Coworking with Sam McKenna

Every month, we feature you, our talented and insightful Revenue Brew readers! Want to be featured in an upcoming edition? Introduce yourself here. This interview has been lightly edited for style and clarity.

Sam McKenna is CEO at #samsales.

What’s the most ridiculous expense you’ve filed? How much time have you got? A $1300 pizza oven, cash to give away at our booth in Vegas, and a pair of Louboutins.

What’s the hardest deal you’ve closed/worked on? Merck, on two separate occasions. The procurement process, red lines, change in leadership, value proof points, on-site meetings, volume of stakeholders. Enterprise selling is not for the faint of heart.

What’s your favorite deal you’ve closed/worked on? The very first one I signed as the CEO of my own firm. I couldn’t believe I had just inked a contract for a company I created, and I still remember the time of day and exactly where I was when it came in.

One thing we can’t guess about your job from your LinkedIn profile: That I still love a deal and geek out over saving even $2.

What’s the best piece of work-related advice you’ve gotten? Your greatest joy is on the other side of fear. Just take the leap, a whole world of success and freedom awaits you.