Taking initiative and working hard are two qualities that can lead to success on the job. And MarketSource’s own Chris Stahelek serves as a shining example on both fronts.
“I started at MarketSource before I walked across the stage at my college graduation,” he shares. “And once I was here, it didn’t take long for me to realize the tremendous opportunity for career growth within the company.”
After gaining momentum in his first position as account manager, Chris became intrigued with the sales side of the business and asked to be considered for a business development representative (BDR) role within the program. The opportunity proved to be a pivotal moment for him. “That role solidified my interest in a sales career,” Chris says. “So, after serving as BDR within multiple programs, I was told about another BDR opportunity—this time for the entire Commercial segment—and knew I had to apply.” Once again, he landed the role.
In the three years that followed, Chris sought to learn everything he could about how large companies go to market, how to relay impactful messaging to key stakeholders, and, ultimately, the process of enterprise sales. He soon became a top-producing BDR.
Once again, Chris was promoted—this time, to his current role as Business Development Manager (BDM). Today, Chris is the only Commercial team member who has worked as a rep on a singular program and then as a BDM for the entire Commercial segment.
All promotions and accolades aside, Chris says his favorite part of the job is the people. “I’m lucky to work with people who have a vast amount of experience and are willing to share their insights with me,” he explains. “Anything I accomplish within my role is simply a reflection of the knowledge my team has shared with me.”
Chris is realistic about work and maintains a practical perspective. He has pursued a career in sales knowing things are not always going to go the way he hoped or expected. He advises, “Keep your broader, long-term goals top of mind. If you are consistent and remain level-headed, you will eventually break through and achieve success.”
One factor that has motivated Chris to keep moving ahead—and has helped him advance his career—is his insistence on taking initiative at every turn. It’s a key ingredient in Chris’s dedication to the MarketSource value of work ethic.
When asked to share the best advice he’s ever received, Chris recalls a moment with a former leader at MarketSource: “He told me, ‘Chris, I would rather have to reel you in than have to keep throwing your line back out.’”
“Leadership at MarketSource appreciates those who are willing to take on new challenges. Just put yourself in their position—wouldn’t you want an employee who is always seeking out stretch projects? Of course, you need to have a track record of success for them to provide you with more opportunities, but you should never be afraid to tell your leadership team that you want to continue taking on new challenges as you progress throughout your career.”
When asked to share the best advice he’s ever received, Chris recalls a moment with a former leader at MarketSource: “He told me, ‘Chris, I would rather have to reel you in than have to keep throwing your line back out.’ That taught me to be ambitious and take calculated risks to achieve my goals. Pushing the envelope and developing new ways of doing things can be risky, but with the right strategy and support, it can lead to great results.”
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