Brandon Checketts, 29
Director, Sales | Kadince
What are you most proud of in your career thus far?
Sure, I’ve broken company sales records and contributed a significant share of our ARR [Annual Recurring Revenue] (cue the closed-deal fist bump). But what I’m most proud of is not fitting the sales stereotype. My team would tell you I’m a little quirky for this role. I care deeply about process, details and building systems that make our team better, not just chasing the next deal.
Beyond my direct revenue contributions, I’ve become obsessed with understanding our customers’ challenges. That approach has helped shape our product strategy and uncovered creative solutions that address our clients’ pain points. I’m proud that my work has blurred the line between sales and product development.
To me, the best salespeople don’t just close deals — they build trust and help teams grow stronger. That’s the long game I’m playing, a career defined less by numbers and more by the relationships, systems and ideas that lead to my team’s long-term success.
What advice do you have for other young professionals?
In an era of technology, automation and AI, one of the best ways to stand out is to be extra human. Talk to people. Stay curious. Write without relying on AI. Practice empathy. The more you develop your ability to connect and communicate, the more you’ll stand out in a world that’s forgetting how.
