If you thought that we were going to be talking about skater shoes today, they you might be a little disappointed, but I think you’ll enjoy hearing about Vann’s with two n’s and an apostrophe. They are a Missoula, MT based electronics and appliances retailer that does most of its business online. Now, you may think that Missoula, MT (the setting of A River Runs Through It—my favorite book and movie) is a strange place to locate a major e-commerce outlet, but there’s a good story behind why Vann’s is located where it is. It all started with Pete Vann aka “Montana’s Last Great Cowboy.” He was the grandfather of the Pete Vann who founded Vann’s. After a family history of cowboying, ranching, and farming, Pete Vann took a job keeping an appliance store clean. It doesn’t sound like much, but within 11 years Pete owned the store that he used to keep clean. In 1996 he decided to give up some of his ownership to share it with the employees who helped him build the business to what it is today.

Become a Part of the Vann’s Story

The Vann’s story is pretty cool, but what brought them to my attention was the hiring process that they’re using to find a Community Manager. We’ll get to that in a second, but first I want to mention two more things that impressed me about Vann’s. First is their devotion to customer service. They make it very obvious on their website that they’re customer focused, and beyond that, a quick Internet search will turn up lots of great customer reviews. Second, they’re an Inc. 5000 company, which means that they’re experiencing fantastic growth. Those are both great signs for prospective employees. Now, let’s talk about this Community Manager position. It’s not definitively entry level, but that doesn’t matter. If you follow the instructions and are what they’re looking for, then you’ve got a shot. You’ll have until Friday, August 28, 2009 to flex your social media muscles and show why you’re best for the job.

Additionally, Vann’s has a more standard Jobs page that includes positions like Product Advisor (also see here and here), Java Developer, and Sales Consultant. Vann’s also has locations in Helena, Kalispell, Bozeman, Helena, Billings and Hamilton. Vann’s looks like an awesome place to work, and that Montana location really pays off for people who love the outdoors and want a great career in a less urban setting.

Links to Help You Begin Your Research

• Vanns.com
• Jobs at Vann’s
• About Vann’s
• Vann’s History
• Awards Vann’s Has Won
• Vanns on Twitter

Have you ever bought anything from Vann’s?

We've identified Vann’s as having career opportunities in the following categories:

• all employers
• community management
• e-commerce
• Montana
• retail
• sales
• social media

---

Jobs Near You

---

3 responses to “Vann’s”

1. Kellan Standley says:

   July 28, 2009 at 2:23 pm

   As one of the applicants for the Community Manager Position, I am curious to know how you came across the site for the Community Manager Application, if you don’t mind. Thanks!

   Reply
2. Willy Franzen says:

   July 28, 2009 at 2:27 pm

   I found out about it through Twitter search.

   Reply
3. Kellan Standley says:

   August 9, 2009 at 9:10 pm

   Thanks for the info!

   Reply