AMP Careers.

What initially drew you to AMP? Was there something that specifically caught your eye about this opportunity?

I was fresh out of college with a Digital Marketing degree from DePaul, and I initially expected to focus more on marketing in this role. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find a wonderful opportunity to grow in various directions, from Account Manager and Operations to other roles within the company. Funny enough, I thought I would be doing website design, but life took me in a different direction, and I ended up doing something I never imagined. I surprised myself in that regard. What really sold me was my phone call with my recruiter, Alex Hogan. She was incredibly enthusiastic and told me that this company offered significant growth and many opportunities. Alex assured me that I would be working with fantastic people, which she was right about, and that the work would be both challenging and enjoyable. I was excited by the prospect and jumped at the opportunity!

Now that you’re here, what do you find the most rewarding about working at AMP?

I find the most rewarding aspect of my role is how I can help small business owners and positively impact those around me. Having worked in various areas of the business, I’ve met many people and had numerous managers and mentors. Knowing that my work makes a real difference in someone else’s life is incredibly fulfilling. I love seeing the light bulb moment when I’m explaining something or going over a procedure with an account manager. It’s gratifying to know that the information I provide helps another business and makes a meaningful impact.

What are some of the key skills that you’ve picked up over the years?

I’ve learned so much, and I truly believe that I wouldn’t be the person I am today without working at AMP and without the incredible managers and mentors I’ve had. I’ve had the chance to work with Ashley Fawkes, Joline Staeheli, Tiffany Mills, Emily Schlegel, Caitlin Gordon, and Alyssa Royalty. These empowering women have taught me that success isn’t just about being in a position of power but about helping each other without animosity or competition. It’s about ensuring that everyone feels comfortable and helping each other grow.

One of my biggest takeaways has been the value of teamwork and collaboration. Here at AMP, everyone is so supportive and willing to help. I used to struggle with voicing my opinions when I first started out, coming out of college as a bit shy. I’ve learned that my voice and opinions truly matter. If you have a thought, chances are others do too. Don’t be afraid to speak up in meetings or conversations; you’re there because someone values your input.

Another important lesson has been the ability to delegate. This ties back to teamwork. As an account manager, you handle your own sales and touch points, but you’re also part of a larger team working towards a common goal. When I moved to operations and worked under Tiffany, I learned the importance of knowing when to delegate tasks and when to ask for help. If you have too much on your plate, you can’t give your best effort, and you might end up going through the motions. It’s crucial to have those tough conversations with your managers—whether it’s about workload or deadlines. Being able to advocate for yourself and manage your capacity effectively is something I’ve honed over time.

How do you keep yourself motivated to continue to grow in your role?

Honestly, my family keeps me very grounded. I’m very close with my family, and anytime I feel unmotivated or frustrated, or if I’m struggling with a report, I always take a breather and call my dad or mom. I remind myself that it’s not the end of the world and it’s okay to make mistakes. It’s not about achieving perfection but about getting up, trying again, and being 1% better than the day before. Even if I had an awful day yesterday, knowing that today is a brand new opportunity helps keep me motivated. I consider myself very lucky to have my parents, and I call my dad probably once a day because they are my motivators. Seeing how hard they have worked to achieve everything they have is a big motivator for me. I know I’m still young and have so much to achieve. There’s also a bit of competitiveness in me, driven by my sales background, where you’re competing against yourself to be better each day.

What’s the best piece of like career advice you’ve gotten?

Oh my gosh, I have so much to say about this! There have been several key moments in my career that stand out. Early on, I sometimes felt like I didn’t have a voice. It wasn’t because the company made me feel that way—it was more about being fresh out of college and trying to navigate a big corporation. I often kept my thoughts to myself and asked my manager privately instead of speaking up in meetings. There’s nothing wrong with that approach, but I learned from Ashley Fawkes that it’s important to speak up and share your opinions.

Ashley also recommended the book Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office. It’s a great read about how, as we advance in our careers, we need to push boundaries and assert ourselves, rather than just trying to avoid stepping on toes. That book has truly changed my perspective and I recommend it to anyone seeking career advice.

