His advice for those starting out: Get your name or company on as much as you can. When prospects ask for samples you will be able to give them your information at the same time. It will also help build rapport with suppliers.
Sarah Scudder, 31
Chief Growth Officer, The Sourcing Group, New York (HQ)
Her big break: As president of my collegiate sorority, Alpha Gamma Delta, I chaired a fundraising event for diabetes research. I hired Golden Pacific Systems Inc. (GPS) to coordinate all event print and promotional pieces. After the event, GPS's vice president of sales asked if I was interested in helping start an internship program with Sonoma State University. He wanted to infuse youth into the company. I took the job—a hybrid of sales and working with students at the university. I quickly realized that I loved my new job. Sales was great, but I really enjoyed working with the students. I became a student myself. I learned about the print industry and how to better connect with people. Now, 10 years later, I'm the chief growth officer for The Sourcing Group. I oversee enterprise sales activities, networking, strategic planning and growth. And, I work with wonderful people.