Building Materials Division

Our building materials division offers a variety of career paths, including inside and outside sales, yard and warehouse work, truck driving, project management, and purchasing.

About Building Materials

Kuhlman Corporation, part of the Gerken family of companies, is a major regional distributor of building materials for concrete, masonry, and water/sewer trades in NW Ohio and SE Michigan. We offer an extensive range of products, including brick, architectural stone, ready-mix concrete, and underground utility supplies.

We serve builders, contractors, and architects with both an online catalog and in-house expertise at our locations in Toledo, Maumee, and Akron.

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Entry Level

Common entry-level jobs include Counter Sales Representative, Forklift Operator, and Summer Intern. LEARN MORE

Skilled/Intermediate

Skilled or intermediate-level industrial roles often involve previous operational experience in construction, manufacturing, or similar industrial environments. LEARN MORE

Supervisor/ Management

Supervisor or management-level jobs generally focus on overseeing operations, driving sales, or managing yard and warehouse logistics. LEARN MORE

Office/Technical Support

Office and Technical Support roles include assisting with product-related questions, processing orders, tracking open sales orders, reconciling cash sales, and preparing reports for management. LEARN MORE

Career Pathways

At The Gerken Companies, we believe in empowering our employees by offering diverse career pathways that cater to a range of interests and skill levels. Whether you are just getting started, looking to advance your skills, or aiming for leadership roles, we have a place for you. Explore our pathways below.

Entry-Level Opportunities

Kickstart your career with an entry-level position designed for those new to the workforce or transitioning into a new field. These roles provide hands-on experience, training, and mentorship to help you build a strong foundation. You’ll work alongside experienced professionals, gaining essential skills and knowledge while contributing to meaningful projects. LEARN MORE

Skilled/Intermediate Roles

For those with some experience or specialized training, our intermediate positions offer a chance to deepen your expertise and take on greater responsibilities. These roles allow you to apply your skills in a practical environment, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and tackle more complex challenges. We encourage continuous learning and offer a range of resources to help you excel in your career. LEARN MORE

Supervisor/ Management Pathways

If you aspire to lead, we designed our leadership pathways to cultivate the skills and qualities necessary for effective management. You will receive training in strategic thinking, team dynamics, and decision-making processes. As a leader, you will mentor others, inspire your team, and make impactful decisions that drive our organization’s success. LEARN MORE

Office/Technical Support

For those with a penchant for office or technical roles, we offer a wide range of positions that require careful attention to detail and strong organizational skills. From administrative support to technical specialists, these roles are crucial in ensuring our operations run smoothly. With ongoing professional development opportunities, you can enhance your technical abilities and take your career to the next level. LEARN MORE

Entry-level positions within our building materials division offer practical experience in operations, logistics, and safety.

These dynamic roles are ideally suited for motivated individuals who thrive in a fast-paced environment and typically begin early in the day. Employees will typically work in outdoor settings or warehouse environments, making each day unique. A high school diploma or its equivalent is generally required, along with the ability to lift 100 pounds and work in diverse weather conditions.

Typical jobs include:

  • Building Materials Yardman – Akron
  • Building Materials Yardman – Toledo
  • General Laborer Summer Intern
  • Purchasing Intern
  • Sales and Administrative Intern
  • Utility Yardman
Counter Sales

Skilled and intermediate-level positions typically focus on logistics, specialized product sales, and plant operations.

Positions often require CDL licensing, technical knowledge of concrete or masonry, or previous operational experience in construction, manufacturing, or similar industrial environments. These positions are customer-facing and involve advising contractors and builders, as well as managing orders for concrete and masonry products. Strong product knowledge is required.

Typical jobs include:

  • Counter Sale Associate – Akron
  • Counter Sale Associate – Toledo
  • Inside Sales Representative – Building Materials
  • Inside Sales Representative – Masonry
  • Inside Sales Representative – Trucking
  • Outside Sales Representative – Akron
  • Outside Sales Representative – Farming Systems and Construction Products
  • Outside Sales Representative – Masonry
  • Outside Sales Representative – Trucking
  • Semi-Truck Delivery Driver
  • Small Equipment Technician and Backup Yardsman
Warehouse Worker

Supervisor and leadership-level positions typically involve overseeing fast-paced daily operations, especially in yard management, warehousing, or sales.

With a strong emphasis on safety, inventory control, and customer service, leaders are responsible for guiding their teams, managing logistics, and maintaining efficiency in a challenging construction supply environment.

Typical jobs include:

  • Assistant Manager – Akron
  • General Manager – Akron
  • Market Sales Manager – Underground
  • Project Sales Manager – Underground
  • Purchasing Manager
  • Yard Supervisor
Supervisor/Management

This support role serves as the technical backbone for sales teams, responding to customer calls and serving as a subject-matter expert in masonry and concrete products.

By combining technical knowledge with customer service, these positions are ideal for individuals with a background in construction, engineering, technical sales, or office-based technology.

Typical jobs include:

  • Technical Sales Associate – Underground Waterworks
Office/Technical Support
Kuhlman Yard Worker

With The Gerken Companies, your career is just beginning.

We’re committed to supporting your professional growth every step of the way. Explore our current job openings and find the right pathway for you.