Power to Sell

Don Masters - Power of Time

In this episode of the Power to Sell podcast, students sat down with Don Masters, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Border States, to discuss why time is one of the most valuable assets in professional sales. Masters shares the best advice he ever received: treat time like money by breaking annual quotas into daily goals to maximize productivity and consistency. One area of focus was the idea that trust is built by consistently honoring small commitments, whether that’s showing up early, following through on promises, or meeting deadlines. Over time, those moments compound, helping sales professionals evolve from vendors into trusted partners. The episode also explores how Border States is leveraging AI to accelerate “time to solution” by automating manual tasks and creating more time for meaningful customer interactions. Masters also cautions students against impatience, emphasizing that strong B2B relationships are built incrementally over time. Finally, he discusses the transition from working “in” the business to working “on” the business, highlighting the importance of disciplined decision-making, data, and long-term thinking.

CeCe Morken - Power of Empathy

This episode of the Power to Sell podcast features an interview with Cece Morken, a successful North Dakota State University alumni and former CEO of Headspace. Throughout the conversation, Morken discusses her transition from sales and marketing into high-level executive leadership and corporate board roles. She emphasizes that effective selling and leading both require deep empathy and a focus on co-developing solutions with others. Morken also shares personal insights on maintaining a growth mindset, the benefits of meditation in the workplace, and the importance of being a "learn-it-all" rather than a "know-it-all." The discussion serves as a guide for students entering the workforce, highlighting trust, transparency, and humility as the foundations of a meaningful career.

Ann Melancon - Power of Relationships

In this episode of the Power to Sell podcast, training manager Ann Melancon joins student hosts to discuss her career path and the relationship-driven culture at CED (Consolidated Electrical Distributors). After a 15-year career gap as a stay-at-home mother, Ann returned to the workforce at CED, a company she praises for its integrity and family-oriented environment. Ann describes CED as a decentralized wholesale electrical supplier where nearly 800 locations operate as independent "profit centers" run like small businesses. She emphasizes that the company’s success relies on authentic relationship building rather than traditional marketing, as sales professionals must understand a customer’s goals to provide superior service. Ann asserts that "everything is sales" and highlights essential skills such as active listening, the empathy of a "human touch," and the tenacity to ask for the sale. A significant portion of the conversation focuses on CED’s Management Training Program, which fosters leadership by seeking "hungry, humble, and smart" candidates who possess a growth mindset. Regarding modern technology, Ann explains that while the industry is often a "late adopter," CED is foundational in powering AI by supplying materials for massive data centers. Ultimately, Ann advises graduating seniors to avoid the "thief of joy" that is comparison, encouraging them to find mentors and remain curious as they navigate their unique professional timelines

Joe Sandin - Power of Reps

In this episode of the Power to Sell podcast, NDSU students sit down with Joe Sandin, founder and CEO of Onsharp, to explore lessons from his 26-year journey as a technology entrepreneur and business leader. A central theme throughout the conversation is the importance of putting in the reps, the belief that mastery in sales, leadership, and entrepreneurship comes from consistent, disciplined effort over time. Sandin reflects on the risks he took starting a technology company while still in college and explains why gaining real-world selling experience early in a career creates long-term competitive advantage. The discussion also examines how artificial intelligence is reshaping software development by automating repetitive work and enabling engineers to focus on higher-value problem solving. Beyond technology, Sandin shares practical leadership insights, encouraging young professionals to focus on outcomes rather than micromanagement, build trust through authentic relationships, and remain willing to take on difficult challenges. Throughout the episode, Sandin reinforces the mindset of lifelong learning, reminding students that success in both sales and technology belongs to those who continually adapt, grow, and keep putting in the reps.

Ryan Watkins - Power of Reliability

In this episode of Power to Sell, NDSU students interview Ryan Watkins, the CEO of the upper Midwest region for Marsh McLennan Agency. Watkins shares his professional journey, which began with high-volume cold calling and transitioned into a successful career in the insurance industry. He reflects on his rise through various leadership roles, eventually overseeing a half-billion-dollar business with 1,600 colleagues. The conversation delves into Watkins' core philosophies, highlighting the importance of intellectual curiosity, reliability, and a servant leadership mindset, where he views his primary role as serving his team rather than being served by them. Watkins emphasizes that work ethic and grit are the primary differentiators of top-performing advisors, famously citing his father’s advice that "indecisive squirrels get smooshed" to encourage decisive action. Beyond leadership, Watkins addresses modern industry shifts, including the growing role of AI in automating data-heavy tasks like contract review. He also offers practical sales advice, focusing on maintaining a "high say-to-do ratio" to establish trust and moving from a vendor status to a true business partner. Finally, Watkins provides a personal glimpse into his life as an avid bow hunter and offers final encouragement to college seniors to "go all in" as they enter the workforce.