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Salesology® - Conversations with Sales Leaders

Salesology® - Conversations with Sales Leaders

By: Wendy Weiss
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 When you are ready to transform your sales for today’s transforming market, this is the show for you. In the Salesology®️ podcast, you’re going to be getting the real scoop, the inside story from sales leaders who will deliver the goods on how to grow sales faster, more easily and more profitably. With your host, The Queen of Cold Calling®️ and Founder of Salesology®️, award winning author, speaker, sales trainer and coach, Wendy Weiss.2023 Economics Marketing Marketing & Sales Personal Development Personal Success
Episodes
  • 145: Matthew Freed – Simplifying the Complicated

    145: Matthew Freed – Simplifying the Complicated
    Jul 7 2025
    Guest: Matthew Freed Guest Bio: ​I’ve spent the last 20 years in sales and sales leadership, and I still find it incredibly rewarding. Most of that time has been in manufacturing and distribution, where I’ve had the opportunity to lead high-performing teams and work closely with customers. I currently lead a team across the Midwest and am passionate about building lasting culture, driving results, and simplifying the complicated. A big part of my leadership style is helping sellers achieve their goals while supporting them in becoming the best versions of themselves. I believe consistent habits lead to consistent outcomes, and I aim to lead with energy, clarity, and accountability. I enjoy helping people grow in their careers while building meaningful, long-term relationships with customers and colleagues. Outside of work, I still love to compete—whether it’s on the basketball court or just a backyard game with friends. Most importantly, I enjoy time with my wife and our two daughters. Key Points: Career Journey & Sales Background His dad was in sales and eventually owned a business, which influenced him early. Matthew started with cold calling and door-to-door efforts, learning what real sales was versus the perception. Naturally gravitated toward leadership roles on teams; wanted to shift from individual sales to team success. Moved cities and took a risk to lead a sales team at a manufacturing company, eventually growing in responsibility and geography. He was introduced to Millcraft by a supplier contact and joined over 8 years ago; currently leads sales efforts after transitioning from operational responsibilities. Sales Philosophy & Simplifying Complexity Believes the sales team is his "customers" and supports them by removing obstacles and improving processes. Matthew uses what he calls a "Simplify the Complicated" Approach: · Sales fundamentals (know, like, trust) are still the core, despite evolving technology. · Use data and analytics to validate feelings and drive decisions. · Focus on what matters: simplify systems/processes to let sellers focus on selling. Challenges in Sales Leadership Reps often react emotionally, inventing stories about prospects. Ask clarifying questions, do a fact-finding mission, and use both data and instinct (e.g., the "sleep on it" approach). Helps reps stay grounded by focusing on facts and controllables rather than assumptions. CRM/ERP Adoption Success Successfully implemented a new ERP system that includes a CRM. Tailored the system to serve salespeople and their customers. Positioned CRM is used as a way to better serve customers and make smarter decisions. Gained buy-in by connecting usage to outcomes (e.g., customer satisfaction). Has most of his team (12 people) consistently using the CRM. Team Composition & Hiring A mix of new and long-tenured reps (some with 30–40+ years of experience). Has a team size of 12 sellers. What He Looks for in Hires is resourcefulness, values competitiveness, entrepreneurial spirit, and inquisitiveness. Matthew’s screening methods are assignments before interviews, looking for how much effort candidates put into research, a sports background is a strong signal (discipline, competition), and relying heavily on referrals. Team Wins & New Business Growth - 150+ New Accounts Opened Focused efforts in specific industry segments (e.g., beverage, signage, apparel, nonprofits). Leverages repeatable success models: if one nonprofit buys certain items, others likely will too. Emphasizes selling similar things to similar customers vs. reinventing every sale. Segment-focused selling allows for scalable, repeatable growth strategies. Leadership Style & Values Clearly outlines what reps should expect from him and vice versa. Believes in accountability, honesty, and mutual respect. Sees his role as equipping and clearing the path for his team’s success. Encourages feedback and builds relationships rooted in trust. Guest Links: Connect on LinkedIn About Salesology®: Conversations with Sales Leaders Download your free gift, The Salesology® Vault. The vault is packed full of free gifts from sales leaders, sales experts, marketing gurus, and revenue generation experts. Download your free gift, 81 Tools to Grow Your Sales & Your Business Faster, More Easily & More Profitably. Save hours of work tracking down the right prospecting and sales resources and/or digital tools that every business owner and salesperson needs. If you are a business owner or sales manager with an underperforming sales team, let’s talk. Click here to schedule a time. Please subscribe to Salesology®: Conversations with Sales Leaders so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! To learn more about our previous guests, listen to past episodes, and get to know your host, go to https://...
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    29 mins
  • 144: Nick Sowards – Never Give Up

