エピソード

  • Stop Buying Cheap Swag: Branded Merch that Elevates Your Brand with Eric Turney

    Stop Buying Cheap Swag: Branded Merch that Elevates Your Brand with Eric Turney
    2025/12/16
    Is your "swag" secretly hurting your brand? In this episode of Sales & Cigars, Walter sits down with Eric Turney from The Monterey Company to talk about why your promo gear should do more than just check a box—it should actually say something about your brand. Eric shares his unconventional path from construction, to almost becoming a physical therapist, to "falling backward" into sales and eventually buying the company he worked for. He and Walter dig into the real differences between being a great salesperson and being a great sales manager, handling customers who only care about price, and why saying "no" is sometimes the most professional move you can make. They also get into the nuts and bolts of branded merch: why quality matters, how to help clients think beyond cheap t-shirts, and what the pandemic and shipping chaos taught Eric's team about communication, margins, and long-term customer loyalty. If you've ever ordered promo products for an event, trade show, or team—and regretted it—this one's for you. In This Episode: College vs reality – Why what you learn in college has almost nothing to do with building wealth or becoming an entrepreneur. Rich Dad, Poor Dad mindset – The books that shifted Eric's view of money, business, and long-term wealth creation. From construction to custom merch – How a layoff, a false start in physical therapy, and a new baby on the way pushed Eric into sales at The Monterey Company. Learning sales on the fly – Word tracks, repetition, and what he learned from a top car salesman buddy. The Dutch Bros lesson – Why consistently great experience beats mediocre product—and how Eric trains his reps to "bottle" that. Salesperson vs sales manager – Why being good at selling doesn't automatically make you good at leading a sales team—and what Eric had to learn the hard way. Needing to be liked – Staying up late worrying about orders, over-promising, and the shift from "pushover" to respected advisor. When to say no – Recognizing problem customers, setting boundaries, and why "if they come for price, they'll leave for price." Niche focus – How Monterey naturally gravitated to government, military, and public service clients—and what those buyers really need. Helping the real decision-maker – Working with marketing coordinators and event planners who are tasked with buying merch but don't know where to start. The Core Four sales process – Call leads quickly, text often, quote fast, and get an art proof in front of the customer ASAP. COVID, ports, and tariffs – Container costs jumping 10x, shipping delays, switching to air freight, and choosing to eat margin to preserve long-term relationships. Quality vs cheap – Why spending 20–50% more can result in a 10x better product—and how that shows up in customer perception. Brand alignment in merch – Walmart polos vs Carhartt gear, why your team's apparel reflects your brand values, and how "one thing is how you do everything." Upselling the smart way – Medals plus shirts, plus stickers; building better event experiences instead of just pushing more product. Lifetime value thinking – Why Eric would rather lose margin on a few orders than lose a great client for good. Cigars & solitude – Eric's "special occasion" approach to cigars and why a great stick pairs well with quiet, not crowds. Connect with Eric Turney LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-turney/ The Monterey Company: https://montereycompany.com/ Connect with Walter Crosby and Sales & Cigars: Website: Helix Sales Development LinkedIn: Walter Crosby Instagram: @wcrosby248 Facebook: Helix Sales Development Share Your Thoughts: We'd love to hear your feedback and experiences! Drop us a line and join the conversation on social media using #SalesAndCigars. Never Miss an Episode! Join the Sales & Cigars community by subscribing to our podcast and YouTube channel: Subscribe to the Podcast: Apple Podcasts: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Spotify: Follow on Spotify ...and wherever you listen to podcasts! Subscribe to Us on YouTube: Stay updated with our latest video content by subscribing to our YouTube channel. Hit the bell icon for notifications on new uploads! YouTube: Sales & Cigars Channel Stay in the loop: By subscribing, you'll get instant access to new episodes, insightful conversations, and bonus content designed to elevate your sales skills and more. Keep savoring those cigars and stay sharp in sales! Until next time, keep listening to Sales & Cigars—the podcast where the only smoke we blow is from cigars.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    35 分
  • How to Build a Sellable Business (That Could Run Without You) with B.D. Dalton

    How to Build a Sellable Business (That Could Run Without You) with B.D. Dalton
    2025/12/02

    If you've started a business, you've probably spent more time thinking about growth than your exit. But what if building a sellable business actually makes it a better business right now?

