Sales Bits: The Character Behind the Work
- Denny
- May 10
- 3 min read
Integrity is not just a principle. It’s the foundation of character that shapes every interaction. In this Sales Bit, Denny explores how trustworthiness, resilience, and faith form the character that defines both individuals and organizations.
From Denny Vander Molen, President of Vermeer MidSouth and Founder and CEO of Jackson Endeavors:
Without integrity, our value proposition is certain to wane and die a premature death. Where does integrity come from, you might ask?
"Because power corrupts, society's demand for moral authority and character increases as the importance of the position increases." John Adams, our 2nd President and a Secretary of State
Our company has a character witness in the field and beyond. That character is made up of the total of all of its members. These members' characters are represented in the great products we represent, but also in the way we represent them.
Plants and animals have natural tendencies and characteristics. We also know that our equipment has characteristics. What are some of those characteristics?
Trustworthy: The machine expects its operator to perform certain required tasks. Plants, from grasses to trees, have characteristics that enable them to respond to climate, precipitation, and place. People, including our team, instill a sense of reliability in each task our customers expect. Being trustworthy is a critical element of a high-performing company.
Resilient: The animal kingdom, plants, machines, and the human race must weather storms. Our equipment is designed to withstand heat, heavy use, hard wood and even hard rock. We must possess the same resilience. We do not quit. We find a solution. We serve in the best way possible. We are as tough and durable as the steel we represent.
Hard Working: Machines are designed to perform certain tasks at maximum capacity. The plant and animal kingdoms are designed to produce and survive in the environments where they live. Our team must have the characteristic of working hard for our customers. Having those parts on hand and a service response takes hard work and dedication. The credit department must work hard to address the critical need for available and appropriate credit. The sales department must work hard and be available when that call comes in for a new Vermeer.
Faith: Creation has a foundational stone of faith. Faith in its creator. Faith in its purpose and a balance in the way the world works and the cycle of life. Our faith in humanity is vital in our trust for continued success. It is a characteristic that is often reciprocated. Our faith in our Creator God is the ultimate test of our character. Our faith in our equipment, processes, and our team secures our place in the market.
Loyalty: A character that is loyal to their master seeks and experiences the best reward. Our equipment that looks and performs well gets the best treatment. Our favorite pets and other animals are extremely loyal and get loyalty in return. Our gardens are also given when they are entrusted to our care. When we are the caretaker of our garden and pets, we have also had a caretaker or master. God is our master. Our customer demands our loyalty and we should expect to have that loyalty in return.
Character comes out of life's stories. Where we were planted and grew up is a big part of it. How we were channeled and disciplined pointed us to our True North. Character continues to build with every story that we are a part of and every face we connect with. When we expect good character, we must give it, and in return, when we give our best, we should expect it.
As others' stories connect with ours, how can we grow in character to better serve those who exemplify it?
Most often, the best place to start is at the mirror. If I were the customer, would I trust this person? Will I work hard, like our machines, to earn trust and great character?
"For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom." Solomon in Proverbs 2:6-7
Our character will shine when we give each activity and engagement our best. How will others feel this week?
Have a great sales week!
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