    144: Nick Sowards – Never Give Up
    Jun 30 2025
    Guest: Nick Sowards Guest Bio: ​Started cleaning machines in California at 18 years old at my grandfather’s company. Graduated into selling machines at 19, then left his company at 20 to sell new machines. Left California in 2004 and joined Absolute Machine Tools, selling their imported brands. In 2015, became GM for Absolute, running their Chicago facility. 2017 needed a change in my life and left Absolute with joining Ellison Technologies in December 17, and the ride has been great thus far! I'm a sales manager for NE Ohio and a territory manager for Lake and 1/2 of Cuyahoga County. I was honored to have been the #1 salesman in Ellison for GP and units for 2023, with also getting salesperson of the year awards. Been in the top 5-10 ever since I started with Ellison in 2017. We have a great team in Ohio, so that helps! Key Points: Early Influences and Entry into Sales · Grandfather's machine shop played a formative role. He started by cleaning machines as a kid to earn money for things his family couldn't afford. · Originally planned to become an FBI agent, but his mother recognized his strong communication skills and encouraged sales. · A pivotal moment came when he accidentally made a $10,000 sale, earned $200 commission, and realized sales were more rewarding than cleaning machines. Motivation and Personal Drive · Grew up poor, became a young father, and was driven by the desire to support his family, including allowing his wife to stay home. · Has seven daughters, now expecting three grandchildren, further reinforcing his motivation to succeed financially and professionally. Leadership and Management Style · Leads a tight-knit sales team of three, focusing on trust, open communication, and family-like support. Believes success is shared: if his team does well, he does well. · Encourages open access; his team can call him anytime, for work or personal matters. Hiring Philosophy · Looks for motivation (expensive hobbies, family responsibilities) and coachability. · Avoids hiring “negative” people; prioritizes positive, adaptable personalities. · Uses personality assessments and informal settings (like lunch) to gauge candidates more authentically. Watches for signs of intrinsic drive, not just skill. Building Trust with New Hires · Leads by example: gave a full commission on a deal made the day before a new rep joined, demonstrating generosity and fairness. · Builds trust through action, not just words, follows through, supports his team, and solves problems directly or connects them with the right resources. Sales Philosophy · Be honest and transparent: admit when you don’t know something, but always get the correct answers. · Never be a “yes man”, integrity builds long-term relationships. · Success is based on persistence, teamwork, and customer focus. Guest Links: Cell: 216-347-9566 Email: nsowards@ellisontechnologies.com Connect on LinkedIn About Salesology®: Conversations with Sales Leaders Download your free gift, The Salesology® Vault. The vault is packed full of free gifts from sales leaders, sales experts, marketing gurus, and revenue generation experts. Download your free gift, 81 Tools to Grow Your Sales & Your Business Faster, More Easily & More Profitably. Save hours of work tracking down the right prospecting and sales resources and/or digital tools that every business owner and salesperson needs. If you are a business owner or sales manager with an underperforming sales team, let’s talk. Click here to schedule a time. Please subscribe to Salesology®: Conversations with Sales Leaders so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! To learn more about our previous guests, listen to past episodes, and get to know your host, go to https://podcast.gosalesology.com/ and connect on LinkedIn and follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and check out our website at https://gosalesology.com/.
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    34 mins
  • 143: Erick Haas – Communicating with Transparency

