05 Dec 2024
Our team at Arrive is comprised of unique, talented individuals who come from a variety of impressive Universities all over the country. We sat down with Sabrina Stapleton, Business Development Representative, to learn more about how her experience at DePaul University led her to start a career here at Arrive.
Where did you go to school and what did you study?
I obtained my Bachelor of Science in Management, with a concentration in Entrepreneurship, and a minor in Real Estate from the DePaul University Drihaus College of Business.
How did you first hear about Arrive?
During my final sales class, we were introduced to a recruiter from an Arrive competitor and I thought, “Who would ever want to do that? That sounds SO boring!” As my final quarter was coming to an end and I was weighing potential professions, I decided to entertain Arrive’s pursuits toward me via Handshake. I did not know anything about them or the industry, and I wanted to hear every opportunity…little did I know I would quickly learn that Arrive is drastically different from everyone in the industry and I was dying to work here. Within two weeks, I had three phenomenal meetings with two recruiters, a Business Development Sales Manager, and I joined the team as quickly as I could. The company takes pride in truly getting to know you from the first hello to ensure you are set up on the greatest path for success.
How did you become interested in going into the supply chain industry?
Throughout my collegiate career, I worked in Sales Management in the health and wellness industry. When I was coming up on graduation, I needed to weigh out which paths offered me long-term growth and personal fulfillment. I have always loved the art of negotiation and I knew that sales presented me with more sizable opportunities from the get-go, but for what mission? I wanted to make an impact with something I believed in. I grew up watching my father work in the supply chain industry, and I used to joke with him about moving into his line of work to be his carbon copy; however, the more I thought about it I realized I had a passion for it. As I became more privy to the intricacies of the supply chain and how fragile it can be, my mind was blown. It takes one piece of the system to knock slightly loose for each domino following to fall the wrong way, and I want to help fix, if not improve, that. I now get the privilege to play a key role in keeping our economy moving across several verticals, and the importance is greater now more than ever.
What’s your favorite part of being a BizDev Rep?
I have always been an entrepreneurial spirit. Being in Business Development allows that spirit to thrive as there is no limit to what I can do or try. I am encouraged to pursue my passions by my superiors to keep my work full of life, whether they are big or small. Business development also allows me to meet countless people and learn about various supply chain processes, which I find fascinating.
What keeps you at Arrive?
It might sound cliche, but it all comes down to the culture. My success is purely the result of my determination. Behind my determination, I have a team of people supporting me like a true community to achieve what I want and pushing me to grow on a daily basis. Sales is known to be a cut-throat career because you are batted against your peers, and although I am in essence still in competition with my colleagues, the way we operate mirrors nothing of the sort. Here we are, one big family celebrating our highs and pulling each other up from the lows.
Have any advice for soon-to-be college grads?
First of all, CONGRATULATIONS! Celebrate this large investment you have made in becoming your greatest self. Furthermore, do not stop making these investments and do not let anyone get in the way of your dreams. You have the freedom to pursue whatever you desire at any moment, hone in on that! With that being said, keep an open mind, as there are a lot of doors around you that you might never think to walk through and they can change your life in unimaginable ways.
What’s the most valuable thing you’ve learned while at Arrive?
Arrive has taught me how to optimize the virtue of adaptability in its rawest form for every circumstance, which helps me to grow both professionally and personally. Each interaction, internally or externally, requires you to adapt to the other party to create cohesive relations. Each load must be treated differently due to customers, carriers, acts of God, ll flips, you name it. Expanding your capacity for adaptability enables you to succeed at a higher rate by making your pivots more efficient, therefore decreasing margins of error due to stress, lost time, lost money, burnt bridges and more. In short, adaptability allows for enhanced service, which is exactly why we are here.
For someone about to start a career in sales and logistics, what would you tell them?
Sales and logistics as separate topics can be overwhelming but do not shy away from jumping in head first as a combined power. Know that your purpose is to improve the lives of others with the movement you are spreading, take pride in that. You will make mistakes, and those mistakes can seem like the ultimate catastrophe at the moment, but they really are not. They will make you grow. Surround yourself with those who push you to achieve your greater vision, whether that be your peers or mentors. Every single person on this earth can teach you a lesson. Lastly, get comfortable with hearing no! Let those spur creativity to finding that yes.
Describe Arrive in 3 hashtags!
#Opportunity
#Community
#Zest
