The Center of Excellence Sales Podcast

In this episode of the Center of Excellence Sales Podcast, Austin James, THE Sales Trainer with the Center of Excellence joins the the team to tackle how to recognize, manage, and overcome a sales slump. From keeping focus and finding positives to seeking feedback, expanding your pipeline, and building mental toughness, they share six actionable ways to turn a slump into a comeback. Perfect for anyone who’s had a slow week — or just needs a reminder that even the best hitters strike out sometimes.

In this episode, the team welcomes first-time guest (and mustache icon) Austin James, THE Sales Trainer with the Center of Excellence, to talk about one of the most misunderstood truths in sales: the most important step in the sales process is the one you're on.

Austin, Brad, Oliver, and Tim break down why rushing ruins results, and why slowing down and truly mastering the process helps you win trust, close more deals, and avoid chaotic conversations.

From bypass phrases to focus hacks to begging (yep, begging) for the next step, this episode is a must-listen for sales pros who want to actually be pros.

In this episode, In this episode of the Center of Excellence Sales Podcast, Oliver, Brad, and special guest Rachel Hirsbrunner, COE Manager, explore the critical difference between managing people and developing people. They also unpack how a development mindset changes culture, drives retention, and helps people reach their full potential — whether or not they have a formal title. From overcoming imposter syndrome to handling feedback, the team reminds us that development is everyone’s responsibility.

In this episode of the Center of Excellence Sales Podcast, Oliver, Brad, and special guest Rachel Hirsbrunner, COE Manager, explore why urgency is one of the most powerful — and underused — tools in sales. Far from being pushy, urgency creates energy, action, and customer clarity. With tactical tips and real-world examples, this episode implores you to rethink how and when you follow up, present options, and drive decisions.

In this episode of the Center of Excellence Sales Podcast featuring special guest Rachel Hirsbrunner, COE Manager, the team explores why being “easy to work with” might be the most underrated skill in sales—and in life. Inspired by an article from Elfried Samba, they explore how collaboration, communication, and execution define our effectiveness—breaking down what makes someone a joy to partner with not just for coworkers, but for customers. It’s a must-listen for anyone looking to lead, grow, and serve better—without turning every meeting into a TED Talk. 

This episode of the Center of Excellence Sales Podcast explores what it really means to be “good” — and how to level up to “great.” The team breaks down the three essential steps to ongoing growth: know your standards, identify your gaps, and choose the right people to learn from.

In this episode of The Center of Excellence Sales Podcast, Tim, Brad, and Oliver dive into what it really means to be a sales professional. Are you leading the conversation, or just taking orders? From asking better questions to showing more options, they unpack how true pros guide the process — even if the customer knows more about the product.

Brad, Oliver, and special guest Rick Gerber, Service Director for the Young Automotive Group, discuss takeaways and actionable steps from the book Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara.

 

Brad, Oliver, and special guest Rick Gerber, Service Director for the Young Automotive Group, discuss Deion Sanders's Three Ws of Success and how to integrate them into the sales environment.

Oliver, Brad, and special guest Rick Gerber, Service Director for the Young Automotive Group, discuss the reasons we tend to not be present when we should, and how to maintain presence in activities, with your customers, and during follow up.