My Business Was Founded on My Experience in the Marine Corps!

My background may have not prepared me for a career in sales. I served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1987-1991. After my tour, I went to film school then  ended up working in the entertainment industry. I never imagined that I would ever be in sales.

Ten months after I was married, my wife was diagnosed with cancer. Needing to dedicate as much time as possible to being her caregiver, I left the entertainment industry and found an opportunity to make money in the financial services industry. This position would also allow me to control my schedule. It seemed like a great idea. The only drawback was that I would be selling and I would be 100 percent paid on commissions!

But I had much on the line. I quickly passed the tests to become licensed and I “tried” to sell. It seemed much easier than it actually was. I struggled. I would tap into every ounce of dedication and commitment that I learned as a U.S. Marine to succeed - not just in sales, but as Gina's caregiver!

Times were tough, but I stayed focused. I kept my eyes on my mission! I developed a method of developing new clients and exceeding the expectations of existing clients. Although I was in the field seeing clients for most of my day, I made sure to return home to take care of my wife. Each night, I needed to give her two shots, clean and flush her Hickman Line (a tube which protruded from her chest so they could administer the chemotherapy). She had the tube in her body for over five months.

Despite our challenges, I became a top producer and recruiter. I eventually returned to the entertainment industry, became the vice-president of a post-production facility, and built a team that would generate over $25,000,000 in sales. I ran the sales department in Marine Corps fashion. We started each day with a powerful muster and intense accountability.

Of course there was no yelling and no push-ups, but I always thought that those would have been great additions!

Now, I run my own company (Think GREAT) and I use those same techniques to build my business and to help other to increase their sales performance. In fact, I have just published my second book, 3-D Sales. 

I have been a civilian for 20 years now and I attribute my experience in the Marine Corps to my success. Each of my books uses example of my service to the Corps and highlights many key traits of Marine Corps leadership.

Semper Fi',

Erik Therwanger