ProSales Takes Three of the Top 10 Finishes in National Sales Decathlon

The Sales Decathlon at Northern Illinois University connects students world-wide through a unique, competitive sales competition involving telephone, voice mail, email, Web conference and face-to-face sales interactions. “The Sales Decathlon is an excellent development opportunity for our ProSales students. Competing in ten different events which tap their strategic thinking, knowledge of the Buying center, and skill at connecting makes this competition invaluable for student development,” states Dr. Andrea Dixon, executive director of Baylor’s Center for Professional Selling.

This year’s Sales Decathlon actually began during spring 2014 with a field of 150 competitors. After four rounds of virtual competition, the field was narrowed to the top 20 with Baylor having 4 of the top 20.

ProSales Seniors Cole Hansen, Katie Simutis and Lindsey Regan were stellar representatives of Baylor as all three finished in the top 10 and they took 6 top finishes in various events. “We are very proud of our Baylor team. Having Cole, Katie, and Lindsey all score in the top of the field of 150 competitors demonstrates the power of the Baylor ProSales system. We develop all of our students to be at the top of the field.” said Dixon.

Cole Hansen took 4th place overall besting 146 competitors. Cole also took 2nd place in an email event, 2nd place in a telephone-based event, and 2nd place in a face-to-face role play. Going into the final round, Cole held the first-place position.

“The Sales Decathlon was one of the best learning experiences I have had while at Baylor. The ten events allowed to me focus on each portion of the sales process, and showcase the skills I have learned in classes,” said Lindsey Regan, who placed 5th overall which means she outscored 145 competitors. Lindsey brought home a 1st place in a telephone-based event and 3rd place in a high-stress (and time constrained) elevator-based conversation.

“The Sales Decathlon has utilized and strengthened my skills as a Baylor Professional Selling student.” said Katie Simutis, who took 6th place overall topping 144 competitors. Katie placed 3rd in the reverse career fair which showcased her ability to sell her capabilities as a sales professional. “I am eager to demonstrate my success from this competition as I make the transition from college to my career.”

Due to his commitment to Baylor’s Nationally ranked football team, Baylor’s 4th top finalist, Collin Brence, was unable to participate in the Sales Decathlon finals.

Student coaches provide valuable insight based on their experiences from past competitions. Olivia Offringa, a ProSales Senior, said “After competing in the Sales Decathlon as a sophomore, I was thrilled to share my experiences with the competitors this year as a student coach. Lindsey, Katie and Cole taught me so much in the process of preparing for this competition. I am so excited for their success!”

About the Center for Professional Selling
Dedicated to excellence in sales education and based in the university’s Hankamer School of Business, the Center for Professional Selling is recognized as one of the premier global information resources for the sales profession. For more information on the Center for Professional Selling, visit https://hankamer.baylor.edu/prosales.