Eli Martin, 32
Sales Manager, 5B’s Embroidery and Screen Print
What makes you effective as a salesperson?
I think it’s the fact that I have a competitive edge. I have drive and passion in what I do, and that, honestly, it makes it very easy for me to want to go to work each day to take care of my team, our company and my customers.
What is your greatest day-to-day challenge?
Just finding the time to get everything done that’s necessary. I’ve challenged myself to have good time management, and it’s been one of my biggest challenges to learn over the years. It’s more about the discipline to carve out certain times of the day to get each task done. I lead a team, but on top of that, I have to continue to do what I have to as far as dealing with the relationships that I’ve made here in the industry.
What have mentoring relationships brought to you in your career?
I’ve gotten a lot out of them. There are a few people that come to mind and really helped be a guide or a coach along the way. And there’s been a person in my life that, unfortunately, is no longer here, but he was a great mentor, and coached not just me but a lot of other young potential leaders as well: Todd Biles, who was our CEO and passed away a few years ago unexpectedly. He was someone that I knew since I was probably 11 years old. He was always a great motivator. He always got the best out of you, those types of things that really resonate with you as a person. And you try to maybe encourage the next person after you, as well, to do that.
