Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cassie Wells. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Cassie, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
Ever since I was born, I had entrepreneurship in my blood. My father owned a pizza shop and as soon as I could write down orders effectively (around 7-8 years old), I started answering the phones. My brother and I were able to earn money above and beyond our household allowance and I loved it! My dad was always great about assigning us age appropriate tasks. We’d restock the stuffed animals in the claw machine, empty the arcade games and eventually I got to run the candy counter. That was my jam! I continued to work alongside my dad at his new restaurant for the next 10 years and I always looked forward to it. He is such an upbeat presence I didn’t want to leave his whistling or storytelling. He’d even let me make all the pizzas and deliver them to the high school football game on Friday nights so I could stay and watch with my friends.
My mother was also a hard worker inside and outside of the home. She was a teacher before staying home with us kids for 13 years, then again once we were older. I ended up taking a break during my career to care for my children as well. It’s one of the hardest and most rewarding things I have ever done. She, too, helped pave the way for me showing work ethic and fulfillment isn’t solely found in your company paycheck.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I launched Modern Business Development in January of 2023 with my former employer, CCS Presentation Systems, as my first client. The company offers Business Development representation to subcontractors, trade partners and service providers in Arizona. I currently represent CCS ( national Audio Visual integrator), Corporate Interior Systems (a commercial furniture dealer), Cherry Coatings (a national paint/ coatings company) and Sculpting Living Spaces (customized art creations for commercial and residential experiences). All clients receive a needs analysis, representation at networking events, personal introductions to industry partners that can bring them recurring business, project leads and more!
This year, we launched our Business Relationship Gardening group classes which focus on in-depth relationship building coaching for Business Development and Sales teams. All clients receive access to bi-weekly meetings in which we help train and hold sales people accountable. We make introductions for one another, as well as help craft emails and make phone calls that actually receive responses. In 2025, we will launch a division to offer these classes nationally!
In November, we also hired two new employees to continue to represent clients, as well as help with our company growth!
You can also find me on Season 18 of an entrepreneurial competition called The Blox airing in 2025!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
One of the most impactful skills I developed early on was building relationships. During my serving and bartending days in college, I was able to quickly build lasting rapport with clients. Taking those skills outside of the restaurant and bar scene and into the professional business community wasn’t as difficult as I had anticipated. Kindness and professionalism need to be demonstrated in the first ten seconds of meeting someone new to truly allow them the opportunity to let you in.
Looking back, another skill that I developed (without truly knowing it at the time) was building my personal brand. I was a bit of a shock to the LinkedIn community, posting goofy videos and silly songs. A LinkedIn laugh can last months, especially when paired with seeing the individual at multiple industry events. One of my current clients introduced himself to me in a restaurant only after recognizing me from my LinkedIn videos! My suggestions if you’re on this journey, be authentic and consistent!
The final skill that I believe has deeply impacted my business is my ability to manage expectations. During my first ten years in sales, I quickly adapted to expecting nothing from clients and if they came back around I was pleasantly surprised, instead of constantly disappointed. Were there bids that I lost and it stung? YES. Did I quickly move on to the next opportunities and sell the hell out of those? YES. If you expect nothing out of people, I promise it helps you sleep at night.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
My ideal client consists of an owner or Sales Manager who is ready to GROW! We do not replace Business Development or Sales within a company. We are complimentary. We line ’em up so your team can knock ’em down! If you feel your “hunters” are more “gatherers” we can help you!
If you’re a subcontractor or service provider in Arizona, we also offer Business Development representation to make those introductions for you, while coaching you along the way! As Business Development Representatives, we make strategic and purposeful introductions between your sales people and industry professionals in your field.
However, getting in front of the right people is only half the battle. After making industry connections, we help your team answer the question “What now?” with our Business Relationship Gardening classes. These interactive meetings are offered remotely, allowing us to help clients nationally regardless of industry!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.modern-bd.com/
- Instagram: @modernbusinessdevelopment @corporatecass
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassie-wells-3068303a/
- Other: https://www.betablox.com/theblox/seasons
Image Credits
Nicole Rodriguez, John Delano Marketing
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
