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In this episode of The Art and Science of Complex Sales, Paul Fuller sits down with Daniel Kane of Curbell Plastics to talk about the future of sales and how organizations can intentionally develop the next generation of sales professionals.
Together, they explore why sales is still misunderstood as a career, how early investment in people changes outcomes, and what leaders must do differently to attract, train, and retain young talent in a fast changing B2B world.
Finding Sales by Accident and Staying for the Impact (02:26)
Dan shares how he stumbled into sales after starting his career in education and customer service. What kept him there was not quotas or commissions, but the realization that sales is fundamentally about helping people solve problems. From inside sales to leadership at Curbell Plastics, Dan’s journey reinforces that great sales careers are built on curiosity, relationships, and service, not persuasion tactics.
Building Talent Early Through Internships and Mentorship (11:54)
Dan explains why he believes leaders must recruit continuously and invest early in talent. Through partnerships with universities and a structured internship program, Curbell gives students real exposure to sales before they ever accept a full time role. This creates mutual fit, reduces hiring risk, and allows young professionals to grow with confidence. Dan emphasizes that patience, coaching, and personal investment are what turn potential into performance.
What the Next Generation of Sellers Really Needs from Leaders (19:53)
Dan challenges common assumptions about younger sellers. He argues they are capable, motivated, and adaptable, but need leaders who meet them where they are. That means mentoring, teaching human to human conversation skills, and creating environments where it is safe to ask for help. His advice to new sellers is simple and powerful: be patient with yourself, stay humble, and stay curious.
Paul Fuller’s stated mission is to help others maximize their gifts by using his.
Paul has been a pioneer in the sales process and training, sales as a service, content marketing and CRM. As a previous founder and owner of multiple successful growth organizations in these spaces, Paul has effectively trained and led sales and marketing teams across the world to focus on and achieve dynamic growth.
He firmly believes sales is defined best in three categories:
• Service - helping other get what they need
• Leadership - guiding others toward their vision
• Wayfinding - navigating the path to success together
He is firmly committed to elevating the sales profession through coaching, leading, and empowering others through systems that enable strong performance.
Currently Paul leads revenue growth at Membrain.com - the top sales effectiveness CRM in the world. Working with his team, and a group of over 100 top sales consultant organizations across the globe, they are focused at creating scalable growth through sales excellence in companies and teams in over 80 countries.
Schedule a call with him here.
Find out more about Paul Fuller on LinkedIn
From north to south, east to west, Membrain has thousands of happy clients all over the world.
