“Willory has methodically given me the tools to be successful since my first day. Because of this, I have never once felt overwhelmed or lost. If there is a topic or information that I don’t understand, my colleagues have taught me to pause, take a step back, and ask more questions to better understand the concept.“
Welcome to our series about what makes Willory truly unique: our team. Without the people on the Willory team we would not be recognized as one of the top workplaces in Northeast Ohio and have grown so significantly in the last eight years.
Get to know Willory’s Sales Manager, Brady Bonifas through his own words. If Brady’s words resonate with you and you want to join #TeamWillory, check out our Why Willory? page.
HOW DID YOU FIND WILLORY?
While working for my previous employer I was looking for a new opportunity under the radar. I was ready for a change in my career. One night my wife told me that one of her friends on social media (Jamie Myers) had posted up information about a sales manager position with Willory. After sending an email to her directly expressing my interest, the interviewing process was underway!
WHAT HAVE BEEN SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE TAKEAWAYS FROM WORKING AT WILLORY THUS FAR?
Personal development has been very engaging while working at Willory. If you are coachable, you can learn something new every day. Learning the techniques gained through emotional intelligence has helped me see my goals in a more clear, achievable picture. Through the resources that Willory has provided, it has given me the confidence to share my input/feedback and feel like an asset to the company’s overall success.
WHAT DROVE YOU TO WORK IN SALES?
As a teenager, I watched my sister have a successful career in Pharmaceutical Sales. I wanted to mirror her work ethic/style so that I too could one day be successful in a sales role. Coming from a blue-collar background with two parents who did not graduate college, I knew that my work ethic and drive that they instilled in us would help guide my path to a successful career in sales. They wouldn’t let us quit and always encouraged us to be great. Sales is also the one career where you can give yourself a raise. If you don’t like the financial situation you are currently in, making more sales can change that!
WHAT ARE THE 3 MOST SIGNIFICANT LESSONS THAT YOU HAVE LEARNED IN YOUR CAREER THUS FAR?
- LISTEN!
- Under promise, over deliver. Then close!
- Actively network as much as possible. Getting your name out there to the right people will help mold your success.
HOW HAS WILLORY HELPED YOU IN YOUR CAREER DEVELOPMENT?
Willory has methodically given me the tools to be successful since my first day. Because of this, I have never once felt overwhelmed or lost. If there is a topic or information that I don’t understand, my colleagues have taught me to pause, take a step back, and ask more questions to better understand the concept. The culture alone has made my transition into this organization very warm and welcoming.
LOOKING BACK AT YOUR ACADEMIC CAREER WHAT DID YOU LEARN THAT IMPACTED YOU THE MOST?
Always respect others the way you want to be treated. Sometimes college could be very difficult & frustrating. During these times, it was nice to lean on professors/classmates/friends for support. Because of my social nature, this allowed me to enjoy my entire college career, and build relationships along the way.
HOW IS YOUR WORK LIFE BALANCE? WHAT DO YOU SPEND MOST OF YOUR TIME DOING OUTSIDE OF WORKING AT WILLORY?
The work life balance is great. My old commute to work was an hour each way and I missed a lot of quality time with my family. I am now able to see my son in the morning before he goes to school, as well as spend more time with him in the evening since I no longer have a commute. Outside of work I love to travel, hike the local trails with my family in tow, golf, and enjoy the outdoors as much as possible.
