From Small Town to Sales Success: The Inspiring Journey of Ryan Loughlin

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Early Life and Background
3. College and Career Beginnings
4. Transition into Sales
5. Success in Startups
6. Best Sales Experience
7. Advice for Young Professionals
8. Importance of Empathy and Understanding
9. Reflection and Gratitude
10. Conclusion

🌟 Introduction

Welcome to the Growth Stories Podcast! In this episode, we have the pleasure of interviewing Ryan, a Senior Account Manager at involve.ai. Ryan brings a wealth of experience in sales, customer success, and account management, making him a valuable asset to the company. Join us as we dive into his journey, discussing his early life, career beginnings, transition into sales, success in startups, best sales experience, and advice for young professionals. Get ready for an insightful and inspiring conversation!

🌟 Early Life and Background

Ryan, the CEO and Co-founder of involve.ai, hails from California. Born and raised in a small town called San Luis Obispo, he enjoyed a well-rounded childhood filled with beach trips, surfing, and playing Sports. Although he grew up without a father, Ryan was fortunate to have a supportive mother and a stepfather who served as positive role models. Growing up in a small town provided a tight-knit community where everyone knew each other, fostering a sense of belonging and security. Ryan's parents also ran a successful Healthcare company, exposing him to the world of business and inspiring him to carve his own path.

🌟 College and Career Beginnings

After high school, Ryan attended Cal State San Marcos, majoring in Management Information Systems. Initially considering a career in accounting, he discovered a passion for IT and business. While working for his parents' healthcare IT company, Ryan gained valuable experience in various areas, from payroll to troubleshooting. This opportunity taught him the importance of hard work, time management, and entrepreneurship. Eager to expand his knowledge, Ryan joined Shopitron, a digital marketing department for large companies. There, he honed his skills in Search Engine optimization (SEO) and pay-per-click Advertising, working with a team of like-minded individuals. Additionally, Ryan learned the art of managing his own book of business, juggling multiple clients and delivering exceptional results.

🌟 Transition into Sales

Despite not considering himself a traditional salesperson, Ryan's exceptional performance in managing clients led to a shift in his career focus. His success with the company Menards, one of his first major sales achievements, cemented his passion for sales. Cold calling and persistence paid off as Ryan secured over a million dollars in sales, demonstrating his ability to connect with clients, communicate effectively, and Present his company's value proposition. From there, Ryan's sales journey continued to thrive, with experiences that involved selling to large retailers like Walmart, emphasizing the importance of building relationships, trust, and delivering results.

🌟 Success in Startups

Ryan's extensive experience in startups and small businesses has shaped his understanding of the unique traits required for success in such environments. He believes that being adaptable, embracing change, and having a desire to make a lasting impact are crucial. Startups often lack structure and require individuals to be comfortable stepping outside their comfort zones, wearing multiple hats, and embracing ambiguity. Ryan's optimistic nature and willingness to take on new challenges have been key factors in his success in startups. He underscores the importance of maintaining enthusiasm, even in the face of uncertainty, and using change as an opportunity for growth.

🌟 Best Sales Experience

Reflecting on his career, Ryan identifies one sales experience that stands out above the rest. His first major sale to Menards showcased his perseverance, ability to navigate complex organizations, and knack for delivering compelling pitches. From persistent cold calling to securing a meeting and eventually closing a million-dollar deal, Ryan's determination and skill in relationship-building were put to the test. This achievement served as a turning point, solidifying his passion for sales and paving the way for future success.

🌟 Advice for Young Professionals

When it comes to advice for young professionals entering client-facing roles, Ryan emphasizes the importance of empathy. Understanding the perspective, needs, and goals of clients is key to building strong relationships and providing exceptional service. Ryan encourages individuals to practice empathy daily, not just in business but also in all aspects of life. By adopting a mindset of empathy, young professionals can develop a deeper understanding of others, enhance their communication skills, and empower themselves to make a genuine impact.

🌟 Importance of Empathy and Understanding

Ryan firmly believes that empathy is a fundamental quality for success in any client-facing role. By putting oneself in the shoes of others, one can better connect with individuals, anticipate their needs, and tailor solutions to address their specific pain points. Empathy goes beyond surface-level interactions; it requires actively listening, demonstrating understanding, and building trust. Ryan's emphasis on empathy highlights the value of fostering authentic connections and creating Meaningful relationships throughout one's career.

🌟 Reflection and Gratitude

Looking back on his career, Ryan expresses gratitude for the opportunities, experiences, and supportive individuals that have shaped his journey. He acknowledges the role of optimism and the ability to find joy in every challenge and achievement. Ryan's desire to make a lasting impact, paired with his energetic and enthusiastic approach to work, has propelled him forward. He encourages others to embrace these attributes and take ownership of their career paths, always striving to learn, grow, and leave a positive mark.

🌟 Conclusion

In this episode, we had the privilege of exploring the professional journey of Ryan, a Senior Account Manager at involve.ai. From his early life experiences to his success in sales and startups, Ryan's story is one of resilience, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Through his advice and reflections, we are reminded of the importance of empathy, optimism, and a growth mindset in navigating the ever-changing landscape of the business world. Thank you for joining us on this inspiring episode of the Growth Stories Podcast.

Highlights

• Ryan's journey from a small town in California to a successful career in sales and account management.
• The importance of being adaptable and embracing change in the startup environment.
• Ryan's best sales experience, securing a million-dollar deal with Menards.
• Practical tips for young professionals entering client-facing roles, emphasizing the power of empathy.
• The role of gratitude, optimism, and a growth mindset in achieving success.

Resources

• involve.ai - Visit involve.ai for more information about their customer intelligence solution.