    In this episode of Sales & Cigars, Walter Crosby sits down with BD Dalton—sales guy turned financial adviser, business coach, and exit-planning pro. From jacking up frozen burrito sales in the northwest to helping entrepreneurs sell their companies for 150% more than they expected, BD has seen what makes a business attractive to buyers (and what absolutely kills value).

    Walter and BD dig into BD's "goldfish test" for a truly sellable business, why some firms are worth more even with the same revenue, and how to think about your future buyer the same way you think about your ideal customer. They also walk through BD's six levers—foundation, magnetic, and amplification—and how they work whether you're 2 years or 10 years away from exiting.

    If your business feels like a child that never grows up and always wants money, this conversation will help you start turning it into a real asset.

    In This Episode:

    • BD's journey from selling frozen burritos for Walmart/McLane to helping owners grow and exit

    • Why every entrepreneur should think about their exit earlier than they do

    • The "goldfish" test for a truly sellable business

    • Recurring revenue vs. "hunt, kill, eat" revenue models

    • What smart buyers are really looking for

    • Why so many owners overestimate what their business is worth

    • How BD helped a client increase valuation by 150% with simple systems

    • The six growth levers: Foundation, Magnetic, Amplification

    • Designing a "buyer avatar"

    • Why brand + "your thing" matter more than most owners think

    • Selling in 2 years vs. 7–10 years — what changes

    • BD's annual reread: The Compound Effect

    • Cigar story: smoking with the Swisher family and Cleveland Browns players at 25

    Connect with BD Dalton

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/b-d-dalton-ii-8a42752/

    • Rockfine Group: https://rockfine.co.uk/

    • Podcast: Grow, Sell and Retire

    Connect with Walter Crosby and Sales & Cigars:

    Website: Helix Sales Development

    LinkedIn: Walter Crosby

    Instagram: @wcrosby248

    Facebook: Helix Sales Development

    Share Your Thoughts:

    We'd love to hear your feedback and experiences! Drop us a line and join the conversation on social media using #SalesAndCigars.

    Never Miss an Episode!

    Join the Sales & Cigars community by subscribing to our podcast and YouTube channel:

    Subscribe to the Podcast:

    Apple Podcasts: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

    Spotify: Follow on Spotify

    ...and wherever you listen to podcasts!

    Subscribe to Us on YouTube:

    Stay updated with our latest video content by subscribing to our YouTube channel. Hit the bell icon for notifications on new uploads!

    YouTube: Sales & Cigars Channel

    Stay in the loop: By subscribing, you'll get instant access to new episodes, insightful conversations, and bonus content designed to elevate your sales skills and more.

    Keep savoring those cigars and stay sharp in sales! Until next time, keep listening to Sales & Cigars—the podcast where the only smoke we blow is from cigars.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    38 分
  • Building Trust in a Digital World with Butch Nicholson

    Building Trust in a Digital World with Butch Nicholson
    2025/11/18

    Welcome back to Sales & Cigars, the podcast where the only smoke we blow is from cigars.

    In this episode, Walter sits down with Butch Nicholson, Partner at Fist Bump, to talk about something every seasoned sales professional needs to hear: how to stay relevant and authentic in today's digital world.

    Butch has spent more than four decades in sales, building relationships the old-fashioned way—by getting to know people, earning their trust, and delivering value. Now, he helps Gen X and boomer leaders translate those timeless relationship skills into modern selling through platforms like LinkedIn.

    From breaking through the fear of posting online to creating content that connects (not just promotes), Walter and Butch dig into how to be influential without trying to be an influencer. This episode is packed with wisdom for anyone learning to adapt old-school relationship-building to new-school technology.

    So grab a cigar, a cocktail, and settle in for a conversation about authenticity, connection, and why "know, like, and trust" still matter more than ever.

    In This Episode:

    • Why "know, like, and trust" is still the foundation of great sales

    • How boomers and Gen X can adapt to digital buyers

    • Why LinkedIn isn't your résumé—it's your story

    • How to get past the fear of showing up online

    • The difference between being influential and being an influencer

    • Why authenticity beats polish every time

    • How storytelling builds trust faster than any pitch

    • The "content that connects, not promotes" mindset

    • How Fist Bump helps CEOs and sales leaders create meaningful content

    Key Takeaway:

    Authenticity is your advantage. The tools may change, but real connection never goes out of style.

    Connect with John Kelley:

    • Website: getfistbumps.com

    • Email: butch@getfistbumps.com

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/butchnicholson/ 

    Connect with Walter Crosby and Sales & Cigars:

    Website: Helix Sales Development

    LinkedIn: Walter Crosby

    Instagram: @wcrosby248

    Facebook: Helix Sales Development

    Share Your Thoughts:

    We'd love to hear your feedback and experiences! Drop us a line and join the conversation on social media using #SalesAndCigars.