When I worked under Tiffany, she emphasized the importance of work-life balance. She would remind me to put away my laptop and not work on weekends. This balance is something I deeply appreciate about the company. They truly value your time, both at work and outside of it. Tiffany’s approach helped me understand that it’s okay to enjoy time off and have a life beyond work.

Is there maybe something you would have done differently in your career so far?

If I could change something, it would be to have had a bit more confidence in my abilities and less self-doubt. But I think that just comes with time. As you grow, evolve, and accomplish more, you prove to yourself that you are worth it, and you realize that sometimes you are the only one standing in your own way. I would go back and try to be a little more confident in my abilities. Fortunately, nobody at the company is ever going to let me fail; there’s always support available, which is rare in many companies.

What’s one piece of wisdom or insight that you’d like to leave with us?

I have three pieces of advice:

1. Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself. Whether it’s speaking up about wanting to be involved in a project or expressing interest in a new area like marketing, it’s crucial to communicate your goals. I’ve learned that people won’t know what you want unless you tell them. Even if you face initial resistance, it’s not a rejection—it’s about being prepared and ready for future opportunities.
2. Speak up when needed. Don’t hesitate to voice your needs in meetings, mention when your plate is full, or ask for help. Advocating for yourself is key to managing your workload and ensuring you get the support you need.
3. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Striving for perfection is unrealistic and can lead to unnecessary stress. Perfection isn’t achievable; what matters is making incremental improvements every day. Don’t let mistakes undermine your confidence. Keep pushing forward and focus on getting 1% better each day. It might sound cliché, but persistence is crucial.

How long have you been with AMP?

I started in February. Actually the very beginning of February, so I’ve been with AMP for almost 6 months.

What drew you to AMP? Was there anything specific that caught your eye about the opportunity?

Senior Hiring Manager, Katie Szudarski reached out to me when I was on the job hunt. After chatting with her, I was looking for more of a sales role that actually brought value to people. Previously, I worked in IT and engineering sales where I made countless calls to people who didn’t want to talk to me, selling product they already had. It wasn’t a fulfilling experience, and I felt like I wasn’t making a real difference.

What drew me to AMP was learning that we genuinely bring a benefit to business owners – specifically, locally owned businesses, rather than large enterprises. AMP gives us the opportunity to make a real impact on these businesses.

What are some of your favorite things about our products?

First, I love the pricing of our offerings, whether it’s GSV or OPTIMA™. Even our cream of the crop Platinum OPTIMA™ is not going to break the bank for a business. They will more than likely see a return on their investment within the year, making it a cost effective option with tangible benefits.

I also appreciate the simplicity of our sales process. The GSV sale is particularly straightforward; most of our sales fall within the Essential or Foundational packages which are well under a thousand dollars. This makes it easy for business owners to say yes without worrying about their budget.

Another aspect I enjoy is the efficiency of the process. For both GSV and OPTIMA™, the entire conversation takes at most 20 minutes, leading to a quick signup and immediate benefits. The GSV sale, in particular, is often completed in about 5 minutes if they’re interested. It’s a quick and easy conversation, making the process smooth and hassle-free.

Given your experiences here with AMP so far, what are some of the key skills you’ve picked up?

One key trait is persistence. We talk to around 30 business owners a day, and 28 of them might say no. It’s important to hear those rejections, brush them off, and move on to the next opportunity. With practice, persistence becomes second nature.

Another crucial aspect is maintaining overall positivity. Staying positive throughout the day is vital, as a positive attitude is contagious and can lead to more sales. Having a friendly conversation and staying positive, not only helps increase sales, but also makes the interaction more enjoyable for the business owner. Because the process is quick and straightforward, business owners remember it as a pleasant experience.

How do you keep yourself motivated and continue to grow in the role that you’re in?

That is a good question! Motivation wise, I think this is the epitome of the more you work the more you get paid – essentially, you build your own paycheck. This aspect is a major motivator for me. I’ve switched to commission-only from salary-plus-commission. Commission-only months are particularly motivating because it is on you, and only you. There is no cushion to fall back onto, so you have to maintain a steady pace.

