Lansing State Journal:
Direct sales company Cutco Cutlery has expanded its local presence by stepping into the traditional retail sector.
The company has opened a retail store at 1863 W. Grand River Ave., employing two full-time and two part-time workers. It is the chain’s second storefront location in the nation.
Cutco also has formed a partnership with Michigan State University. It started a training program with an MSU sales class this semester.
About 130 students in professor Doug Hughes’ class on personal selling and buying processes at MSU will participate in a Cutco training program and sell the products as a class assignment.
“It’s a chance to apply in as realistic setting as possible some of the principles they learn in class,” Hughes said. “It’s essentially a class project to experience what it’s like to be a salesperson.”
All proceeds from the products sold by students will go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Chris Heigel, Cutco division manager for Michigan and Ohio, is training the students.
He started as a direct salesman for Cutco as a freshman at MSU, struggling to pay for college.
The job ended up paying for his education.
“It’s giving back and a way of saying thank you, and plus it’s fun,” he said.
Logo from Cutco