Great salespeople don’t always have traditional sales backgrounds. Take Myles Thompson, who started his career in the hospitality industry. Now, as a strategic sales representative, Myles channels his talent for connecting with people, along with his enthusiasm for Houzz Pro, to help designers and contractors understand the value of our software from day one.

How would you describe what you do?
I connect with designers and contractors who need help running their businesses more efficiently. I show them how our software can solve their specific challenges through demos and sharing information, and get them started on Houzz Pro.

What did you study in school, and how did you find out about Houzz?
I grew up just outside of Boston, and I went to the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. I knew that I wanted to use my people skills in the real world, so I studied hospitality and tourism management. I wanted a degree where I could get a job anywhere in the world.

After college, I worked my way up in hotels until, eventually, my position was eliminated by the company nationwide during the pandemic.

At that point, I knew that I wanted to be in sales; I wanted a position where the amount of effort I put in corresponded to the money I could make. I had no previous experience, but I knew how to work with people, given my career in hospitality. Unfortunately, many companies were looking for someone who already had direct sales experience.

I applied for Houzz online and interviewed, and they offered me a job the same day. I initially applied for the account executive role and added a note to say that I knew I wasn’t qualified on paper, but I had what it took. I later found out that was the reason the recruiter called me. While I wasn’t ready for the account executive position at the time, I was offered a sales development representative role. I accepted the offer and within a year was promoted to account executive. I have continued to progress and move up the AE levels year after year here, and it’s been awesome.

What would you say is the best part about working at Houzz?
The culture. We are fully remote, but I know nearly everyone on the sales team. I’ve also had opportunities to see people in person, like at the International Builders’ Show in Vegas every year and quarter-end dinners. It’s a great group.

We also have virtual events that we can attend, like making a tie-dye T-shirt, doing a painting or testing different drinks from around the world. There’s always something going on.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?
We offer such a superior product, and I know it in and out. It’s a pleasure to demo it to pros who are interested. The software basically sells itself!

Another thing is just knowing that Houzz Pro is going to be able to streamline pros’ businesses. I really believe in it, and I know it’s going to make a world of difference for the professionals who start using it.

What feature resonates the most with the pros you talk to?
Estimates are awesome because of how they’re built out and how simple they are. The 3D Floor Planner tool is a huge game-changer for what we offer. After you scan a room, you can show what it will look like if you knock out a wall, add on an extension or whatever the case may be.

What has surprised you about working here?
I’d say it’s how supportive everyone is. If I have a big day, my leaders will message me personally. Our leadership team knows who we are; they’re very supportive and nice. We also have great weekly or monthly sales incentives. For example, I went to the Superman world premiere in Hollywood recently, because I had a great sales week and won a contest. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience! 

What advice would you give to someone thinking about joining?
If you want to make a great career in sales, this is a fabulous opportunity. It can be tough when you start, but it gets easier as you progress. There are highs and lows, and you will be rewarded as you keep moving forward.

What makes you most excited about the future of Houzz?
I’m excited, because it feels like we’re taking over the market. I can’t speak highly enough about our software. I’ve met with so many professionals who use other programs, and I know what we have to offer and how well it works in comparison. We keep adding new features, and it blows everything else out of the water.

Anything else?
Before I first came in here, I was turned down from every other sales role, because I didn’t have the experience. But I always knew I had what it took. I just want to thank Houzz for taking the chance on me. All I needed was a shot, and Houzz gave it to me. I love it here, and I think it’s paid off for both of us! 

If you’re interested in joining our team, we’re hiring! Check out available opportunities at houzz.com/jobs.