    Never Miss an Episode!

    Join the Sales & Cigars community by subscribing to our podcast and YouTube channel:

    Subscribe to the Podcast:

    Apple Podcasts: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

    Spotify: Follow on Spotify

    ...and wherever you listen to podcasts!

    Subscribe to Us on YouTube:

    Stay updated with our latest video content by subscribing to our YouTube channel. Hit the bell icon for notifications on new uploads!

    YouTube: Sales & Cigars Channel

    Stay in the loop: By subscribing, you'll get instant access to new episodes, insightful conversations, and bonus content designed to elevate your sales skills and more.

    Keep savoring those cigars and stay sharp in sales! Until next time, keep listening to Sales & Cigars—the podcast where the only smoke we blow is from cigars.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    35 分
  • You're Not Behind on AI—You're Choosing to Stay There with John Kelley

    You're Not Behind on AI—You're Choosing to Stay There with John Kelley
    2025/11/04

    Welcome back to Sales & Cigars, the podcast where the only smoke we blow is from cigars.

    In this episode, Walter sits down with John Kelley—a firefighter, entrepreneur, podcaster, and co-founder of Beefy Marketing—for a powerful conversation about AI, automation, burnout, and what entrepreneurs need to stop doing if they want to grow.

    John's journey is anything but ordinary. From running into burning buildings as a paramedic and firefighter to helping small businesses humanize their marketing strategies, he brings a refreshing mix of heart, hustle, and tech-forward thinking. The two dig into the mindset shift required to thrive in a world increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence—and how business owners can use tools like AI to buy back their time, serve people better, and grow without burning out.

    Whether you're skeptical of AI or already using it in your business, this episode will challenge the way you think and give you real-world strategies to start applying today.

    In This Episode:

    • Why AI isn't coming for your job—but someone using AI might

    • How to stop doing low-impact tasks and start focusing on what moves the needle

    • Why the education system failed to prepare us for the AI revolution

    • The "steam shovel" analogy every business owner needs to hear

    • How John uses AI voice agents and automation to create speed-to-lead and drive conversions

    • The importance of humanizing automation and staying connected to your clients

    • How burnout forced John to re-evaluate his business, his priorities, and his mental health

    • The power of cigars, brotherhood, and open conversations for mental wellness

    Key Takeaway:

    If you're not using AI to eliminate low-value tasks and free up your time, you're not just falling behind—you're choosing to stay behind.

    Connect with John Kelley:

    • Connect with John Kelley: https://johnthemarketer.com

    • Try John's AI assistant: Call (346) 534-7200

    • Beefy Marketing: https://beefymarketing.com

    • Listen to Small Business Origins Podcast: Small Business Origins

    Connect with Walter Crosby and Sales & Cigars:

    Website: Helix Sales Development

    LinkedIn: Walter Crosby

    Instagram: @wcrosby248

    Facebook: Helix Sales Development

    Share Your Thoughts:

    We'd love to hear your feedback and experiences! Drop us a line and join the conversation on social media using #SalesAndCigars.

    Never Miss an Episode!

    Join the Sales & Cigars community by subscribing to our podcast and YouTube channel:

    Subscribe to the Podcast:

    Apple Podcasts: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

    Spotify: Follow on Spotify

    ...and wherever you listen to podcasts!

    Subscribe to Us on YouTube:

    Stay updated with our latest video content by subscribing to our YouTube channel. Hit the bell icon for notifications on new uploads!

    YouTube: Sales & Cigars Channel

    Stay in the loop: By subscribing, you'll get instant access to new episodes, insightful conversations, and bonus content designed to elevate your sales skills and more.

    Keep savoring those cigars and stay sharp in sales! Until next time, keep listening to Sales & Cigars—the podcast where the only smoke we blow is from cigars.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    53 分
  • Embracing Customer-Centric Strategies with Laura Patterson | Sales and Cigars Podcast

    Embracing Customer-Centric Strategies with Laura Patterson | Sales and Cigars Podcast
    2025/10/21

    In this episode of Sales and Cigars, Walter interviews Laura Patterson, founder of Vision Edge Marketing, as they discuss the evolving landscape of search and the importance of being customer-centric in today's market. Laura shares insights into her entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the significance of understanding customer value and creating effective growth strategies. She also recounts a memorable story about her grandfather that underlines the importance of knowing your target audience. This episode is packed with valuable tips on aligning sales and marketing efforts, serving clients effectively, and navigating the complexities of B2B sales. Tune in for a deep dive into strategic marketing and customer-centric growth, and enjoy a fun conversation with plenty of golden nuggets. Don't miss out!


