WASP Inc., the world’s largest manufacturer of non-powered ground support equipment, announces that Laura Backhaus and Angie Betterman have joined the WASP team as sales support managers. Both manage customer accounts and ensure WASP’s customers around the globe receive fast, personal service throughout the entire ordering process, from design to delivery.
WASP hired Laura Backhaus, of Glenwood, Minnesota, as a sales service manager in January. She’s one of many new employees at the employee-owned company, which has grown by more than 33 percent this past year.
Backhaus brings more than four years of account management and customer service experience to her new position. Previously, she worked as an account manager for SecureConnect in Eden Prairie and as a health educator for Pope County, both in Minnesota. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Crown College in St. Bonifacius, Minnesota.
Kevin Hanson, senior account executive, works closely with Backhaus on key customer accounts. He says that her dedication to providing excellent customer service and her analytical skills make her an extremely valuable asset to the WASP sales team and its customers.
“She is enthusiastic about getting to know the customers and supporting them through every need that may arise,” he said.
With extensive experience in sales, account management and customer service, Betterman brings key skills to the position. Most recently, she worked as an account
Angie Betterman (pictured at beginning of article), of Alexandria, Minnesota, joined the WASP team as a sales service manager. She ensures customers get fast, personal service through every step of the design, order and delivery processes.
manager for Fastenal®, where she sold hardware and tools to customers, including WASP. Prior to that, she worked as a staffing coordinator for an employment agency where she paired job seekers with employers. She earned an associate degree in sales and marketing management from Alexandria Technical & Community College.
DeWayne Nelson, vice president of sales and marketing, sees the personable treatment that Betterman gives customers, and that, coupled with her sales experience, is the right formula for success.
“She has an innate ability to understand the needs of customers to provide them with the equipment that best fits their business model,” he said. “She’s also detail orientated, which is key for ensuring each unit arrives at the correct destination quickly.”
The increased growth at WASP keeps the sales team moving fast, a pace that both Backhaus and Betterman thrive on.
“I’m passionate to work for a company that’s dedicated to building quality-made, custom designed products,” Backhaus said. “And with the growth at WASP and in the aviation industry, there is a lot of opportunity to build and expand customer relationships.”
The new sales support managers are two of more than 100 new employees that WASP added in the past year to better serve customers.
“I am excited to be part of a sales team that’s seeking true solutions on the tarmac for customers around the globe,” Betterman said. “I’m glad that we have the capabilities and capacity to help keep them moving in this fast-paced industry.”