He Didn't Know He Could Sell...
Chad Miller
Founder - Performance Solutions Group & PSG Jobs Veteran Placement | Leadership, Sales, & Military Transition Guide | Guiding Organizations to Top Performance Levels & Military Veterans to Civilian Careers
This was me a little over 18 years ago. A fresh faced 1LT (P) Chad Miller preparing to transition from the 101st Airborne Division in the US Army and enter the civilian world. I didn't know much of anything about the commercial truck or tire industry other than trucks were big and shiny and tires were round and black. What I did know was how to exit a perfectly good aircraft, fire a rifle accurately, run a bunch of miles, iron a mean crease into my uniforms, and polish jump boots to resemble mirrors.
What I also knew, was how to lead and take care of soldiers, show up to work on time, do what I said I would do, influence my leaders in decision making, build relationships with people, pay attention to details, and much more. Turns out, those skills were quite valuable in the world of sales and sales management. A manufacturer took a chance and offered me a sales position selling commercial truck tires to trucking fleets. They put be through 90 days of sales and product training and set me free.
Fast forward several years. I had sold a whole bunch of truck tires, brought a fresh perspective which lead to innovative ideas and solutions, was promoted to lead other sales people to their full potential, and found great success in the world of sales and sales management.
My point in all of this is to encourage manufacturers, dealers, suppliers, and other organizations not to put such a premium on prior industry and sales experience. These two bring bad habits and coaching challenges. Instead, consider inviting some of the wonderful men and women who are transitioning from their military service to join your team. Train them up on whatever it is that you do and then sit back and watch the show. I believe you'll be pleased with the results. Thank you for reading this.
Chad Miller is the Founder of Performance Solutions Group and PSG Jobs. PSG Jobs strives daily to help service members transition smoothly and find great jobs with amazing organizations. For more information visit www.psgjobs.com
COL U.S. Army (Retired)
5 年Chad, well written with great advise.? I sure liked that "kid" in the picture- were some Awesome days!? Congratulations on the success of PSG, you demonstrate all that is written and talked about in here.
Truck Sales Manager at International.
6 年Great perspective, Chad. I was in the Marine Corps and met someone that introduced me to the industry.?I was the same as you, NO PRIOR?KNOWLEDGE, just was a?motivated self starter who wanted to provide well for his family.?Thankful that someone was willing to take a chance on me 20 years ago!?
Diesel Technician
6 年Great article Chad and thanks for helping folks realize the potential that Vets can bring to their business. As one, I always look forward to the company I work for hiring them. Jamie
Veteran, Dad, Husband, coach & Sales professional @ Kenworth sales company- Lynchburg,VA
6 年Great perspective and a great article Chad!