Professional Selling Board ’18
Kendall Carter '18
Pre-owned Sales Manager - Sewell Automotive Group
Houston, TX
Kendall.d.carter@gmail.com
HOW DID THE SALES LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE AID IN STARTING YOUR CAREER?
The Sales Leadership Institute had the greatest influence on my journey to finding my passion for sales. The Institute provided me with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to enter the sales industry equipped and destined for success. On the Professional Selling and Sales Management track, I was placed in numerous courses that not only taught me what a formal sales process is, but furthermore provided me opportunities to apply those processes in real-life scenarios during in-class activities, role-plays, conference calls, and group projects.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE STUDENTS THAT ARE GRADUATING SOON OR ARE INTERESTED IN YOUR COMPANY?
For sales students, the material taught in lectures is not just information for an exam, but instead valuable, day-to-day training to apply in their future selling careers. The program provides students with countless opportunities to strengthen their selling skills and network with employers at events such as Speed Networking, the Sales Competition, the Analytics Competition, the Sales Career Fair, and involvement in the Sales Club. Through utilizing these resources, students are presented opportunities to interview with companies, receive job offers, and walk the stage excited to start their careers. With that being said, I would advise students to take full advantage of all that the Institute has to offer. The opportunities are limitless and the investment is well worth it.
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Kyle Flaherty '18
Business Development Representative - Salesforce
New York, NY
k_flaherty@outlook.com
How has the Sales Leadership Institute aided in launching your career?
The Sales Leadership Institute did all the heavy lifting when it came to finding my sales career. The networking events and sales career fair led to recruiter introductions, interviews, and numerous job offers and internship opportunities. All of the resources and events available through the Institute are designed to help students prepare for their careers after college.
What do you enjoy most about working in sales?
Sales, like most jobs, have their ups and downs, but the main difference is that YOU get to control what that curve looks like. Although developing your client base takes time and hard work, there is no greater feeling than closing a deal and seeing ink on a contract. Other than closing deals, I enjoy the flexibility of creating my schedule and building relationships with customers that become friends.
What advice do you give current students wanting a career in sales?
I challenge you to get out of your comfort zone when you can and don't be afraid to fail. Sales can be a tough business, especially during a pandemic, but there is no other job that is more rewarding. This is the only career where your work ethic determines your paycheck, and hard work = $$$.
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Jacqui Aguirre '18
Sales District Leader - PepsiCo
Austin, TX
aguirrejacqui@gmail.com
The Sales Leadership Institute introduced me to companies and opportunities I would not have had if I was not part of the organization. I learned many valuable skills that helped me secure a full-time job right after graduation. I have excelled in my career because I’ve been able to build upon the foundation the Institute created.
HOW DID THE SALES LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE AID IN STARTING YOUR CAREER?
I attended the events that the Sales Leadership Institute put on for us, it was a very helpful way to get valuable face time with recruiters.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE STUDENTS THAT ARE GRADUATING SOON OR ARE INTERESTED IN YOUR COMPANY?
Some advice I would give students would be don't be scared to walk up to recruiters and start talking, do your research and express genuine interest on why you want to be part of that company.
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Gilbert Bermea '18
Financial Advisor - Tejas Financial Advisors
Laredo, TX
grbermea18@gmail.com
2017-2018 Sales Cup Champion
Gilbert Bermea ‘18 is a financial advisor at Tejas Financial Advisors in Laredo, TX. In his role, he works with individuals, families, and businesses to help them achieve financial peace. In his spare time, he enjoys being outdoors, spending time with loved ones, and watching college football (Gig ‘em Aggies).
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Zach Collmann '18
I am a Sr. Key Account Manager in the PNW for Anheuser-Busch InBev, the largest brewer in the world.
In this role, I work directly with our corporate buying teams at Albertsons Companies, our largest chain
customer in the PNW spanning OR, WA, AK, and Northern ID. In my free time, I enjoy mountain biking,
hiking, and exercising.
Bellingham, WA
zachcollmann@gmail.com
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Katherine Cox '18
Director of Sales Intelligence
San Diego, CA
katherinejcox96@gmail.com
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Madelyne Dunn '18
Account Executive - Schneider Electric
Jackson, MS
madelyne.dunn@se.com
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Paige Lewis '18
Business Process Specialist - Cintas Corporation
Houston, TX
Paigelewis2014@gmail.com
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Taylor Mullen '18
President/Owner - Gulf coast Metal Buyers
Houston, TX taylorpmullen13@yahoo.com