David, VP Sales at ProducePay: Advize Career Interview
A USC Marshall School of Business graduate, this ProducePay VP of Sales climbed the sales ladder from entry-level positions to leadership, managing a large, geographically diverse team.
The role demands thick skin and collaboration skills, focusing on achieving sales goals while fostering team growth. A typical day blends team huddles, client meetings, and strategic analysis.
This leader thrives on the fast-paced environment and enjoys working with others, though managing diverse personalities presents unique challenges.
The interviewee highlights the importance of authenticity over conforming to stereotypes, advising aspiring sales professionals to embrace entry-level roles to develop crucial skills such as direct communication and problem-solving.
A key lesson learned is prioritizing value creation for clients, a skill developed through experience in various industries including media and finance.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
David Bensimon
VP Sales
ProducePay
Usc
N/A
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Business Management & Admin
Finance (Banking, Fintech, Investing)
Sales and Client Management
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Career Path of a Vice President of Sales at ProducePay
David, VP of Sales at ProducePay, traversed a sales career path beginning with an entry-level role at FastPay after graduating from USC's Marshall School of Business and briefly attempting a clothing startup. This progression involved climbing "into mid-level, senior-level, Enterprise-level, and then management," culminating in David's current position at ProducePay through a mutual connection.
Main Responsibilities of a VP Sales at ProducePay
David, ProducePay's VP of Sales, oversees a geographically dispersed team of 20-25 sales professionals, spanning the US, Mexico, and South and Central America. The main responsibility is ensuring the team's effective collaboration and adequate training to achieve "annual sales goals" and quotas.
A Day In The Life Of A Vice President Of Sales At ProducePay
A typical day for David, VP of Sales at ProducePay, involves a blend of team collaboration—"a quick huddle with the team"—and client engagement, including assisting with meetings and deal structuring with the credit department. The daily routine concludes with a debrief to analyze results and strategize for improved performance the following day.
Most Important Skills For A VP Sales At ProducePay
David, a VP of Sales, emphasizes the importance of "thick skin and a level head" in navigating the fluctuating nature of sales, requiring the ability to both celebrate successes and learn from setbacks. This necessitates strong collaboration skills and "general curiosity" to understand client needs and effectively add value, which David views as crucial for success in any sales role.
Biggest Challenges Faced by a VP Sales at ProducePay
David, a VP of Sales at ProducePay, finds managing "big personalities" and navigating "egos and interests" the most challenging aspect of the role. However, the reward of earning the trust of team members and achieving success together makes these challenges worthwhile.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Produce Industry As A Vice President Of Sales
David, a VP of Sales at ProducePay, clarified that "I don't know that I enjoy necessarily the finance industry," but finds value in the deep operational understanding gained from working with companies. This allows for insightful learning about "what works, what doesn't," informing David's ability to identify successful companies and areas for improvement, a skill honed through specialized roles in media and now produce.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Sales Industry According To A VP Sales At ProducePay
David, a VP of Sales, challenges the "alpha male" stereotype often associated with sales leadership, asserting that success stems from "being true to what you are" rather than conforming to expectations. The most effective approach, according to David, is to "just roll with it," embracing one's authentic style.
What a VP Sales at ProducePay Wishes They Knew Before a Sales Career
David, a VP of Sales, advises aspiring sales professionals to "take an entry-level sales role" early in their careers to learn organizational dynamics and overcome phone call anxieties. The importance of directness and confidently saying "no" after careful consideration, a skill learned early in their sales career, is also highlighted as crucial for success.
Entry-level Positions for Aspiring Sales Professionals
Entry-level sales roles, such as "research analyst," "SDR (sales development representative)," or "BDR (business development representative)," are widely available across industries. These roles focus on "research and Prospect and call and schedule meetings," providing a foundation for new workforce entrants to learn sales and receive mentorship from more experienced colleagues.
Significant Career Lesson From A VP Sales At ProducePay
David's most significant career lesson centers on prioritizing value creation over rigid adherence to initial objectives; "try to listen to the problem and then be solution oriented, trying to create value," ultimately leading to better outcomes for clients and colleagues.
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