Jeff Teal is a sales associate at Asien’s Appliance, Inc., a Diamond Certified company since 2002. He can be reached at (707) 546-3749 or by email.
Jeff Teal: Applied Expertise
By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter
SANTA ROSA — After nearly 30 years in appliance sales, it wouldn’t be a stretch to call Jeff Teal an expert in his field. “I’ve been selling appliances since 1991,” he affirms. “I started at Sears and worked at several different companies from there, eventually landing at Asien’s Appliance. I’ve been doing this for so long that it’s basically second nature. Besides being a people person, I know just about everything there is to know about appliances, so I’m able to answer most customers’ questions off the top of my head. Occasionally, I’ll get a question that I have to look up the answer to, but I don’t get stumped very often.”
Today, as a sales associate at Asien’s Appliance, Inc., Jeff says his favorite part of his job is educating customers. “I really enjoy helping people complete their kitchen projects. As a sales associate, I believe my job is less about selling the customer on an appliance and more about educating them so they can make an informed decision for themselves.”
A resident of Santa Rosa (where he lives with his wife, Tina), Jeff spends his time outside of work on a variety of pastimes. “I’ve been doing martial arts since 1978 and I continue to train and teach—mainly Danzan-ryū jujitsu,” he details. “I also volunteer with my youngest daughter, Hannah, at a local farm animal rescue organization called Goatlandia. We help with things like feeding the animals and cleaning their pens. For me, it’s both a chance to give back to the community and bond with my daughter.”
In regard to a professional philosophy, Jeff says he’s all about straightforward service. “I’m a consumer as well as a salesperson, so I know what it’s like to be in the customer’s shoes. That’s why I don’t waste my customers’ time or try to coax them into buying certain appliances; instead, I try to be straightforward and just give them the facts. I also make it a point to ask questions and find out what they’re looking for so I can steer them in the right direction. That way, they feel heard and empowered to make the choice for themselves instead of feeling like they were coerced into buying something.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: What’s your favorite sports team?
A: The San Francisco Giants.
Q: Are you a dog person or a cat person?
A: A dog person.
Q: What’s your favorite snack?
A: Pickles.
Q: Pancakes or waffles?
A: Waffles—they hold peanut butter better.
Q: What were you most known for in high school?
A: Playing on the basketball team.
