Choosing a sales partner? Look at their alumni network first

After more than two decades talking to clients about what makes sales organizations successful, one insight always stands out: the real measure of greatness isn’t just who’s on the team today—it’s the careers of those who’ve moved on and what that says about the company’s culture and investment in people.

Investing in talent pays off—for everyone

We’ve spent 24 years fine-tuning how we hire, train, and develop our sales talent. But the real story is what happens after our SDRs move on. Many clients tell me the thing they value most about working with us is our alumni—because they end up becoming their future sales leaders, top performers and strategic hires.

Our alumni network—sales leadership’s secret weapon

Our alumni aren’t just people who’ve moved on; they’re an active part of our extended family. This network is our go-to resource when clients ask us for help finding exceptional sales talent or leadership. Here’s how the cycle works:

• Start early: We hire motivated individuals early in their sales careers, providing rigorous training and hands-on experience.
• Grow together: We invest deeply in each other’s success. Our SDRs leave here equipped with skills to thrive anywhere.
• Career acceleration: Alumni frequently tell me their time here was pivotal—many have gone on to leadership roles at leading companies, becoming sales directors, VPs, even CROs.
• Come back as customers: Many alumni return as decision-makers, turning to us when they need high-quality talent and strategic partnerships.

Celebrating our 2025 alumni of the year

Speaking of amazing alumni, we recently announced our 2025 Alumni of the Year: David Tharp. David began his journey in our Austin office and now leads Global OEM Sales and Strategic Alliances at Cisco (Splunk). His path from SDR to global leader exemplifies what’s possible when hard work, hustle, and excellent training intersect.

Since leaving memoryBlue in 2020, David has progressed rapidly from SDR to Business Development Manager to Global Head of OEM. He now drives strategic partnerships on a global scale, bringing authenticity, collaboration, and a people-first mindset to every interaction. His ability to influence high-impact projects and align key stakeholders showcases exactly the type of leadership this award honors.

David embodies the long-term success, career-defining progress, and commitment to values that memoryBlue aims to cultivate in every SDR.

Ingredients of building great salespeople

Customers often ask, “What are the ways you invest in human capital?” It’s pretty simple:

Over the years, we’ve learned that building great sales talent is about more than just hiring well—it’s about truly investing in people. That starts with ongoing training—regular workshops and skill-building sessions that actually evolve with the market. We don’t just throw training materials at our SDRs; we keep the content fresh, relevant, and useful, making sure our team stays ahead in an always-changing sales landscape.

We also focus heavily on career development. SDRs here always know exactly what the next step looks like and how to get there. Clear advancement paths help keep people motivated, engaged, and moving forward. It’s not just a corporate ladder; it’s a real roadmap designed to help individuals build careers they’re excited about.

A big part of why people stay (and thrive) here is our genuinely positive workplace culture. It’s collaborative, supportive, and encourages open communication. We actually like coming to work and working together. (And it turns out we’re not alone—Gallup found that companies with positive cultures outperform their competitors by 21%.)

Of course, compensation matters too. Our SDRs earn a competitive base salary and we reward strong performance early with monthly bonuses, incentives when goals are exceeded, and meaningful payouts like the Futures Bonus—which can total up to $15,000 after 15 months of strong performance.

But the heart of it all might be our managers who genuinely care. They’re involved in every SDR’s growth, helping guide their journey rather than just tracking their numbers. It’s personal, supportive, and real.

Why does all of this matter when choosing a sales partner?

A vibrant alumni network isn’t just a feel-good story; it’s proof of a sales organization’s culture, commitment, and quality of talent. According to Harvard Business Review, companies with robust alumni networks gain competitive advantages in recruiting, referrals, and business development.

The bottom line

If you’re choosing a sales partner, look closely at their alumni. If they’re actively nurturing and leveraging a vibrant network, you’re not just investing in immediate outcomes—you’re tapping into a proven talent pipeline for sustained future growth.

Congratulations again to David Tharp, our 2025 Alumni of the Year!