May 16, 2024
From the Rink to the Sales Floor: Eddie Caron’s Journey
In the latest episode of Merchants of Change, we had the pleasure of hosting Eddie Caron, a former UNH Wildcat who transitioned from a successful hockey career to thriving in sales. Eddie’s story is a testament to the resilience, adaptability, and work ethic that athletes and veterans bring to the business world.
Eddie’s journey began on the ice, where he cultivated a reputation as a grinder—a hardworking, relentless player who never shied away from tough situations. He fondly recalls his days playing youth hockey, high school hockey at Bishop Guertin and Phillips Exeter, and eventually at the University of New Hampshire. These experiences not only honed his athletic skills but also shaped his character and approach to life.
Transitioning from sports to sales wasn’t a straightforward path for Eddie. After his college hockey career, he initially ventured into building products distribution. Starting from the ground up, Eddie learned the trade by working hands-on, installing insulation and other building materials. This gritty introduction to sales taught him the importance of perseverance and adaptability. Eddie’s approach was simple: learn the basics, build relationships, and always be willing to put in the hard work.
Eddie’s sales career took a significant turn when he entered the tech industry. Despite knowing little about technology, he leveraged his strong work ethic and willingness to learn. With mentorship from experienced colleagues and a relentless drive to understand the products he was selling, Eddie quickly adapted. His story highlights the importance of finding good mentors and being humble enough to seek help and learn from others.
A key element of Eddie’s success has been his ability to communicate effectively. He emphasized that strong communication skills, both verbal and written, are crucial for any salesperson. In an era where many rely heavily on digital communication, Eddie stresses the importance of picking up the phone and having meaningful conversations. He encourages new sales professionals to hone their communication skills and use available tools like Grammarly to ensure their messages are clear and professional.
For those considering a transition into sales, Eddie offers valuable advice. He underscores the importance of finding a leader or mentor you admire and can learn from, as this can significantly impact your growth and success. He also highlights the necessity of effort and accountability. Being dialed in, according to Eddie, means putting in the hard work, continuously assessing your progress, and making necessary adjustments to stay on track.
Eddie’s journey from the rink to the sales floor is a powerful example of how the skills and mindset developed through sports can lead to success in sales. His story serves as an inspiration for athletes and veterans considering a similar transition, showing that with resilience, adaptability, and the right support, they too can achieve great things in the business world.
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