    00:00 The Evolution of Customer-Centric Sales
    00:59 Introduction to Laura Patterson and Vision Edge Marketing
    02:21 Laura's Journey to Entrepreneurship
    04:52 Navigating Challenges and Building a Customer-Centric Culture
    07:33 The Importance of Customer-Centric Strategies in B2B
    20:26 Transparency and Data-Driven Insights
    22:26 Grandfather's Fishing Tradition
    24:06 Fishing as a Metaphor for Business
    25:07 Understanding Your Customer
    26:12 Leveraging Data for Business Insights
    29:45 Importance of Clear Positioning and Messaging
    31:48 Ideal Clients and How to Reach Them
    36:21 Personal Stories and Reflections
    39:39 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell
    続きを読む 一部表示
    42 分
  • Revenue, Profit, and Cash Flow—Oh My! Aligning Sales with Business Growth with Rocky Lalvani

    Revenue, Profit, and Cash Flow—Oh My! Aligning Sales with Business Growth with Rocky Lalvani
    2025/10/07
    Welcome to Sales & Cigars—where the only smoke we blow is from cigars. This week, Walter sits down with Rocky Lalvani, the numbers-savvy entrepreneur behind Profit Comes First and the Profit Answer Man podcast. Rocky is on a mission to help business owners truly understand the business of business—from P&L and cash flow to aligning sales compensation with long-term growth. If you've ever had a killer sales quarter but still couldn't figure out where the money went, this episode is for you. Rocky breaks down how to build wealth, why market share is won in tough times, and what business owners need to do before turbulence hits. In This Episode: • Why so many business owners don't actually understand their own numbers • The difference between revenue, profit, and cash flow (and why it matters) • What Rocky learned from growing up in an immigrant family obsessed with money strategy • How your relationship with money shapes your business decisions • Why "cut costs" isn't the only play—and what to focus on instead • Aligning your sales comp plan to drive profit, not just gross revenue • Planning for a downturn before it happens—emotion-free decision-making • Real talk on what freedom actually means for most entrepreneurs Critical Ideas: • Market share is earned in bad times—don't freeze, take action • If your team doesn't understand profit, your comp plan is working against you • Your sales team should be aligned with your operations team, not at odds • Salespeople will follow the money—so incentivize the right behavior • You need to understand why your clients buy—not just what they buy Connect with Michael Cole and Next Level Technician: • Website: https://profitcomesfirst.com/ • Free Book: https://profitcomesfirst.com/the-profit-blueprint • Profit Answer Man podcast: https://profitcomesfirst.com/podcasts/ Connect with Walter Crosby and Sales & Cigars: Website: Helix Sales Development LinkedIn: Walter Crosby Instagram: @wcrosby248 Facebook: Helix Sales Development Share Your Thoughts: We'd love to hear your feedback and experiences! Drop us a line and join the conversation on social media using #SalesAndCigars. Never Miss an Episode! Join the Sales & Cigars community by subscribing to our podcast and YouTube channel: Subscribe to the Podcast: Apple Podcasts: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Spotify: Follow on Spotify ...and wherever you listen to podcasts! Subscribe to Us on YouTube: Stay updated with our latest video content by subscribing to our YouTube channel. Hit the bell icon for notifications on new uploads! YouTube: Sales & Cigars Channel Stay in the loop: By subscribing, you'll get instant access to new episodes, insightful conversations, and bonus content designed to elevate your sales skills and more. Keep savoring those cigars and stay sharp in sales! Until next time, keep listening to Sales & Cigars—the podcast where the only smoke we blow is from cigars.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    36 分
  • Helping People First: Turning a Sales Career into a Workforce Movement with Michael Cole

