Sales Bits: The Power of Persistence

Denny
Jul 28
2 min read

Long-term success isn't built on talent alone. It is sustained through determination, resilience, and the willingness to keep moving forward when challenges arise. In this Sales Bit, Denny reflects on how persistence has shaped Vermeer MidSouth's journey and why it remains essential for serving customers and building lasting value.

From Denny Vander Molen, President of Vermeer MidSouth and Founder and CEO of Jackson Endeavors:

All,

There are many reasons and ways we got to where we are today. But as we look at how our value will continue to grow, one critical personality trait stands out above the rest: Persistence.

"Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination are omnipotent." — Calvin Coolidge

The Inherent Urgency of the Farm

Growing up on a farm in Iowa, there is an ingrained expectation that urgency matters. Cows had to be milked twice a day, seven days a week, at the exact same time. That included holidays—all the holidays—and there were no vacations. There was a constant urgency to get the crops planted within a tight calendar window while fighting the unpredictable weather.

Looking back, while our farm covered about 400 acres, the care of the animals was confined to just a few acres around the buildings. However, the work at Vermeer covered a much larger scope of responsibility. Traveling thousands of miles to work on hay balers in the summer heat carried that same farm urgency. The hay was cut and lying in windrows; it had to be rolled up before the rain came. It would have been much easier to take a break or get an extra hour of sleep, but persistence kept us in the field.

The Enterprise Push

Later in my career pathway, building a business brought a whole different level of expectation. Expenses came monthly, payroll came every other week, and sales were needed constantly. It took—and still takes—an immense amount of determination and persistence to sustain an enterprise like Vermeer MidSouth.

When we are pushed from every side, or when we need to dig deep to make that extra push, be encouraged: the work you are doing ensures the needs of our customers, vendors, and team members are being met. Your persistence keeps their operations running.

Fueling Your Resilience

If you are needing a word of encouragement to build the resilience and determination to make it through another week or another day, do not delay. Seek counsel from a confidant. Dig in, keep your eye on the goal, and stay true to your True North.

Our persistence today is what secures our harvest tomorrow.