These months are a strong motivator because they set a new standard for you. When you push yourself to make 30 calls a day on average to reach more businesses, and close more sales, and you see great results, it raises your expectations. After a successful commission-only month, you set a new benchmark for yourself and strive to surpass it.

What’s been like a significant setback you’ve had to face? How did you overcome that or handle that in the situation?

A setback for me would be having a down month. I’ve had some tough months where I’ve gone days without making a sale, and it’s never fun—it feels like a roller coaster. During the high months, you’re riding high, but then there are dips during the lower months. In those times, it’s crucial to stick to the AMP blueprint. You need to keep making calls and giving presentations. Quitting isn’t an option for me. Instead, I focus on avoiding another bad month by being persistent. It’s important to follow a challenging month with a strong one.

When you do find yourself in like a setback, what’s the best piece of career advice you’ve gotten to help push you out of that?

One of the most valuable pieces of advice I received from my District Manager, Kayli Maucione, is to find your wins each day. Even if you don’t make a sale, it’s important to recognize progress. For example, if you receive a lot of no’s instead of callbacks, it means you’re not wasting time going back to those same prospects. Instead, you can cross those businesses off your list and focus on new, fresh prospects.

What are some of the current goals that you are working towards?

I’m close to reaching my 75 DNA bonus, and I think the bonus structure is set up perfectly to motivate us. It’s quite achievable to hit at least one bonus per month. Once you hit a bonus, you set your sights on the next one, keeping those bonuses as targets to strive for.

Where do you see yourself at AMP in the next 5 years or so? How are you preparing for that right now?

I would love to move up to a District Manager role. Right now, I’m a Mentorship Manager, and climbing that ladder over the next 5 years is definitely my goal. I’m excited about taking on more management positions because I want to build my own team and help people make more money. I really enjoy being a Mentorship Manager, especially the training days, the first day starts, and the ride-along days. I love helping sales reps learn that bad days aren’t as terrible as they might seem and teaching them how to get right back on track. Helping them fine-tune their skills and become better at what they do is something I truly enjoy.

Reflecting on your career so far, is there anything that you may have done differently?

I didn’t get Kaylee’s advice until I had a bad month. I would try to ride more of a train than a roller coaster. Those down months are tough and can really shake your confidence. It’s important to recognize that it’s a mental battle rather than a reflection of your abilities. I would focus more on managing those down periods effectively, rather than letting them make me doubt my skills as a salesperson.

Final question, what is one piece of wisdom or insight that you would like to leave with us?

I would say positivity and confidence are contagious. If you are walking in to a business with anything other than a smile on your face, I think that your percentage of getting that sale lowers quite a bit. Staying positive, being positive, and coming in with a smile helps. You also have to have confidence in AMP and our products that we sell. It is essential to making those sales and showing that we’re truly trying to benefit and help business owners with our products. I think it is key to go in with the positive attitude that we are trying to help every business owner.

How long have you been at AMP?

I started at AMP right after graduating from Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin, in 2021. I remember interviewing and doing my shadow during the pandemic. I always joke with the new hires that during my shadow, I was just staring at a wall with no idea what was going on. But despite that, I knew I wanted to do this—I wanted to help small business owners.

What drew you to AMP?

I studied Business Management and Marketing in college, taking a few sales classes along the way. Despite that, I never imagined I’d end up in sales. When I began applying for jobs, it became clear that many roles started in sales or required sales experience to reach your dream position. Ironically, I found that I really enjoyed it. I discovered a version of sales that felt more like having conversations and building relationships with people, rather than the traditional sales roles I have envisioned.

In college, I played soccer, and one of my teammates was Connie Lapak’s niece. After a phone interview with Connie, where she explained what the company does, I was intrigued. I did two more interviews, a shadow, and visited the Schaumburg office. That’s when I knew I wanted to join AMP. It was surprising because it didn’t feel like the kind of sales I had pictured, like car sales or selling products like keyboards. Instead, I saw how they were helping small business owners, which really resonated with me.

