Pros
Ecolab really is the Chemical Expert when it comes to Laundry and Warewashing Systems. Chemical (Soap) Dispensing Equipment is always beyond what competitors have to offer and marketing materials are the absolute best you can get anywhere. The detergents I sold are usually Double in price from the competitors but the detergents were the best on the market so I found the chemicals very easy to sell. You can make money here if you take care of and serve your customers. I finished my last year at Ecolab at about $88,000 for the year - which isn't bad for a front line route salesperson.
Cons
The job is extremely painful with very long hours and you are bound by customer's calling in at anytime so it is very difficult to get rest. Taking care of your customers is very fun and rewarding but your manager can make your life very hard. If you get a bad boss then you will not like working here. If you have a great boss then you will be able to tolerate the long hours and thankless effort you put in. Either way, when you work at Ecolab you will work your tail off. You always here the motto: "Work Hard, Play Hard" ... but for Ecolab it is only "Work Hard, Work Hard and then Work Some More". The work/life balance is not there... when you take a vacation you are still responsible for doing 4 weeks of work in 3 weeks so when you leave you are so exhausted it is difficult to enjoy it. Ecolab is very painful and you will work very long hours with no additional pay. Lastly, ambition and creativity is not rewarded at Ecolab. Ecolab is not looking for your ideas at the Territory Manager level, they only want you to comply and do what they ask with no suggestions on how things could be better... "March on Soldier!" As a Five Year Anniversary Gift to myself, I turned in my 2 week notice." Best thing I could have done for myself and my marriage. I am grateful I don't work at Ecolab anymore.