Start a chemical distribution company?

Hi,

I have a friend owns a chemical manufacturing plant (a small one) and he needs sales people to sell his product and I’ve been toying with the idea of starting a chemical distribution company and promoting his product. I’ve never been afraid of cold calls and talking to strangers.

However, I have no background in any type of distribution sales, let alone chemical and I’m wondering if people here can guide me to some resources to get me up to speed and any other advice you can provide.

Chemical plant is located in California. It creates polymers and such for paint products and such. I’ll have more information when I visit the plant and get spec sheets and such sometime in the near future.