Calling people he’s never met is a winning strategy for Nathan Drake – and for the people on the other end of the phone. As a sales development representative, Nathan reaches out to pros who might not yet know about our game-changing Houzz Pro software and helps turn them into big fans. It’s only fitting he used this same approach to find his role at Houzz, too! 

How would you describe what you do here?
I reach out to home renovation professionals, like contractors and builders, to see how we can help their businesses. We learn about their challenges, which can be something like managing projects, winning more jobs or streamlining their processes, and explain how Houzz Pro can help. It’s very fulfilling, because we get to help people improve their businesses. 

What did you want to be when you grew up?
I went to Arizona State University Polytechnic Campus, which has an engineering focus, and studied aeronautical management technologies for two years. I wanted to be an air traffic controller. 

I was also doing sales at the same time, and found it to be very challenging and rewarding in many ways. I really found my passion in helping people. 

How did you find out about Houzz?
My friend told me Houzz was hiring. I actually cold reached out to Katya, the recruiter, and asked if Houzz was hiring sales roles. She explained that the program starts by spending your first year in Houzz University. I liked the idea and the timing was right, so I joined as an SDR last May with the goal of becoming an account executive after a year. 

Can you talk a little bit more about Houzz University and what it means to be an SDR?
You start out as a sales development representative, or SDR, which is a mix of reaching out to prospects who have connected with us before or other people who may – or may not – be familiar with Houzz. For a year, you set appointments for account executives and, at the same time, you’re also getting trained for a potential promotion to an account executive by going through Houzz University, where you get personal coaching and learn more about the product and sales techniques. 

What would you say is the best part about working here?
I love that it’s a constantly growing and changing organization, and we do a great job of innovating with new technology. I’d be remiss not to mention the people and culture here. Both my teammates and my manager are great, and so are the constant events that we do at Houzz. It seems like there’s always something going on for us to join and connect with other Houzz team members in a way that I’ve never seen any other company do before. 

What do you enjoy most about your role?
A lot! I enjoy the role itself. Every day is exciting and new, because every pro you talk to is in a different industry or location. It’s an ever-changing experience, and you’ve got to adjust to the person you’re talking to and learn what they need. For someone like me who doesn’t like constant repetition, it definitely makes it more engaging. 

Given that you are focused on helping sell our software every day, you’re really familiar with our Houzz Pro features. What’s your favorite?
Our 3D Floor Planner is really exciting, because they empower pros to translate ideas into something that’s almost tangible. I was talking to a contractor recently, who said more and more homeowners are asking for these types of designs; they no longer want to see a simple pen and paper drawing. 

I think the homeowner and the contractor are more in lockstep than ever. Before, you’d hear that the pro would do the work and the homeowners may be disappointed because it’s not exactly what they envisioned. Our visual tools completely change that experience for both the contractor and the homeowner. 

I hear that you’re going to IBS and KBIS for the first time. What are you going to be doing there?
Houzz is going to have a booth at both the International Builders’ Show and the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show. I’ve always thrived in a remote environment, and I love it. I wouldn’t change it for the world, but one of the most exciting parts of going is that I’ll be able to meet my peers and our leaders who are attending the events in Las Vegas. 

I am extremely excited to be face to face with the pros I talk to all day, so meeting them in person is going to be a lot of fun as well. As an SDR, I’ll be one of the Houzzers there who will be engaging with these professionals, bringing them to our booth to learn more about how Houzz Pro can help their business and connecting them with one of our account executives.

What has surprised you the most about working here?
Every employee at Houzz – truly everyone – is so engaged and willing to help each other. It’s been really great. People at Houzz are really busy, but it never seems to stop them from wanting to help, and it translates across all departments. That’s definitely something that surprised me, because you don’t have that in a lot of sales environments. 

What advice would you give to someone thinking about joining Houzz?
You really have to be willing to learn, and keep yourself sharp and adaptable. Things are constantly changing in this type of environment! As I mentioned before, it’s my favorite thing about Houzz.  

What makes you most excited about the future for our company?
The leadership at Houzz clearly knows what our pros want and need. Their ability to adapt to these changes quickly is ultimately going to lead to Houzz Pro’s long-term success as the best software for construction and design professionals.

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