Sales Development Representative Kameron Brown knows the more time you spend perfecting your skills, the better you become. He’s learned that lesson both on the sandy court playing beach volleyball and on the phone showing home professionals how Houzz Pro can help build and manage their businesses. 

Why did you join Houzz, and what do you do here?
After college, I explored different career opportunities. I knew I loved talking to people, but sales wasn’t something I had considered. When I saw this opportunity online, I knew I wanted to learn more. I had been interviewing at other companies, but I really liked my recruiter at Houzz. Since then, I’ve fallen in love with the job. 

I’m now a sales development representative, or SDR, on the software team. I reach out to professionals in the design and remodeling industry, and inform them about Houzz Pro, which can help them manage their business, connect with clients, and build their online brand and presence.

Can you tell us more about the software team?
Before, SDRs would help pros understand how Houzz could help them grow their business and find more work through advertising or branding efforts. As times have changed, so have our products – especially with Houzz Pro, our SaaS offerings that give pros the tools they need to manage their business. Now we can help pros with both managing and growing their businesses, all in one place. I didn’t know much about our software when I first started on this team, and it’s been so cool to dive in and get hands-on into the product, understand how it’s helping our pro community and really learn to speak to it.

What’s your favorite feature of our software?
There are a lot of things. I really like our 3D Floor Planner, and they keep adding features to it. It’s something that helps designers and builders win projects by enabling prospective clients to visualize a remodel.

What do you like most about working here?
Before I even started, my recruiter talked about the culture and how connected people are, even though we work remotely. I’ve really felt that since I started. My training class became really close, and I made a lot of connections. I have a growth path I can see very clearly and support from my management team to achieve it. I know I’m able to grow, learn and succeed. We have so many resources to help you do that here. 

What do you enjoy most about being an SDR?
I find the role really rewarding. When you connect with a pro and can show them how Houzz can help their business – and you see your conversation progress into a new software subscription – it’s so rewarding. 

What are you most excited about for your career here?
Like I mentioned, I had never done sales before, so I wasn’t sure how I’d be in this kind of role. I’ve learned how to manage through objections and negotiate, and I’m excited to see how I can continue to grow into an account executive. I’d shift from informing a pro about Houzz into making the sale and starting the onboarding process.

What’s been your favorite experience here so far?
The team I’m on is new and was a pilot for our group. People could apply for one of the few positions, and my manager encouraged me to do it. She said raising my hand would be a good way to grow and get noticed, so I did. It’s great to be on a small team and part of the decision-making process on new ways of doing things. 

What’s the most surprising thing about working here?
I think it’s been how much I enjoy the industry itself. Before working here, I didn’t know anything about construction or design. Now I know the ins and outs of it, and I can speak to a pro about them.  

What advice would you give someone who might be considering a career in sales?
Sales is a great industry for someone motivated by personal achievement and setting goals. You’re part of a team, but you can really succeed if you strive for the goals you’re setting.

What’s a lesson you’ve learned that’s helped you?
Mindset is so important to success. For example, the first meeting I set is a catalyst for the rest of the day. It boosts my confidence and puts me in a good mindset. I know I’ll have more good conversations that will help the pros I’m talking with. 

Outside of work, I play beach volleyball, and – like with all sports – I’ve found practice makes perfect. In my job and on the court, I like getting better at one thing every day. I take feedback from my manager and apply it the next time I encounter a situation, which improves my approach. 

Interested in joining our team? We’re hiring! Check out available opportunities at houzz.com/jobs.