Do you want to learn about sales?
Do you want to know what skills it takes to be a great salesperson?
Then stay tuned for Johnny Bahan’s interview.
By Set on a Hill
HOUSTON, TX- Johnny Bahan is a Sales Representative for ACME Truck Line Inc. Johnny Bahan is a New Orleans native. He initially grew up around the wrong crowd and knew that he wanted to make a better life for himself. Johnny’s dad was a salesman for Purina. His dad was not just any sales man, but the TOP salesman for several years. But one day, his dad was fired and they hired a student right out of college, with no experience. His dad has the experience but he did not have the education. From them Johnny wanted to find a career that was both sustainable but that he could be satisfied with.
Johnny said, “Prepare yourself and then prepare a backup. This does not necessarily mean for a degree, but if you do get a degree, a certification, or training, make sure it can be used in multiple fields.” Johnny is right. After having spent over 19 years in the Navy serving for 9 years and then being a Career Recruiter for over a decade, Johnny knew that all of his skills were transferable. As a Career Recruiter for the Navy, Johnny knew that in the future he could become a salesman, a University recruiter, or a manager.
When asked what are the skills needed to be in Sales, Johnny explained, ” You need to have a personality and know how to talk to people, you need to be able to effectively listen, and you need to have a strong knowledge of the product.”
Johnny is an avid sports fan and enjoys Wrestling, Hunting, and Fishing. In his current job as a Sales Representative, he now gets to take his customers on fishing trips. The greatest part is that his company pays for it. That is right, his company pays him to have fun with clients. He can take his clients golfing, out for meals, and even fishing. When you are good at communicating with people, you can have a job, that you enjoy and that can give you the transferable skills that can make your career sustainable.
EARLY WORK HISTORY
We want to share Johnny’s story so you can see his pathway to success. There are multiple pathways to success, and learning about his steps, struggles, and triumphs may give you insight for your career path.
After high school Johnny worked at the local airport. Then he went to Delgado University in New Orleans for 1 year. While in college he decided to go to the Navy. He became an E5 in the navy which is a Petty Officer 2nd Class. He received the opportunity to be deployed 9 times where he served the United States in Japan, Singapore, Bahrain, Jabel Ali, Australia, and Tasmania. He ended his career as a Chief as he moved up the ranks. If you are interested in a rewarding career where you get to travel the world and serve your country, the Navy is one of those careers. After his term of service, he worked as an employee for the Navy.
Johnny worked as a Career Recruiter for the Navy after his service. He was the first E5, Petty Officer 2nd Class to get the position, where usually only E6, Petty Officer 1st Class-men were awarded this position. He worked hard and moved his way up from Rookie Recruiter, to National Recruiter, to Manager, to Recruiter in Charge, to Station Commander, and then to Quality Supervisor. While in the Navy he also continued his education and obtained 96 semester hours of college credit, where 78 were transferable to a University. Johnny has the educational experience from the Navy and due to his classes became well versed in business. Johnny did not get a traditional 4 year degree, but he includes his semester hours on all of his resumes and every employer recognizes that as a str
ength. At Estadio Magazine we encourage everyone to realize that every experience you have can become a great asset to your career.
Johnny then retired from the Navy as a Career Recruiter and obtained a job with ACME Truck Line Inc. He was qualified and accepted for the job, but there were currently no positions open as a sales person. But Johnny had a drive and a “can do” attitude. He asked to help the company in any way and became a nigh shift Dispatcher. As a Dispatcher he handled all incoming business calls and scheduled all truck loads for ACME. Through patience the Sales position opened up and Johnny got his desired position as a Sales Representative for ACME Trucks Inc within only 3 months.
Johnny’s dad was a successful salesman, and now Johnny is a successful salesman. He is proud of his father’s example and proud to continue a legacy of success through his education and through his career stability.
LET’S TALK ABOUT SUCCESS
Recently, Johnny and his Houston Team won the Highest Terminal Revenue Award in sales for all of ACME Truck Line Inc. Johnny continues to have career success, but it comes from his determination, drive, and focus. He has passed test over test from his employers to come to the place of success where he is at now. Johnny now has a great salary that he can take care of himself and his son, comfortably.
Do you have questions for Johnny Bahan? Ask them below.
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