They say that door-to-door sales are among the most demanding and challenging sales positions a person can be in. However, we also know that it molds the best. Nowadays, the world of D2D is constantly changing with every knock on the door. But the purpose remains true.
You see, the one main constant that will forever make the industry strong is its ability to connect with people on a personal level. Yes, the rise of internet marketing has made it easier to reach an almost infinite amount of potential customers, but those messages are more generalized.
Today, if a door approach is performed with respect and honesty, salespeople can address the specific needs of the individual. They can also answer questions directly, which the internet and other advertising techniques lack.
“Celebrities like Mark Cuban from Shark Tank and many entrepreneurs come from door to door and are the best people to get motivation from, mindset-wise. You have to grind, and you have to have control,” explains Lance Vernon, the CEO of SunLife and CRO of SunBase.
“You learn how to have impeccable first impressions and soaring sales skills. And that’s why our entire team goes door to door. We don’t do D2D in any other way.”
Currently, Vernon is the CEO of SunLife, a solar company that grew almost 500% after reaching 44 million in sales in 2022. They are a local distributor of solar for the largest manufacturer of solar panels. Driving SunLife’s growth is a diverse team of executives. Vernon is joined by his brother Sean Vernon, Andrew Egan, Rachel Aguilar, Antoine Bell, and Brandy Timmers.
“We have people with experience at BlackRock, someone who built a 700 person organization as a national consultant, and another who was a national trainer for the largest solar company in the country,” Vernon says, proud of the squad he works with.
The entrepreneur also serves as CRO for SunBase, the only end-to-end business management software in the current space. The software’s revenue has tripled and the team behind it is excited to see how big its influence on the industry will be.
“Most people aren’t willing to go door to door, right? But that’s what makes us unique. To be a top 1% earner in America means you have to be willing to do what 99% of people are unwilling to do,” says Vernon. “That makes us strong, and we know that the best get bred through this space. So we wear it on our sleeves. We’re proud of it, and we lean into it.”
Vernon is no ordinary leader in solar space. He was a prodigy of D2D and is now a serial entrepreneur and a team-building aficionado whose real passion is helping others achieve their goals.
After beginning his career in the Payment Processing space, having built an organization covering 12 states with over $400+ million in annual sales, it’s easy to see why the business mogul’s award-winning accomplishments speak volumes.
Having previously served on the executive advisory board for the 4th largest non-bank-owned processor, Paysafe, Vernon always wanted to change people’s lives. And never did he imagine that would be through solar.
But today, he’s changing the existing industry by showing people how individuals can grow, thrive and excel in an ever-changing world. From providing people with smooth systems to operate in unison to lifting his employees’ mentality through various leadership methods, one thing is clear – nothing is ever impossible.
So, how does he do it?
There are three things that Vernon strips down his success to. His top-notch team of executives, collaboration with a leading solar and roofing software, and his happy, fun, creative company culture – anyone in the industry would shine for.
“Just from 11 years of experience, I’ve never been truly a part of a team of executives where people can specialize in one area, and I can do what I do best and just focus on how everything should flow,” says Vernon.
He continues, “this year in January, we’re opening up Florida. In fact, we’re going to be opening up multiple states as a part of dealer model expansion. And with an incredible executive team, I can go beyond”.
The second key relates to his other venture at SunBase, a collaborative ERP system used for the solar and roofing industry. He and his entire team at SunLife utilize it to its fullest potential to help them manage and organize the tribe.
When dealing with solar sales, anyone who owns a solar company knows it demands a high level of attention to detail. “But with Sunbase, users always have full access to their solar CRM, whether on a roof or at your kid’s sports game.”
And finally, when it comes to his team’s morale, one thing that stands out is how he treats his employees. “My saying from last year has been that we must make our internal culture external,” explains Vernon. “Last year, we had 65,000 people apply for our position, and we started to get some serious organic growth because of the culture that we have.”
He continues, “when we hit a goal, I ensure we have fun. Whether that’s organizing trips like doing a cruise or as a part of every event we do, personal development will be included. So we’re going to rent out a conference room on that cruise, we’re going to host something, and it’s just a matter of turning internal culture external.”
With his software disrupting the solar industry, a team of executives making waves, and his leadership mindset changing employee lives, Vernon and his team are one to watch.
Allow Lance Vernon to take you beyond your limitations with a 21st-century ray of hope.
For more information, please visit the SunLife Instagram page or tap into Vernon’s LinkTree to join the team. If you are seeking reliable software for effective management for your solar or roofing company, then request a first-hand demo of SunBase by booking here.
Follow Lance Vernon on his Instagram/YouTube/Facebook/Twitter, and TikTik pages for more inspiring words of wisdom from a leader who is ready to serve.
