A Closer Look: Justin Simbro

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You returned to Marketlink Inc. as director of business development in early June after a year at Robert Half Technology. Do you feel settled in yet?

Not yet. It’s basically a created role in which I’m going to come in and build it from the ground up.

What’s your goal with this job?

Our company has been around for about 16 years. We do business-to-business calling and business-to-consumer calling, and so I think my objective number one is for companies to realize that the telephone is one of the most efficient and cost-effective ways to reach their targets and grow their business. Telemarketing sometimes gets a bad rap, but in reality it holds a lot of value. So my objective is to continue to maintain the business we have and build new business relationships along the way.

What excites you most about the job?

Honestly, I think the one thing that brought me back here – I had another opportunity – but really the Marketlink executive team, believing in what we do and then the results I think I can provide for the organization.

How would you describe yourself, especially in this role?

I feel like I’m probably a go-getter. I’m pretty direct, but I kind of bring an outside-of-the-box mentality, too, in terms of the new age, how to get business, how to drive business, but most importantly, build relationships and maintain relationships rather than just fill a sales quota.

What led you to this field initially?

I came from a company within Wells Fargo (Home Mortgage) called First American (Title) and I managed an outsourced team of 25 people and I grew that business into a shop of about 60. What (Wells Fargo) ended up doing was converting all of those employees that I had there into full-time positions and I went on to do something else. I talked with Kourtney (Keough, president and CEO of Marketlink), and although at the time it was a pay decrease, I really enjoyed her and thought there was a lot of potential in the field.

What did you graduate in?

I went to Grand View (University). So my focus was business administration. I never graduated. I ended up stopping and went through a staffing service. I got that job at First American and I’ve never looked back. It’s a personal goal, so I’ll do it (graduate from college), but in terms of how it’s going to bring me a little bit more experience to date, it’s probably not going to hold a lot of value at this point.

What’s the most challenging part of this job?

I think the biggest challenge is not to be the stereotypical sales guy. To grab somebody’s ear and be able to convey what our services are and how we can help them.

Has the recession changed anything for you?

We have the most employees we’ve ever had, we’re generating the most revenue we’ve ever generated, so in terms of this economy, we are a bright spot.

What do you like to do for fun?

I’m a sand volleyball player. We have a four-men’s competitive (team) and I’m also on a co-ed team as well. We’d like to be as competitive as we can, but I’m just naturally competitive. And I like to go to the gym and work out. I’ve picked up golf as I’ve gotten a little bit older.

Is there an achievement you’re most proud of?

Building an organization in Wells Fargo from 25 to 60 people, you have to build the right relationships; it’s heavy management, high (human resources) and client relations and a little bit of sales. So for me, I think that was a pretty huge accomplishment, but I think what I’m about to embark on now is going to be one of my biggest accomplishments, to be honest with you.

Do you have a far-off career goal?

Probably the next steps are becoming vice president and president of an organization or owning something. Any position I can create change in.