Meet Benda Holder, Account Executive, Southwest Region
In Brief:
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Benda brings a fresh perspective to Nelnet Campus Commerce as she comes to us from outside of the higher education industry.
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She is looking forward to making customer connections and building lasting relationships with our clients.
Blog Post
Before coming to Nelnet Campus Commerce, what’s a highlight from your career?
Most of my career has been spent in a completely different industry from higher education. I was in sales for a commercial refrigeration equipment manufacturer. It was a very technical field where I had to learn complex concepts about the workings of refrigeration. A highlight for me was becoming proficient in the industry and being able to share technical product knowledge with users.
What interested you in the position of Account Executive?
I was interested in this position as it is a great fit for my skills and experience while still allowing so much opportunity for learning and growth.
What do you envision being an important part of this role?
I think an important part of this role will be making customer connections and building relationships. One of my favorite parts of all the roles I have had is developing lasting relationships and getting to know clients on a personal level. You must know your clients and how they operate in order to better serve them.
What unique characteristics do you bring to this position?
My outsider experience will bring a fresh perspective to opportunities and issues. Not to mention, I’m fun and outgoing!
What are you looking forward to with starting a career in the education industry?
I’m looking forward to learning the ins and outs of the industry and all the new tools I will have to apply in this new opportunity.
In this current state of remote/hybrid work, what communication channels do you find most effective for reaching associates/clients?
Personally, I am a fan of phone and video calls. It’s often easier to get on a quick call to sort something out instead of exchanging too many emails. However, I love connecting with my clients in any way that they want to reach out.
What motivates you to work hard?
In general, I’ve always had a strong work ethic and a healthy level of competition. I was raised to always want to do my best and be open to new experiences.
Share a piece of good advice.
“Just start.” Whatever project or goal you are tackling, just start. Then, you can figure out the next steps to move forward. It’s so easy to get caught up in a perfection mindset of needing an exact plan for every step of the process before beginning and it’s easy to get stalled.
What’s the best way to start your day?
Usually, I make some coffee and take my sweet, little dog Waffle for a walk. It’s a great way to ease into my day with some caffeine and fresh air.
Outside of work, what are you passionate about or enjoy doing?
I do a lot of volunteer work, including with the Junior League of Denver and my Registered Neighborhood Organization where I’m Chair of the Events Committee. Also, I enjoy socializing with friends and riding with my scooter ‘gang’.
Author: Nelnet Campus Commerce