Employment in the Model Railroading Industry

[Anonymous]

New to the forum and was looking for some help regarding business or employment opportunities within the model railroad industry.

Are there any resources on-line (other than the company's own web-site?)or in other media venues in which companies list jobs? Specifically, I am looking for any insight as to sales and marketing opportunities related to the hobby such as manufacturers (Aethern etc.) or trade associations etc. Open to any suggestions!

Would like to get a more involved in the hobby/marketplace!!

Thanks in advance!

Chris

[eastcoast]

yes, apply at your local shop and put your foot in the door.

[Jetrock]

That would be the first thing on my mind--go apply at a hobby shop. Or start cranking out articles for model railroading magazines. It's a bit more ad-hoc than the regular job market, I imagine. Or you could just look up Athearn's address via their website, look for a phone number, and call asking for their HR person's name and send them a resume.

[dknelson]

Having just assisted at this year's Trainfest in Milwaukee which included the Model Railroad Industry Association (MRIA) displays -- I think you might be surprised by how many manufacturers consist solely of the owner and his wife (or the owner and her husband). They do everything from design to marketing to lugging the products to a trade show to setting up the display, taking orders, and sweeping up. Very few are large enough to have staffs of employees.
Those people I know who are employed in the industry (and Milwaukee has a fair number) did so via becoming known for custom building or painting or design -- some way to separate from the pack. You might be surprised at the skill level of the guy who just handles the cash register at a hobby shop.
Dave Nelson

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the replies. This weekend there is a good opportunity to put those suggestions into play at a local show! [;)]