During the pandemic, it was hard to get an internship, so I started a tie-dye business with one of my close friends from home. I even did my senior thesis on creating a running a small business during a pandemic. Transitioning from that experience to learning how the digital online works at AMP was a perfect fit for me.

What are some of the key skills you’ve picked up as you’ve grown with AMP?

I’ve definitely learned how to communicate with people across the U.S. and gained a deep understanding of various industries and the life of small business owners. When I started, I had no idea what a septic service was or the difference between an auto body shop and an auto repair shop. I’ve learned so much just from talking with business owners. I’ve also developed skills in communication and relationship building, even though we’re not connecting with them in person. Helping them understand that we’re here to help their business grow and showing them the impact of updating their online presence has been a key part of my role.

For me, it’s about finding effective ways to help small business owners see the value of investing in marketing and advertising, I think about my dad and my family members that run their own businesses and struggle because they don’t invest in these areas. I’ve also learned a lot as a consumer –how I search for things, how I spend my money, or what gets my attention.

Working on the training materials has taught me a great deal about the business side of things, including how to help others succeed and how I can improve as a rep. That’s one thing about AMP; no matter when you started or how long you’ve been here, there’s always something new to learn. There’s always room for improvement, whether it’s refining our processes or delivering better results. I truly believe that building relationships and being able to connect with people is the most important part of the job.

What are some like things that motivate you to keep growing and experiencing new things?

I’m motivated by the conversations I have with our small business owners. Hearing about their struggles and what’s happening in the world, especially after going through a pandemic, is eye-opening. I’ve watched a lot of business owners retire, want to sell their business, or start new ventures just because it’s been a little tough, especially with online e-commerce sites and things like Amazon. I always want to support small local businesses, so I try to avoid shopping on Amazon or at big department stores when I can.

Have you ever faced a major setback, and how did you work through that?

I often talk about how nice it is to work from home, but it can be challenging to stay motivated. The experience would be different if we handled fewer accounts, allowing us to focus more on each one. Some days do go really well, while others feel overwhelming with all the phone calls, updates, and edits. We’re constantly trying to maximize the value of each package for our business owners, especially those who are struggling. It’s about finding ways to give them more without necessarily upgrading their services if they are not interested.

Personally, there are only so many hours in a day. We could probably work for 24 hours straight and still have more to do. So, finding that good balance is crucial. I had a knee injury, so that that made it tough to focus on recovery while still trying to be the best account manager I could be. In most roles, you can take off, but our business owners rarely do. You feel bad when you take vacation because they might worry, “Are you still there?” “Are you still my go to girl for updates?” And yes, we are.

With so many texts, phone calls, and tasks to juggle, it can be overwhelming. At the end of the day, we want provide the best value. We’ve grown our team in different ways to ensure that, whether it’s verification or a Facebook post there are more people within the company to help. This has allowed me to find more balance in my day. I’ve had to learn to let go and not be so hands-on with everything. It truly is a team effort. We joke that it’s not really a dedicated account manager, but a team of account managers or a team of helpers.

What’s your biggest piece of advice for any new hire?

You really have to care about small business owners or just care about people in general. I always say that if you can relay that genuine concern, they’re much more likely to trust us and form a personal connection. At the end of the day, we’re all consumers, and many of us have someone in our lives who is a small business owner, or we’ve worked with them, or know someone who has. Helping them understand that we’re on their team and here to support their business is crucial.

I also believe in treating every account the same. I don’t have a favorite, but I do know all of my business owners’ preferences – when they like to be called, if they prefer texts, whether they want detailed updates, or if they like to chat a lot or prefer brief interactions. Being a great, active listener and treating every account with equal importance, regardless of the package they’re on, is the best way to provide them with the most value from our product offerings.

Where do you see yourself at AMP in like the next 5 years?

In the next 5 years, I want to continue to growing as a leader within the company and interacting more with other departments. I’d also like to be involved with some of the systems developments, as I’ve always been a bit of a techie. Additionally, I feel that AMP is great at creating new roles, so I’m sure there’s something exciting on the horizon. Managing a team would be great, especially since I gained some experience working with our interns. My younger sister even interned with us this summer, and it great to help her get into the business and see her excitement about helping small business owners with social media posts and updates.

