Freda Davis Ward

I attribute my success in sales to a strong work ethic, building trust and genuine relationships while always being available to support them long after the sale is made. By listening to the customer and understanding their needs I have been able to recommend solutions tailored to their specific pain points. I also am not afraid to ask for the order. I put myself on the same level as a CEO/Superintendent or a maintenance worker/janitor, being able to talk to everyone and appreciate the job they do and realize they all have value is something I am really good at. People always laugh at me and say Freda will talk to anyone and everyone but that is something I pride myself in....it is a trait I learned from my dad who was a minister and loved everyone equally. You never know that person you think won't influence your decision today may be the decision maker tomorrow. Providing consistent follow-through and truly listening to their needs has allowed me to become a valued partner they can count on. Even during tough times I have stayed the course, contacting potential customers, following up with existing customers, creating opportunities and staying focused on my goals. I am constantly learning, I believe sales is a moving target and I have to be on top of my game and adaptable to any situation today and tomorrow. I love what I do, being a Sales Professional...... and I believe it shows.

Most Schools don't teach Sales Training and Sales Management. You will learn the real world skills through experiences like cold calling, handling rejections, closing opportunities and building trust with your customers during the sale and following up after the sale. Believe in yourself and Build Relationships....become a Partner with your customer. People buy from people they like and trust, it is up to the salesperson to build Value in their Product or Service. That leads to repeat sales and referrals. Every company needs a strong Sales arm, it is one of the most Important departments in the company. Sales is the engine in every organization....be that Sales Leader....be the engine!

Getting into sales as a young woman can be empowering and have high rewards. What I would tell someone is find something you have a Passion for. It is easy, in my opinion, to sell something you believe in. People buy from people they trust and when you believe in your product you are more confident and believable. You don't have to be the loudest in the room just have confidence in yourself and what you do. If you don't know something it is ok to say you don't know but you will find out and get back to them.....but get back with them. They will have respect in you if you are honest and then follow up with the accurate information. Be a professional, you are as good as anyone else on your team.

One of the biggest challenges in the education industry right now is navigating funding constraints, which can limit technology investments in schools. However, this also presents an opportunity to explore innovative solutions that maximize engagement and value in the classroom. It's about finding smart, sustainable ways to enhance learning environments despite budget pressures.

The most important thing is to have a strong Work - Life Balance. I like to work hard and play hard. In my personal life, I find great joy in staying active in my children's and grandchildren’s lives, especially by cheering them on at their sports events and spending time with them at our Ranch. I find myself more motivated and organized when I have lots going on in both personal and work....that's my world. Community involvement is incredibly important to me, both professionally and personally. I’m passionate about giving back through volunteering in Education organizations and personally I like supporting dog rescue organizations, with so many animals being discarded and needing homes I feel it is all of our responsibility to help in whatever way we can. We currently have 3 rescue doggies but my family has had cats, pigs, ducks, rabbits and many other rescue animals. These connections and contributions keep me grounded and motivated.