Can you share your career path to Internal Wholesaler Manager at Pacific Life?

In 2016 I began my Pacific Life career journey on the sales associate desk, essentially at the ground floor of the sales team. There, I had the opportunity to learn from some of our top wholesalers, including Tate and Jim. These experienced professionals were invested in my growth within the company and provided valuable guidance and support.

My first goal while working at the sales associate desk was to earn a promotion to the internal desk. Within about nine months, I achieved that promotion and began working alongside Kristen in Connecticut. Over the next six years, she served as both a mentor and a valuable partner. My next career goal was to transition into a field role, drawing inspiration from Kristen and maintaining connections with professionals like Jim and Tate. Observing their hard work and the results they achieved, I felt encouraged that I could excel in a similar capacity. I progressed from being an Internal Wholesaler to an Internal Wholesaler II, and I enrolled in Pacific Life’s Sales Academy. Now, two years later, I’m running the Great Lakes team as an Internal Wholesaler Manager.
 

What are your responsibilities as an Internal Wholesaler Manager?

As an Internal Wholesaler Manager, I lead a team of 11 internal associates covering the Great Lakes region. My counterpart in the field is Chris, who serves as the Regional Sales Manager. Our approach is to build upon past successes and help our team unlock their potential. There’s no one-size-fits-all method for managing a territory. Instead, I encourage team members to adapt and find their own path. Whether it’s aligning territories, fostering relationships, or facilitating learning about products and competition, my goal is to simplify my team’s day-to-day work. I provide resources like call coaching to enhance the understanding of our sales process, guidance on daily structuring to increase workflow, and overall leadership to foster a strong team morale on the Great Lakes and across our entire sales desk.
 

What is your advice to someone working in sales?

Whether you’re working the sales associate desk or the internal desk, my advice is to have an open mind, be coachable, and embrace learning. Be genuine, ask questions, and show that you care. If you’re new to the industry, consider yourself a sponge—absorb everything around you and develop your own approach. My manager, Sean, encourages learning from each other’s proven practices while adding our own unique spin.
 

What do you like about working and living in the Omaha area?

Omaha truly embodies the authentic Midwestern spirit. While any place can feel like home, there’s something special about Omaha. Although I’m originally from the Twin Cities in Minnesota, I’ve discovered a sense of belonging here.

What stands out to me about Omaha is its strong sense of community. Whether it’s the excitement around Jays basketball or Huskers football, the vibrant volleyball and soccer communities, or the overall university spirit, there’s a shared passion for sports and outdoor activities. People here enjoy hunting, fishing, and connecting with nature—whether it’s birdwatching or other outdoor pursuits.

On a personal note, my journey in Omaha has been deeply meaningful. My son is on the autism spectrum and navigating that path has been both challenging and rewarding. I’ve had great support from Pacific Life and the broader Omaha community. Whether its seasoned parents sharing their wisdom or new parents embarking on this adventure, knowing that others are on a similar journey provides comfort and learning opportunities.