I can see myself in a few different roles, but I definitely want to stay involved in account management and training.

Reflecting on your career, is there anything you would have done differently, or any advice you would have given your younger self?

Honestly, I’m really proud of a lot of what I’ve achieved here. I’ve learned so much and I feel like I’ve done a good job. The company culture has been fantastic in encouraging a strong work life balance which is important because this job can be a lot sometimes, especially being on the phones. There are definitely good days and then some tougher days, particularly when dealing with customer experience issues or when things don’t go as planned. If I could give advice to my younger self, I’d say not to stress too much and trust the process. It can be overwhelming at times, but I wouldn’t change a thing about my journey so far.

I’ve really enjoyed my path here, and it’s been exciting to watch the company grow. I feel like I’ve been involved, and my voice is heard – my opinions and ideas matter. Even when I send over bizarre ideas, the response is always supportive: “Cool, we will work on that.” So, I wouldn’t do anything differently. I’d tell my younger self to jump in, not be afraid of getting hung up on, and embrace the experience. It’s been a little over three years now, and it’s hard to believe because I still feel like I’m brand new.

What drew you to AMP? Was there anything specific that caught your eye about the opportunity?

What initially stood out to me when I started at AMP was that I was looking for a sales job but knew I didn’t want to sell cars, real estate, or insurance. As a recent graduate, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do or sell, but that changed when I spoke with the recruiting team. As I learned more about AMP, I thought, “Oh, I think I could do this!” During my observation day, I saw how we genuinely interact with business owners and offer a product that people truly need, which made me realize that this was something I could sell with integrity. One thing I’ve learned is that people believe people who believe. Once I believed in the products, I knew I could sell them. Additionally, the company culture stood out to me throughout the recruiting process. The team was incredibly supportive, and the observation day was excellent. Shout out to Jennifer Jones, who guided me that day and had nothing but great things to say. Even the small things, like the Morning Success Call, showed me that everyone at AMP is genuinely happy with what we do. All of this drew me to the company even more.

What would you say is the most rewarding part of working at AMP?

Working with business owners who drive America’s economy is incredibly rewarding. Knowing that we offer products that genuinely help them, and then hearing firsthand how our small investment has changed the course of their business, is truly fulfilling. As a district manager, I find it equally rewarding to pour into others, helping them achieve success in their own right. I love helping people make money, grow in their careers, and master the art of sales. Seeing the fruits of my labor in others’ success is immensely satisfying. Financially, it’s fantastic too. What I love about AMP and sales, in general, is that the more successful you are, the more you’re rewarded financially. This is something unique that I really appreciate. I would hate to work harder or better than the person next to me and get paid the same. It’s just another reason why this role is so rewarding.

You said you started working at AMP right out of college?

Yes, I did. I was looking at other sales jobs, and when you look for sales roles online, you see all sorts of options. It’s a challenge to sort out what is legitimate and what’s not. I was drawn to AMP because it was an entry-level position where I knew I could learn and grow. Knowing myself, I’m the type of person who gives full effort and goes all out in whatever I do. Early on, I discovered how thorough the training at AMP is, especially since it’s tailored for people without any sales experience. That support made a big difference for me in the beginning.

How do you keep yourself motivated to continue to grow here at AMP?

That’s a good question. There a plenty of resources available to keep us motivated. For example, AMP University is fantastic because whenever I feel like my sales skills are getting a bit rusty, I can go back and refresh them. Morning Success Calls are another great way for me to stay motivated. I always make sure to keep myself busy, and I do that by sticking to a routine. Having a set schedule means I don’t have to think too much about what I’m doing each day whether it’s following my sales plan, knowing I have a specific schedule to stick to, or training a rep with clear goals for the day. This structure really helps me stay motivated. Setting clear and tangible goals is also crucial for me. I’m very goal oriented, so I’ll set targets like selling a certain amount of OPTIMA™ or GSV each week. Along the way, I break those down into smaller goals to help me get there. For example, if I present to 20 businesses, I know I’m likely to close 3 or 4 of them. So instead of focusing on closing 3 or 4 deals, my goal is to present to 20 business owners. I trust that the numbers will work out as long as I’m consistently doing all the little things like creating callbacks, following up, and trying to close every single person I meet.

