IMARK is pleased to announce xTEACH (powered by SAP Litmos), a learning/training portal available to IMARK members. The xTEACH training program goes far beyond the training that manufacturers typically provide, and product knowledge tutoring offered on IMARK University. With courses on topics like upselling at the supply counter, B2B customer service, merchandizing the supply counter, and hiring, members will have access to training not readily available.

“xTEACH has been widely successful and proven to be a valuable tool for LPG member employees,” said John Aykroyd, president of IMARK Plumbing. “For these reasons we are excited about expanding xTEACH to the IMARK Plumbing membership. xTEACH is one more example of how we continue to leverage the scale of IMARK Group by sharing best practices among all IMARK Group verticals.”

xTEACH is comprised of a series of “Learning Paths” that include courses suitable for every level and position within the supply house—from owners to management to sales to warehouse. Users can pursue clear paths to enhance their own career capabilities while attaining skills that will drive sales and margins for their supply house.

Once logged into the portal, learners can view the full library of xTEACH training courses available, as well as role-based training for various functions. Mangers can choose to customize the course library that each of their employees are able to view, based on their position, skills and learning goals. Leaders can use a real-time dashboard to track employees’ activity, create teams that will progress through certain courses or paths together, and even manage any incentives they may wish to offer.

IMARK suppliers are encouraged to integrate your training resources onto the xTeach site. We are seeking short increment training (elevator pitch) descriptions of a product or service that member employees can understand in a short period of time—under seven minutes. Suppliers are welcome to post up to 30 training modules and your advertorial training content will be predominantly featured for one month and live on the portal after that permanently. As of press time, IMARK reports robust interest and wishes to thank the following suppliers that have added training content:

• Everkem Diversified
• MIFAB
• Oatey
• PRIER Products
• Reliance Worldwide

Time is money in the supply house environment, many training segments are less than five minutes and address just a few specific points. There is also a series of “One Minute Manager” courses that spotlight specific skills managers need to be successful. The training courses are being developed by IMARK Plumbing staff with the support of suppliers and the training subcommittee. This new tool will allow independent supply houses the ability to sharpen their skills to provide the trade unparalleled service.

For more information on xTEACH, contact Stephanie Palmer at spalmer@imarkgroup.com.