    Helping People First: Turning a Sales Career into a Workforce Movement with Michael Cole
    2025/09/23
    Welcome to Sales & Cigars—where the only smoke we blow is from cigars. This week, Walter sits down with Michael Cole, founder of Next Level Technician, for a conversation all about helping people—the true heartbeat of sales, business, and leadership. What started as a way to connect a few underserved young people with skilled trade jobs turned into a national staffing and training company with real community impact. From hospitality to sales to entrepreneurship, Michael's journey is rooted in one belief: if you help enough people, you'll get what you need. This episode unpacks what it really means to add value, lead with integrity, and grow something meaningful—even when you're sweating payroll or navigating tough setbacks. In This Episode: Why helping people is the foundation of lasting successMichael's unexpected leap from sales to staffing founderThe moment he realized he had something important to buildHow green tech training is addressing the skilled labor shortageReal talk: surviving client bankruptcy, making payroll, and staying the courseLessons in management: challenge your team and watch leaders emergeThe power of consistent effort—and just showing up Critical Ideas: Always be looking for ways to add value—as a salesperson or entrepreneurIf you haven't sweated payroll, you haven't truly run a businessGive your team room to grow—and your managers will become leadersServing others first opens up new doors for everyone involved Connect with Michael Cole and Next Level Technician: Website: https://www.nextleveltechnician.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/next-level-technician/ Connect with Walter Crosby and Sales & Cigars: Website: Helix Sales Development LinkedIn: Walter Crosby Instagram: @wcrosby248 Facebook: Helix Sales Development Share Your Thoughts: We'd love to hear your feedback and experiences! Drop us a line and join the conversation on social media using #SalesAndCigars. Never Miss an Episode! Join the Sales & Cigars community by subscribing to our podcast and YouTube channel: Subscribe to the Podcast: Apple Podcasts: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Spotify: Follow on Spotify ...and wherever you listen to podcasts! Subscribe to Us on YouTube: Stay updated with our latest video content by subscribing to our YouTube channel. Hit the bell icon for notifications on new uploads! YouTube: Sales & Cigars Channel Stay in the loop: By subscribing, you'll get instant access to new episodes, insightful conversations, and bonus content designed to elevate your sales skills and more. Keep savoring those cigars and stay sharp in sales! Until next time, keep listening to Sales & Cigars—the podcast where the only smoke we blow is from cigars.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    35 分
  • Myth Busting: Sales Leadership & Experience Demystified

    Myth Busting: Sales Leadership & Experience Demystified
    2025/09/09

    Welcome to Sales & Cigars, the sales podcast where the only smoke we blow is from cigars.

    Join host Walter Crosby in this eye-opening solo episode as he tackles common misconceptions in the sales industry. In this episode, Walter takes on two big myths: first, that promoting your top salesperson to sales manager is a smart move, and second, that hiring someone with extensive industry experience is crucial for a sales role.

    In this episode:

    Walter dives deep into why these widely held beliefs can be pitfalls for business owners. He argues that while top salespeople often possess great skills, these don't always translate to effective management abilities. Instead, he suggests seeking managers who can actively coach and guide the team, as a different set of skills is needed.

    Moving on to industry experience, Walter explains why experience in a specific industry isn't always necessary for a sales role. What matters more is finding a candidate who can effectively communicate with buyers, possesses solid sales skills, motivation, and accountability. Walter shares how these qualities can lead to better results than simply having an industry insider.

    Grab a cocktail and a cigar, and get ready to challenge conventional wisdom with Walter!

    Key Topics:

    • The traps of promoting top salespeople to management roles
    • The significance of coaching skills in effective sales management
    • Why industry experience isn't the ultimate requirement in hiring for sales roles
    • The potential benefits of hiring salespeople from adjacent industries
    • Strategies for uncovering real skills beyond industry experience

    Connect with Walter Crosby and Sales & Cigars:

    Website: Helix Sales Development

    LinkedIn: Walter Crosby

    Instagram: @wcrosby248

    Facebook: Helix Sales Development

    Share Your Thoughts:

    We'd love to hear your feedback and experiences! Drop us a line and join the conversation on social media using #SalesAndCigars.

    Never Miss an Episode!

    Join the Sales & Cigars community by subscribing to our podcast and YouTube channel:

    Subscribe to the Podcast:

    Apple Podcasts: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

    Spotify: Follow on Spotify

    ...and wherever you listen to podcasts!

    Subscribe to Us on YouTube:

    Stay updated with our latest video content by subscribing to our YouTube channel. Hit the bell icon for notifications on new uploads!

    YouTube: Sales & Cigars Channel

    Stay in the loop: By subscribing, you'll get instant access to new episodes, insightful conversations, and bonus content designed to elevate your sales skills and more.

    Keep savoring those cigars and stay sharp in sales! Until next time, keep listening to Sales & Cigars—the podcast where the only smoke we blow is from cigars.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    19 分