Kim Gombar of HarperCollins has won the Helmuth Sales Rep of the Year
Award, given annually to the top rep in the New Atlantic Independent
Booksellers Association region. Gombar is the first telephone sales rep
to win the award.
NAIBA commented: "Gombar started at HarperCollins in 1993 in the cost
accounting department before moving into customer service. She credits
that time with giving her an understanding of the 'back room' issues that
booksellers have to deal with such as returns, discounts and shipping
errors. 'I found it gratifying to help make these issues a little less
frustrating for the booksellers,' she says. In April 1997, she made the
move to telephone sales. 'I now had the opportunity to learn another
side of publishing--author signings, co-op advertising, promotions, and
many other aspects of the publishing world. I love discussing books
with booksellers, meeting authors and building the momentum and
excitement for a new book. My territory covers N.Y. and N.J., which is
a very active event area. I'm happy to also cover mystery and sci-fi
specialty stores because mystery is my favorite genre. I enjoy sending
advanced readers copies that I feel my booksellers will appreciate and
getting their feedback.' She loves the fact that a telephone sales rep
receives unlimited reading material, 'has terrific discussions with
knowledgeable, creative booksellers and the opportunity to meet
wonderfully talented authors.' Booksellers often get to know the
personal lives of the field reps, so you may be interested to know that
Gombar has spent her entire life in a quiet little town outside of
Scranton, Pa. She is married to her high school sweetheart, Andy, and
they have a 23-year-old son, Christopher, and a cute little Shih Tzu
named Gizmo."
Gombar will receive the award at the NAIBA fall conference's opening reception on Sunday, October 14, at 6 p.m.