Don Vedeen
- Senior Vice President - Director Manufactured Housing
- SkyView Advisors
School Information
School: University of Illinois
College Major: Business
Years at College Works: 2006
Career Information
Working For: SkyView Advisors
Title: Senior Vice President – Director Manufactured Housing
Industry: Real estateWhat Has Been Your Proudest Accomplishment Post-CWP?
Being one of the top sellers in my current organization and the multiple promotions I have gotten through the process.
College Works Career Impact
In one sentence, what has CW meant to you?
College Works Painting taught me the work ethic I would need to succeed in future endeavors.
How did your CW experience impact your career? Immediately after graduation? Now?
Mentioning my going door to door, conducting appointments, and selling prospects in the College Works Painting days has given me a ton of credibility when trying to sell prospects in my current position.
What was the greatest lesson you learned from your CW experience?
That hard work goes a long way. You need to just put in the hours to be successful.
If you had to come up with a one line slogan for CW, what would it be?
Work hard play hard
Advice
What advice do you have for potential CW participants? Current CW participants?
Expect to work long hours with College Works Painting, but realize that the benefits of succeeding in this program will last a lifetime.
Many college students struggle to choose between an internship specific to their target industry or doing CW. What advice would you give them on this subject if they wanted to enter your career field?
Sales is relevant to everything. This kind of experience helps no matter what the industry.
What’s your best advice for someone interested in entering your career field?
Focus on a good work ethic. Know what your goal is to be considered ‘successful’ in your eyes and do everything you can to hit that goal.
What’s your favorite memory from CW?
Comparing my massive (at the time) paychecks to those of my friends with part-time summer jobs!
Last words of wisdom?
Learn as much as you can about sales in this program and take what you learn with you to any future career path you find yourself on.