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10 Things to Know About the New Sales Professional in Residence

Mark Michalisin, sales professional in residence

Mark Michalisin, sales professional in residence at Saint Rose

Meet Mark Michalisin, the new sales professional in residence at the Huether School of Business, who will teach courses in Sales Management and Personal Selling and Negotiating for the recently-launched B.S. in Marketing — Sales Management program. Outside of the classroom, Michalisin will collaborate with faculty and students to create the College’s first sales club, as well as lead students through several national sales competitions.

Michalisin comes to Saint Rose with over 25 years of experience in the business-to-business sales industry. In his time with SCA Tissue and Morcon, a leading converter of napkin, towel, tissue, and specialty products for the away-from-home market, Michalisin developed customer bases both domestically and internationally, utilizing his relationship-building and sales expertise.

He’s excited to share with students what makes sales an exciting and rewarding career field. But, first, let’s learn more about him!

10 Things to Know about Mark Michalisin:

1. Where was your first job?

My first real job, back in the day, was working on a lobster boat, hauling traps and unloading fishing boats on the wharf back in Gloucester, Massachusetts. I got to take home my dinner! My first job in sales was with Encore Paper as a sales trainee right out of college in 1994.

2. What is your biggest professional achievement?

Winning the sales rep of the year award in 1996 with Encore Paper. I was two years into my new career, and I realized then that this was the right career for me and to be honored to win this award at such a young age was amazing.

3. What is the best part about working in sales?

Building partnerships and long-term relationships will always be my favorite aspect of sales. Also, no two days are alike.  Every day brings its own unique challenges.

4. What do you do for fun?

I enjoy watching my older son play college lacrosse and competing in Spartan races with my younger son. I love to hang at home with my two dogs – Fenway and Felicia. I enjoy spending time with my wife no matter what we are doing, but she loves it when I make penne alla vodka for dinner! I also like to read about historical events/people. My family refers to me as a history geek.

5. What is your favorite professional sports team?

Any team from Boston – Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics, and Bruins – I am a Boston fan through and through. After all, Boston is the City of Champions!

Mark's dogs Fenway and Felicia

Mark’s dogs Fenway and Felicia

6. Where is your favorite vacation spot?

Gloucester, Massachusetts – there is no place like home.  When I go back (to my hometown), as soon as I turn off the highway, roll down the windows, and smell the salty air, I immediately relax. Just being among friends, relaxing on the beach, and listening to the waves crash against the rocks is my idea of a vacation.

7. What is your favorite restaurant in the Capital Region?

Ferrari’s in Schenectady. Great family-owned Italian restaurant. Best chicken parmesan around.

8. What is your work ethic?

“Do your job” is how I describe my work ethic, as well as commitment.  It was instilled in me from a young age by my dad. I would watch him get up every morning and go to work and how hard he worked to provide for us. I knew I wanted to be like him when I grew up.

9. What do you hope to get out of this job?

My goal is to build the sales program into a preeminent program — one that other colleges and universities look to emulate. That is what I look to get out of this career.

10. What do you hope students take away from your classes?

My hope is that students gain a passion for sales and that I help prepare them for life after college. I hope that students build confidence in their abilities and enjoy what they do in their careers. I hope one day, while in a meeting, something will click, and they will remember a lesson we reviewed, a life experience I shared, or something that will help them at that moment.

What do you think?

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