for their continued dedication to our family of customers—especially considering all of this year’s challenges. It really is a privilege for us to be a part of this great industry, and we’re grateful to have a team that understands the importance of taking care of people,” says Jack Harrell, III, Senior Vice President—Sales, Marketing, R&D.