Immersive Training 

When R.S. Hughes sales professionals deepen their expertise alongside the suppliers behind the products they recommend, customers feel it. That’s the idea behind R.S. Hughes University—a newtraining program designed to improve customer outcomes by strengthening supplier relationships and enhancing technical expertise through hands-on product and material education, collaborative learning exercises and solution-focused discussions centered on real customer challenges.  

This investment in our people reflects our commitment to customers, notes President John Mathis. “Our people are the reason customers choose R.S. Hughes, and they’re the reason they stay,” Mathis said. “R.S. Hughes University is our commitment to giving them the tools, the training and the expertise to keep being that difference. Our inaugural class led the way, and I couldn’t be prouder of the standard they set.”   

Leading With Expertise 

The main sessions were led by Director of Revenue Enablement Alex Grask and Regional Sales Manager Alicia Myers. “R.S. Hughes University was built to give our Sales Team the knowledge, confidence and tools to lead with expertise and solve real problems for customers,” said Grask. “When our reps walk into an account, they should be walking in as trusted advisors.”   

A key goal: every sales representative leaves able to identify a customer’s challenge, connect it to the right solution and create value that drives lasting relationships—for customers and for R.S. Hughes.  

The Saunders by R.S. Hughes team, as well as supplier partners 3M IATD & Converter Markets, Henkel, H.B. Fuller and Momentive, joined the training to share adhesive material insights and application knowledge with the team. Their presence reflects a shared investment in our team’s ability to serve customers at the highest level. When your R.S. Hughes rep recommends a product, they’re drawing on knowledge build directly alongside the manufacturers who make it.  

Solutions For Customers 

Outside Sales Representative Richie Joseph summed it up directly:   

“Learning from suppliers, leadership and fellow reps gave me practical tools and perspectives that I will use to provide solutions to our customers every day.” 

R.S. Hughes University is built to produce sales professionals who show up to every customer conversation with deeper knowledge, sharper instincts and a clearer path from challenge to solution.  

These are the moments that matter: when we invest in our people, learn alongside trusted partners and strengthen the expertise that helps us show up for our customers when it counts.   

Let’s discuss how R.S. Hughes can support your team.