The Sharpening Years: Sales & Partnerships

I left the restaurant business in search of a more sustainable quality of life. I figured the transition from hospitality to sales would be pretty easy. After all, both are just about taking care of people, right? To quote the great Lee Corso, “Not so fast, my friend!”  

For the next few years, I sold everything from magazine ads to hot tubs and pool tables. It was then that I realized a fundamental truth: In hospitality, people walk in with their guards down, expecting to be taken care of, rightfully so. In sales, people default to having their guards up. They’ve been conditioned to expect a "pitch”, a "catch”, or a “scam”, so you’re starting from two completely different places. 

Recognizing the differences in those barriers was my first step toward success. I realized that the “Hospitality DNA”, prioritizing integrity and honesty over a quick profit, could actually be my greatest competitive advantage. If I could prove there was no "catch," I could build a level of trust that most career salespeople never reach. My consultative approach to supporting needs began to take shape.  

Looking to expand my skills and opportunities, I took a job at Bisk Education/University Alliance, which in many ways, served as my "Executive Finishing School." While working in both B2C and B2B sectors, I took advantage of the environment to invest in myself. I studied Project Management, Six Sigma, Negotiation, and Digital Marketing. These weren't just certifications; they were the tools I needed to turn my "atypical learning" into a systematic approach to business growth. In four years, I went from a call center to corporate sales, negotiating contracts with companies worldwide. As an aside, when I left, it took four people to replace my production and close rate.  

In 2009, I joined my brother’s firm, eventually becoming the VP of Strategic Partnerships & Client Retention. Over the next 16 years, I didn't just sell services; I architected ecosystems. I was the "connective tissue" between proprietary software, the individuals who used it, and the national partner networks that scaled it.

By prioritizing "Word is Bond" integrity and "Trust but Verify" leadership, I helped build a multimillion-dollar revenue engine. I navigated high-compliance sectors like LegalTech and HealthTech, ensuring that every partnership was operationally profitable and theoretically sound.

After a decade and a half of dedicated growth, I reached a new crossroads. I am proud of the legacy I built and contributed to at Foster Consulting, but I am now seeking a new mission and a chance to apply my skills and passions to a new challenge where transparency, integrity, and sustainable growth are the primary goals.

Request a copy of my resume by simply emailing me at findchadfoster@gmail.com.