    143: Erick Haas – Communicating with Transparency
    Jun 23 2025
    Guest: Erick Haas Guest Bio: ​Erick Haas is an experienced Ag Sales Manager with LandPro Equipment overseeing 17 Ag Salesmen while bringing 15 years of expertise in the John Deere dealer network. Erick’s AOR is primarily Western NY, Pennsylvania, and a portion of Ohio. His background includes Precision Agriculture, Training, Recruitment, and being a John Deere Certified Trainer. Erick is deeply committed to his Central NY community, serving as President of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Madison County, several program advisory boards, a 4-H Leader, and President of the Chittenango Fire Department. He resides on a 65-acre hobby farm in Central NY with his wife and two young girls. Key Points: Career Path to Ag Sales Manager at LandPro Equipment · Early Career: Started with a degree aimed at environmental conservation; initially worked with Soil and Water Conservation, supporting farms. · Transition to Ag: Joined a John Deere dealership (Chazy Equipment Company) in 2011 as a precision ag specialist. · Career Growth: Became training manager, certified John Deere instructor, and eventually territory manager for 20 dealerships in the Northeast. · LandPro Role: Though lacking formal sales management experience, his reputation, technical expertise, and broad network helped him land the role. Management Philosophy & Style · People-Focused: Enjoys the human connection, coaching his team, and tailoring support to individuals' strengths and weaknesses. · Adaptability: Finds fulfillment in varied tasks—from farm visits to desk work. · Development-Oriented: Gets satisfaction from helping salespeople grow confident and independent. Building Trust and Influence · Earning Respect: Gained trust from seasoned, high-performing salespeople by being transparent, consistent, and reliable. · Trusted Resource: Focuses on becoming a go-to advisor for his team, even when the question is outside his expertise. Leading Through Change · Inherited Challenges: Took over a role that had seen high turnover; faced skepticism and had to prove his commitment. · Transparency: Earned buy-in by demystifying business goals (e.g., market share importance) and opening up about internal processes. · Best Practice Sharing: Emphasizes education and consistent communication. CRM and Accountability · CRM Usage: Encourages CRM use not for micromanagement but for customer service, protection, and visibility. · Variable Expectations: Applies different levels of accountability based on experience and performance. · Case Example: A customer hadn’t been called on in 10 years; proper CRM use would have prevented the oversight. Cross-Department Communication · Breaking Down Silos: Promotes overcommunication across sales, service, and parts to ensure customer needs are met. · Leadership Coordination: Has regular check-ins with store managers to stay in the loop and encourage collaboration. Accountability Culture · Problem Solving: Encourages direct, timely discussions to resolve interdepartmental issues quickly. · Ownership: Stresses accountability across all roles, not just sales. Foundational Wins vs. Sales Wins · Pyramid Model: Believes in building foundational skills—like customer handling, tech comfort, policy knowledge—as a prerequisite for sales success. · Progression: Describes coaching progression from handholding to independence, likening it to riding a bike. Documentation & Process · Written Best Practices: Emphasizes the importance of written procedures to plug process gaps and support memory retention. · Training Tools: Uses documentation to streamline onboarding and reinforce standards. Guest Links: Connect on LinkedIn About Salesology®: Conversations with Sales Leaders Download your free gift, The Salesology® Vault. The vault is packed full of free gifts from sales leaders, sales experts, marketing gurus, and revenue generation experts. Download your free gift, 81 Tools to Grow Your Sales & Your Business Faster, More Easily & More Profitably. Save hours of work tracking down the right prospecting and sales resources and/or digital tools that every business owner and salesperson needs. If you are a business owner or sales manager with an underperforming sales team, let’s talk. Click here to schedule a time. Please subscribe to Salesology®: Conversations with Sales Leaders so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! To learn more about our previous guests, listen to past episodes, and get to know your host, go to https://podcast.gosalesology.com/ and connect on LinkedIn and follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and check out our website at https://gosalesology.com/.
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    28 mins
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