We were lucky to catch up with Marilee Clark recently and have shared our conversation below.
Marilee, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?
My journey in the print industry began as an unexpected twist of fate right after college. Guided by a recruiter, I nervously stepped through the doors of a printing company, not knowing where this path would lead me. But from the moment I entered, I felt a refreshing energy that would become the backbone of my professional journey.
Starting in sales, I embarked on a journey that would eventually lead me to the role of General Manager at an 80,000-square-foot facility. With a stellar team of 55 individuals operating round the clock, six days a week, I faced the daunting task of overseeing every aspect of our operations. This role gave me invaluable insights into the intricate hiring needs of the printing industry. I had to take calculated risks in recruiting the right people to ensure our facility ran smoothly and efficiently.
However, my journey continued. I transitioned to the corporate office as VP of Sales Learning and Development. In this role, I witnessed a glaring need to find innovative ways to attract, onboard, and train talent in a rapidly evolving field.
Fast forward thirty years, and I find myself coming full circle. I now work with printing organizations across the US, helping them recruit new and fresh talent while assisting in their onboarding and training processes. It’s a gamble, you could say, to pivot after 34 years of building a career and proudly declaring, “I’ve got this.” But it’s a gamble I’ve embraced wholeheartedly. My journey has taken me in various directions, each contributing to my success, for which I am incredibly grateful.
The risks I’ve taken along this journey have not only defined my career but have also allowed me to contribute to the growth and resilience of the print industry. Every twist and turn has been an opportunity for growth, and I look forward to continuing this exciting journey with unwavering enthusiasm.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Marilee Hutton Clark: Transforming Sales and Inspiring Success
For those unfamiliar with Marilee Hutton Clark, she is a seasoned sales executive, coach, and client whisperer with a remarkable career spanning over three decades. Her journey into the world of business and sales is a testament to her unwavering passion and commitment to excellence. Marilee’s expertise, innovative mindset, and profound ability to motivate and coach others have set her apart as a dynamic leader in the field.
A Trailblazing Career in Sales:
Marilee’s career began in sales, where she quickly distinguished herself as a high achiever. Her pivotal role at C2 Imaging, a full-service specialty print graphics company and commercial printer, allowed her to thrive in an ever-evolving sales environment. From her initial position as a sales lead, she climbed the corporate ladder to become a general manager at C2 Imaging, overseeing a $6 million manufacturing facility with 55 employees.
One of Marilee’s standout qualities is her relentless pursuit of knowledge and innovation. Her dedication to staying on top of industry trends and exploring novel business solutions led to her spearheading the transformation of the sales process for the $300 million organization, spanning 21 locations across the United States.
Coaching and Inspiring Success:
Marilee’s impact extends beyond sales figures; she is a coach who empowers the next generation of sales leaders. Her unique strengths lie in teaching, intuition, and collaboration. With an infectious positivity and motivational spirit, Marilee ignites the passion of those around her, propelling businesses, teams, and individuals towards unprecedented success.
Throughout her career, peers and managers alike have turned to Marilee for her innovative sales tactics, client management coaching, and mentorship. Her passion for nurturing talent led her to become a vital part of the interviewing and onboarding process, where she leveraged her training in Predictive Index to select and develop top talent.
Fostering Collaboration and Growth:
In 2018, Marilee transitioned to a broader leadership role with Vomela, where she assumed responsibility for the onboarding, development, and continuous education of the national sales team. She introduced “The Breakfast Club,” a weekly national sales meeting that brings together over 70 representatives from across the nation to share ideas and materials. This initiative not only fosters a stronger team environment but also equips sales professionals with practical tools to drive revenue through new intercompany connections.
Marilee’s leadership style is characterized by its strength and compassion. She has successfully transformed corporate cultures, demanding and earning respect for her visionary leadership that enhances sales team performance and creates a more positive workplace.
The Essence of Marilee Hutton Clark:
Beyond the boardroom, you’ll often find Marilee immersed in nature, hiking and skiing through the Rockies, recharging her spirit. She finds joy in being a Mother, traveling, connecting with communities, and exploring cultures through food and meaningful connections.
In essence, Marilee Hutton Clark is more than a sales executive; she is a transformative force that inspires and empowers individuals and organizations to reach new heights. Her commitment to fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and personal growth has led to the success of both businesses and individuals, including several multi-million-dollar sales representatives. Marilee’s unique ability to see the finer details and the bigger picture equips people with the tools they need to lead fulfilling lives while making a positive impact on the world.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
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The era of Covid brought about profound changes, both on a personal and professional level. One of the most significant challenges during this time was the task of leading and nurturing a diverse sales team spanning 21 different locations, each dealing with various product lines. It was a period when individuals faced daunting questions, from concerns about their ability to cover Manhattan apartment rent without commissions to contemplating career shifts and life changes. These circumstances spurred me to seek a way to infuse positive energy and provide hope during these stagnant times.
I felt a responsibility to our sales team, a commitment to finding a solution. And so, the idea was born: a National Sales Meeting that I aptly named “Breakfast Club,” held every Wednesday morning. Initially launched in six locations, it soon expanded to encompass most of our offices. The meetings became a platform filled with success stories from all corners of the country. I introduced innovative sales strategies, particularly leveraging LinkedIn, which resulted in the generation of millions of dollars in revenue from personal protection and safety graphics sales.
As the Covid situation began to improve, I pondered whether it was time to discontinue these meetings. However, the resounding response from the leadership team and the sales representatives was a unanimous “No!” It had evolved into an integral part of our organizational culture. The fact that up to 70 representatives consistently attended these weekly gatherings underscored their significance. These meetings morphed into a source of inspiration for our entire team, becoming one of the most gratifying and fulfilling experiences in my career.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy for expanding my clientele has been my openness to diverse opportunities, ranging from pro-bono work to unexpected speaking engagements. However, what has truly propelled my client base growth is my engagement with existing connections I’ve made along my journey. These connections have proven to be my greatest source of support, offering valuable insights, ideas, and introductions that have placed me in front of businesses facing challenges in areas where I excel. Interestingly, I thought I would grow my business predominately with my expertise in building sales revenue and sales teams, I have found that the demand for my services often centers around assisting businesses in recruiting, attracting, onboarding, and training new employees. This unexpected alignment has been both fascinating and rewarding.
My aspirations are ambitious, and my business is relatively young. Nevertheless, I am deeply appreciative of my successful career and the individuals who have played pivotal roles in honing my skills, which are now being effectively utilized to help businesses thrive and expand.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.inkwellcollaborative.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marilee-hutton-clark-denver/