From Intern to Product Sales Specialist

Team Member Interview

Name: Robbie Rice

Role: Product Sales Specialist for Eleyo

Time spent at Persolvent: I have been here full-time for a little over one year. I interned at Persolvent for two summers as well.

Robbie and fiance Amanda

What do you do at Persolvent? What would I come to you for?

I lead sales demos for prospective customers, walk them through the software, show them the value proposition for Eleyo, and answer questions about how it would fit their workflow. Once a customer signs on, I also do some of the training and move them to support once they’re ready. It’s been fun to stay in contact even once they’re out of the sales process. I also do a lot of prospecting, finding districts that would benefit from using Eleyo. I’m learning to be a subject matter expert – if people have questions, I can always try to get them an answer.

What would you tell a new team member on their first day?

I’d talk about how much I enjoy it. When I first started, I recall feeling nervous, as it was my first “real” job, but everyone is so nice and welcoming. It’s been great working with the same people I got to know during my internships. People on the team care about you and want to know how your day is going. Even if it’s just a quick chat in the Team Member Lounge or a passing “hi”, it’s nice to have people truly care about you.

What is your biggest (work-related) challenge at the moment? How are you handling it?

With Covid-19, it’s hard to find people who are still in office. I need to work around different schedules within the districts. From a sales process, that’s a big challenge. Some districts aren’t even thinking about software, while other districts are looking to use the downtime to improve. I have found relationship-building with little check-ins to be effective. It can be rewarding touching base with individuals and their teams, even if you’re not trying to sell, but making it a personal conversation, and encouraging them to keep us in the back of their mind when they’re ready. I avoid being pushy and respect people’s space and time.

Another challenge I’ve faced is my change of routine since working from home. I’ve had to work on creating a routine to match my office routine. Things like waking up at the same time and working out in the morning have helped me remain as productive as possible. I’ve started going for a quick walk during lunch, just to get out of the space I’m in. I’ve also initiated “water cooler” talks, reaching out to team members for a quick 5-10 minute call where we chat about things other than work.  

How have you grown at Persolvent?

When I first started, I was helping Robin (Director of Customer Experience) with various tasks, but then it grew into taking on my own accounts and training them. It’s fun to see the pre-sale and post-sale cycle. Over the past year, I’ve grown my confidence and communication skills and I find myself contributing more in meetings.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

A professional baseball player or hockey player. Then college came around, and I found out I’d rather be in a sales role.

Playing for Cretin Derham Hall

What is your favorite sports team?

The Minnesota Wild. However, they also break my heart the most. Hockey is great because the high-intensity makes it fun to watch, but you don’t need to completely understand it to enjoy it.

What’s your next adventure?

I am getting married next year to my fiancée Amanda. Wedding planning can be stressful, but fortunately, we even each other out. I have more of a “go with the flow” personality while she is the big planner. We’re looking forward to the actual wedding day, the one day where all your close friends and family are all in one place.

Robbie with his parents and siblings

Are you a night owl or morning bird?

Night owl. I like to stay up late. However, in quarantine, I find myself becoming more of a morning person. I think since there’s less to do in the evenings (restricted with options), I’m getting more sleep. 

What’s your go-to karaoke song?

Piano Man by Billy Joel. Probably the only karaoke song I’ve ever done.

How do you like your eggs?

I like omelets with ham, sausage, cheese, and onions. If I’m feeling crazy, I’ll put some bacon bits in there. Breakfast buffets with omelets are the best.