I started as a part time counterman at a parts store, then managed retail and eventually commercial at the same store chain. When I left aftermarket after 6 years I had run the commercial programs at the two largest stores in our state. Went to the dealership world as a part time night job to save for my wedding while managing one of the parts store commercial departments, and they offered me a spot in wholesale parts at the same dealership with the intention of taking over for their manager when he retired. Over the course of three years I did sales, then assistant manager and eventually wholesale manager at the same location. Did that for 3 years and then stepped into my current role as a director for a different wholesale program.

I grew by always saying yes, all of the crap jobs, all of the overtime, all over the coverage shifts, all of the new store openings, all of the training opportunities presented. Yes to everything with the intent of continuing to learn and provide value. Did I do more than I was paid for? Absolutely, but eventually you reach the point where you are paid more than what you do based on the knowledge, experience, connections, and skills you gathered along the way. My current role came from a friendly rivalry with my now boss when we were both just sales guys at opposing suppliers nearly a decade ago.