Football star turned medical salesperson talks about life after Richmond at Real World 2008

The Real World: Student-Alumni Life Experiences Program is an annual two-day life experiences program for all University of Richmond students. The program is designed to help students better understand the lifestyle changes they can expect after graduation as well as to build lasting and meaningful relationships with UR alumni from a wide range of career fields. Learn more about this year's program, which takes place on February 8-9, 2008.

So, you graduated. What was that first year out on your own like? Did you land the job of your dreams, travel, move home with mom and dad?

I went straight to Montreal, Canada and played football professionally in the Canadian Football League (CFL) for two years. It was tough and made me grow up pretty quick. I then played briefly with the Atlanta Falcons in 2005 before moving back to Richmond to get into sales. I sold copiers first, then mouldings, and then pharmaceuticals before landing in the medical device industry where I aspired to be. Pro football was my initial goal and I accomplished it to a point. Sales was my secondary career goal and when football was over, I started down the road to developing a fruitful sales career. My career is perfect for me because I have always been interested in surgery, and it’s what I see everyday.

Is what you’re doing now related to what you studied at Richmond? Did it need to be? Looking back, would you have changed anything about your course of study?

I am in high level medical capital sales and I was a psych major. Most look puzzled when I tell them my major vs. my chosen career path. Everyone seems to think that psych majors all end up being researchers or psychiatrists. I didn’t have any interest in going that path and eyed a sales career after football. Think about it. Psychology is essentially the study of people, how we think and interact. I sell products to people and believe me – no two people are the same. Psychology gave me the insight I needed to look within and understand myself, and I think it helps me understand others and eventually (hopefully) influence their decisions.  I think I choose the perfect course of study; however, I would have added more business-oriented courses because when it comes down to it, I work for a company but am essentially running my own business. A few business courses wouldn’t have hurt. But I think psychology was perfect for what I do because ultimately people are the name of the game in sales.

Geographically, where are you? Are you where you always envisioned living? What’s a real day look like in your version of the real world?

I live in D.C. right now. My company moved me here eight months ago from our headquarters in Michigan where I had spent two years in marketing, traveling around the country ninety percent of the time. I never saw myself living in D.C., and actually thought I would be somewhere that is warm year-round. But the opportunity presented itself, and I learned long ago to grab opportunity and embrace it.

A day in my real world is hectic and unpredictable. My territory entails every hospital operating room in Northern Virginia, Southern and Western Maryland, and D.C. That’s a lot of customers who all have their own dynamics and demands.  Time management is key and problem-solving skills are paramount. I could spend the day standing in a brain surgery case acting as a consultant for my products, or instructing a group of my customers on the proper use of my equipment in their OR Lounge, or sitting in a customer’s office negotiating a deal, or driving two hours to make it to another surgery, or sitting in front of my computer at home preparing a presentation for a meeting, or standing in a cadaver lab demonstrating my products, or a combination of all these things, including plenty of things I didn’t mention. I basically squeeze results out of complete chaos on a daily basis.

What made you want to come back to Richmond to participate in Real World? What’s the one piece of advice you’re eager to share with current students?

I am all about giving back, and I wish this was available for me when I was a student. Why reinvent the wheel? For a student to be able to sit down with someone who has taken the same path that they are considering and succeeded, and pick their brain – that’s priceless. It will be great for networking and career development for those who are keen enough to participate. And basically, I would love to share my experiences if it means they won’t have to repeat my mistakes. My industry is extremely tough to break into and I would love to help if it’s what they truly want to do. My biggest advice would have to be a quote that I keep on my mirror:
 
"There is only one pursuit where you can start at the top and that is digging a hole"

I think that quote sums up life and career. I can remember having these huge career aspirations when I graduated and honestly they are steadily coming true. But I can assure you that nothing has been given to me. There is no substitute for hard work and dedication. Accomplish something positive, no matter the significance, everyday and your goals will soon be realized.

I knew I’d officially graduated from college when…

I checked my mailbox and I had bills! And they didn’t have my mom's name on them, but instead my name and they had a due date! Rude awakening!

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