Have you had any career advice along the way or a mentor that really has stood out since being at AMP?

I definitely learned a lot from my original district manager, Joy Collins who, by the way, just got married, so congrats to her! Joy believed in me early on and made it clear that AMP is a place where growth isn’t tied to how long you’ve been with the company or your age, but to the work your put in and the success you achieve. She always encouraged me, saying I could be an integral part of AMP’s growth. As I worked hard, made sales, and stayed consistent, I knew it wasn’t just about making sales; it was about the potential opportunities to expand. When the chance came to open up Northern Virginia, Jamie Heymann worked with me to make it happen a little over a year ago. I feel like a lot of that success is rooted in Joy’s guidance and motivation. She constantly reminded me that I had the opportunity to grow in my career, and that belief made all the difference.

I know you kind of touched on a couple of your like accomplishments, but what would you say is your most significant and biggest accomplishment at AMP so far?

That’s a good question, too. When I first started, I set the record for the most sales in someone’s first month with AMP, though that record has since been broken. I also won Rookie of the Year for outside sales in 2021, which was a great achievement. However, I’m even more proud of winning Trainer of the Year in 2022. While Rookie of the Year was a fantastic personal accomplishment, winning Trainer of the Year meant so much more because it showed me that I can not only achieve success myself but also help others grow. That’s something I’m truly proud of.

What are some of the goals that you’re currently working towards?

One of my goals is to have my district reach over $100,000 in digital revenue. I’m also focused on expanding by bringing in an assistant district manager, and I see a lot of potential for that. Northern Virginia is incredibly dense with businesses, much like Chicagoland, so the opportunity is there. It’s just a matter of finding the right people who align with AMP’s vision of growth and are interested in stepping into the assistant district manager role. But my top priority right now is definitely getting onto that $100,000 digital sales month list.

Reflecting on your career as a whole, is there anything you would have done differently?

I believe it’s all about how each day contributes to a larger goal. There aren’t any broad changes I would make, but I do focus on treating each day with the same importance as the last. As someone who thrives on routine, things can sometimes start to feel a bit monotonous. There have been moments where I’ve looked back and thought, “Oh, my gosh! If I had visited just five more businesses that Friday, I could’ve had a better week the following week.” It’s those little things that stand out. I’m incredibly honored to have started with AMP over three years ago, winning Rookie of the Year in my first year and Trainer of the Year in my second. This year, I’m aiming for New Market of the Year, which would be an amazing 3 for 3. But when it comes to anything I’d do differently, there’s nothing major that comes to mind.

Lastly, do you have a piece of wisdom or insight that you would give to anyone new to AMP or sales in general?

One key principle I’ve embraced is that people believe in people who believe. If you don’t genuinely believe in the products we sell at AMP, it’s not worth your time and energy to try to fake it—business owners will see right through that, and it won’t help you succeed. The resources available at AMP are another important factor. In outside sales, it can sometimes feel like you’re on your own little island, but there are many people within AMP who genuinely want you to succeed. The support is there if you’re willing to take the initiative, dedicate yourself to learning, and push yourself to succeed. Whether it’s through your district manager, your team, AMP U, or even executive leaders, the support is available. One thing I love about AMP is that I can call leaders like Chad Campbell or Abe Andrzejewski, and if they’re not in a meeting, they’ll pick up the phone, and we can have a conversation. Everyone wants everyone to succeed; it’s just a matter of taking advantage of the opportunities and support available to you.

Additionally, it’s important to note that success with sales at AMP is not about experience or age—it’s all about your willingness to succeed. It’s frustrating when people say things like, “Good luck out there today” or “Good luck making a sale,” because what we do isn’t about luck. We’re not trying to find a needle in a haystack. It all comes down to taking matters into your own hands. If you’re someone who wants to be successful in sales and is willing to put in the work and dedication, AMP is the perfect place for you.