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Independent Distributor Jobs in Akron, OH (NOW HIRING)

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Independent Distributor information

See Akron, OH salary details

$13

$25

$75

How much do independent distributor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for independent distributor in Akron, OH is $25.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.71 and $30.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an independent distributor?

An independent distributor acts as a liaison between the buyer and the manufacturer of products. The responsibilities of an independent distributor are to sell products and to foster a positive sales-based relationship between the manufacturer and the buyer. "Buyers" can be a retail establishment or individual consumers. An independent distributor’s job duties include maintaining contact with manufacturers to stay current on product training and the availability of new products, keeping track of supplies and inventory, and following up with buyers to promote and sell new merchandise.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an independent distributor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Independent Distributor, you need strong sales abilities, product knowledge, and business acumen, typically supported by experience in distribution or direct sales. Familiarity with CRM software, inventory management tools, and e-commerce platforms is advantageous. Excellent interpersonal skills, self-motivation, and resilience help you build lasting client relationships and manage a flexible workload. These skills are crucial for generating sales, maintaining customer satisfaction, and sustaining long-term business growth in a competitive market.

How does an independent distributor typically build and maintain client relationships to ensure ongoing sales success?

An Independent Distributor often relies on proactive networking, regular follow-ups, and personalized service to build strong client relationships. This involves understanding each client's specific needs, offering tailored product recommendations, and providing timely support or troubleshooting. Maintaining consistent communication and demonstrating reliability are essential for retaining customers and encouraging repeat business. Additionally, successful distributors often leverage digital tools and social media to expand their reach and stay connected with clients.

What is the difference between Independent Distributor vs Sales Representative?

AspectIndependent DistributorSales Representative
CredentialsNone typically required, but industry-specific certifications may helpOften requires sales or industry-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentSelf-employed, flexible hours, operates independentlyEmployed by a company, works on commission or salary
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across direct sales, network marketing, and franchise sectorsCommon in retail, B2B sales, and service industries

While both roles involve sales activities, an Independent Distributor operates independently, often representing multiple brands or products without direct employment, whereas a Sales Representative is typically employed by a company to promote and sell specific products or services. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What does an independent distributor do?

An independent distributor sells products or services on behalf of a company, often operating their own business and managing their sales channels. They typically handle customer relationships, marketing, and order fulfillment, and may require skills in sales, communication, and basic business management. This role often involves flexible schedules and self-directed work environments.

What are popular job titles related to Independent Distributor jobs in Akron, OH?

For Independent Distributor jobs in Akron, OH, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Independent Distributor jobs in Akron, OH look for?

The top searched job categories for Independent Distributor jobs in Akron, OH are:

What cities near Akron, OH are hiring for Independent Distributor jobs?

Cities near Akron, OH with the most Independent Distributor job openings:

Martin's Potato Rolls and Bread - Warehouse Load Coordinator

MARTINS FAMOUS PASTRY SHOPPE

Cleveland, OH

$30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Martin's Famous Pastry Shoppe rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

374th of 442 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Come join our Team as a Warehouse Load Coordinator! We started with pastries handmade by Lois and Lloyd Martin produced inside of a garage and we have boomed into a multi-family company where our many products are produced by machines and shipped domestically and internationally. Talk a bout a rich history and exciting future! As an Employer of Choice, we offer physical, financial and professional benefits included 401K, disability insurance and paid holidays.Summary: To organize and maintain the daily operation of a company warehouse.  All work effects and communications are coordinated with and under the direction of the Sales Manager.  Schedule:
  • 2am-11am - Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday
  • Days and times are subject to change as business needs change, to include on days off and Holidays.
 Pay and Benefits:
  • $18.50 - $21.50/hour (based on experience) - Paid Weekly!
  • Shift Differential (3pm-7am) - earn an extra $3.00 an hour when working 4 hours or more during that time. 
    • Example: $20 base + $3 (shift diff) = $23/ hour  
  •  Weekend Premium Pay - Get time and a half on Saturday and Sunday, no matter how many hours you have for the week! 
    • Example: $20 base x 1.5 = $30/hour +$3 (shift diff if on 3rd shift) = $33/ hour
  • Bi-Annual Profit Sharing Bonus
  • 401K Profit Sharing
  • Health Insurance (Medical, Dental & Vision)
  • Health Savings Account
  • Vacation/ PTO
  • And Much More! 
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
  • Break down and organize loads for company Route Sales employees or external Independent Distributors to be picked up at warehouse site.
  • Notify sales office of order discrepancies and needed changes.
  • Obtain complete orders from the company Route Sales employees or external Independent Distributors for review by the Warehouse Manager or Sales Supervisor.
  • Dispatch orders to the sales office according to established time standards.
  • Maintain the warehouse in a neat and orderly fashion, including ensuring warehouse floor is clear of empty pallets when company Route Sales employees or external Independent Distributors enter to begin loading.
  • Maintain proper inventory of display bins, P.O.P. signs, shelf talkers, display racks, route books, HHC and other warehouse supplies.
  • Organize and weigh stale product using pallet jack scale to check proper code and count in the presence of the company Route Sales employee or external Independent Distributor, as available.  Enter weight in to electronic tracking system.
  • Change individual company Route Sales employee's or external Independent Distributor's orders only in the event of an average or deficiency in product on the warehouse floor.
  • Advise company Route Sales employees and external Independent Distributors, as needed, on work matters in an effort to keep communication lines open within the distribution network.
  • Assist area Warehouse Manager or Sales Supervisor, as needed, at store resets, store checks, Grand and Grand re-openings.
  • Additional duties may be assigned as needed.
  • Adheres to safety, food safety, quality, and Good Manufacturing Practices regulations. 
Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Education and/or Experience:                                                         
  • High school diploma or GED; or
  • One to three months' related experience and/or training; or
  • Equivalent combination of education and experience. 
Mathematical Skills:                                                               Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.  Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs. Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:                                                       
  • At least 21 years of age.
  • Pallet jack experience.                                   
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
  • Current, valid driver's license.
  • Current, valid DOT Medical Card or ability to pass DOT physical examination. 
Physical Demands:The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and walk. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 25 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision. Work Environment:The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts and outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO)  Employment Type: Martins Employee-Regular full-time

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