Cramer Products Inc. would like to introduce Brian Matix to all readers of The First Aider who may not know him. Brian started working for Cramer last May, in the position of Regional Sales and Promotion Manager for the Midwest and Western Region. He is the counterpart to Neal Fink, who is Regional Sales Manger for the eastern half of the United States.

Before joining Cramer, Brian was with Sports Health for seven years, most recently as sales manager of a four-state territory. Over the years, he became acquainted with Tom Rogge, Jack Patterson and Neil Fink at Cramer...and as they say, one thing led to another...and on May 17, 2005, Brian became an employee of Cramer Products!

Needless to say, Brian's position requires a lot of travel. "I'm on the road a lot," Brian says. "Right now, my home is in Cincinnati, which isn't even in my territory! I hope to eventually move to the Midwest. I'd like to be closer to Cramer's home base of Gardner, Kansas."

Brian says that he drives to locations if he can get there in less than five hours. Anything over that, and he'll fly. Once he reaches his destination, he accompanies the area's independent sales representative on visits to sporting goods stores and other outlets that carry the Cramer line. Brian also calls on universities, high schools, and professional sports teams, promoting Cramer products.

Cramer's new Cold Shoulder Wrap is a big topic of conversation these days, Brian says. He's also learned that in pro baseball, Cramer's Co-Stretch Tape is used for alternative purposes including re-gripping bat handles, and shoe and wrist spatting. They also use it for wound coverage, Brian notes.

To be good at his job, Brian says he must be a good listener. "I learn a lot from our sales reps," he says. "We have some of the best people in the business representing our product line. What works in Minnesota might not work in California, so it's important to listen and observe."

Brian's father, a coach and athletic director, had a demeanor and philosophy reminiscent of Bobby Knight. Brian played basketball, football and baseball in high school, and played football at Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio where he graduated with a degree in marketing. He was born in Indiana, and has a strong allegiance to the Buckeyes, as well as to Notre Dame, Duke, Oklahoma and Texas.

An admitted sports fanatic, Brian loves golf, and runs regularly. A shoulder injury has curtailed his participation in basketball, but he finds plenty of other cardio activities. Brian also is dad to two children, ages 12 and 9, and loves spending time with them.

"I'm people-oriented," Brian says. "I enjoy meeting people and building relationships. On top of that, I love sports. So this job combines what truly enjoy. I feel comfortable with Cramer. I am very happy to represent a company that is so well respected-the Cramer name speaks for itself."