Q&A With Joseph Vessecchia, Account Executive at Quickbase
Joseph Vessecchia was born and raised in Mount Kisco, NY. He attended the University of Michigan where he received his degree in economics. Having always wanted a career where he could use his interpersonal and communication skills, he began his sales career at the Hunts Point Produce Market.
As a fan of the technological influences on businesses, Joseph Vessecchia eventually transitioned into software sales after a recommendation lead him to a company called Oracle, where he would be selling database cloud technology.
Joseph Vessecchia< is the leader of a prayer group on Monday nights at St. Clement Eucharistic Shrine, and on Sundays, he teaches confirmation. This baseball fan also spends his free time reading and running.
Joseph Vessecchia currently works at Quickbase as an account executive.
How did you get started with a career in sales?
I always wanted a career where I can generate income quickly while using my interpersonal skills and communications skills, so to me, a career in sales made complete sense. I started off in produce sales at the Hunts Point Produce Market.
I’d always been fascinated by technology, and how can be used to solve business problems, increase return on investment, and really allow companies to grow and reach their goals. When I received a phone call from someone I met at a networking convention two years prior about working for a software company named Oracle, it sounded right up my alley. I figured if I could use my previous sales skills to give customers something that they need, I would know that I could hit the pillow at night feeling confident that I’d done something great for the day.
What is the biggest challenge you face in your career?
The biggest challenge is choosing the right company to sell for. If you’re not selling for a company you believe in, that can provide value to your clients, then from a moral perspective, it’s difficult to live with that. You want to find the company that’s making a difference in businesses, but is also doing the right thing and giving back to the community.
What does your typical day look like?
I get to work around 7:45 a.m. and I spend the first half hour getting my cup of coffee and mapping out every half hour of my day on my calendar. Then I write down a list of goals for the day and I stay laser-focused on my calendar and my goals, checking each off methodically and meticulously as the day goes.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I just do them. I try them out and if they don’t work, then I make adjustments until I find a workable solution.
What’s one trend that really excites you?
A fantastic trend is the boom in cloud technology, and how people no longer have to spend an obscene amount of money on on-premises software solutions that would have cost them a significant amount of money.
What is one habit that makes you productive as a salesperson?
One habit that makes me productive is that when I hear a “no” from a client, I don’t take it personally, but I always make sure to follow up with those people because sometimes their “no” will turn into a “yes”.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I’d tell a younger Joseph Vessecchia that life is a constant learning process, so don’t get caught up in the small stuff. I would also tell him that there are no wrong decisions; you either have success or you learn from your mistakes and grow as a human. So, don’t let the failures get to you.
What advice would you give to a recent grad interested in a career in sales?
I’d tell any recent grad interested in sales to get an internship to try it firsthand. There’s no better way to get experience in what this industry is like than to actually give it a try.
What is your favorite quote?
“Success is how you bounce when you hit bottom.” – George S. Patton
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