AJ Portable Buildings’ Robbie Guthrie builds his story from shed seeker to sales associate

Six years ago, Robbie Guthrie realized he needed a portable shed while working on a home project. His search led him to AJ Portable Buildings, where he not only found the perfect custom-crafted Yoder structure but also a unique networking opportunity. This connection ultimately led him to his current role as a sales associate at the company’s Cedar Lake and Lowell locations.

“I was tearing down and rebuilding my old sheds myself,” Guthrie said. “I had two buildings, but once I got my first one done, I didn’t think I’d be able to do it a second time. I went looking for a portable shed at AJ’s, where I talked to the boss and showed them what I was doing outside. He saw how much I knew about buildings, and though he didn’t need any builders at the time, he asked if I wanted to take a stab at sales.”

It was an immediate yes for Guthrie, who was drawn to AJ’s for its family-like atmosphere paired with its quality craftsmanship. Over half a decade in, Guthrie’s been able to experience the company’s values firsthand, building on those quality connections himself by working with people from all walks of life.

“I really enjoy meeting all the different kinds of people who come to AJ’s, from those wearing blue jeans all the way through to those wearing suits and ties,” he said.

Like its clientele, AJ’s also has a diverse inventory, which is another aspect Guthrie greatly enjoys about the job. When it comes to the company’s Yoders portable buildings and steel structures, AJ’s is able to customize everything to the customer’s needs, and it is all paired with a generous lifetime craftsmanship warranty. This means AJ’s has an endless catalog of Amish-style, community-centered projects, ranging from animal shelters, lofted barns, kid playhouses, and just about anything else imaginable.

“It’s a broad spectrum,” Guthrie said. “We offer so many different types of products, so whether someone may be looking for a chicken coop or a commercial garage, we are able to fill whatever ideas they have in mind or whatever they might need.”

A typical day on the job for Guthrie, at first, consists of many phone calls and in-person conversations about how AJ’s can best assist with potential structure or storage requests. However, Guthrie’s role goes far beyond those initial discussions, as he works with each customer long after the sale to ensure the best outcomes, helping them select unique bells and whistles that make every AJ’s building exceptional.

“I think they’re all very nice buildings, and our products keep getting better and better,” he said. “I like helping customers design their projects, from creating their doors and windows all the way to being on the property where the building will be.”

Guthrie brings an impressive resume to his role at AJ’s. He has worked in a variety of industries leading up to his current gig, including a supervisor position for a manufacturing company where he managed around 50 union haulers. A jack of all trades, each role has taught him something valuable that can be easily transferred over to AJ’s, even if those positions looked a bit different than the work he does today.  

“I’ve had all different types of jobs,” he said. “Everything does seem to tie in here, even though I’m working by myself most of the time. I still remember what it’s like to work with a team and how to best build different products.”

Seeing a project come to fruition is Guthrie’s favorite part of the AJ’s experience. It gives him a great amount of joy when, even in his time off work, he’s out for a drive and happens to spot an AJ’s original he helped bring to life.

“I enjoy driving around, visiting neighborhoods and local towns, and finding buildings that I may have sold under Yoder’s buildings,” Guthrie said. “I was in the back of the line at a Wendy’s one time, and I saw a Yoders building behind the restaurant. That was fun to see, and I said ‘Hey, I’m pretty sure that’s one of the buildings I’ve sold!’”

Guthrie is looking forward to assisting the Lowell and Cedar Lake areas and beyond with finding the best Yoder’s Portable Building or structure for them, so feel free to give him a call with any questions at (219) 252-0180 and he’ll be glad to assist. All it took was one inquiry at AJ’s to change his life for the better, and he’s excited to do the same for others for many years to come.

To learn more about AJ Portable Buildings and how the company can assist with your storage or building needs, please visit ajportablebuildings.com.