Meet Suzanne Levine: The Sales Dynamo Behind Ndustrial’s Growth

I’m Suzanne Levine, Senior Account Director, and I’ve been responsible for driving the sales efforts at Ndustrial since January 2023. My role is all about bringing in new business, managing and growing our business with existing customers, and making sure we’re always delivering value. It’s a bit of a juggling act, but let me walk you through what makes this journey so exhilarating and why I think Ndustrial is the place to be.

The Thrill of Teamwork

Every day at Ndustrial is an adventure. My typical routine involves reaching out to prospects, making sure we’re talking to the right people, and working through organizations to reach key decision-makers. I spend a lot of time with our customers. We set up trainings, tackle on-site issues, adjust KPIs, and brainstorm ways to boost ROI. It’s all about being hands-on and learning continuously. Whether it’s attending webinars, networking at events, or traveling internationally, no two days are the same!

One of the most exciting parts of my job is collaborating with the Ndustrial team. We’re a creative, strategic, and innovative bunch, and that’s crucial for our success. I love listening to our team tackle challenges with a unique blend of creativity and strategic thinking. I genuinely believe this is one of the most talented teams I’ve ever worked with.

From Ballet to Sales

Here’s a fun fact about me—I used to be a classical dancer with the Washington School of Ballet. Dancing taught me discipline and teamwork, which has been invaluable in my sales career. Transitioning from ballet to sales might seem like a leap, but both fields demand focus, discipline, and the ability to work well within a team. After ballet, I dabbled in tech sales, took a break to be with my kids, and then returned to the workforce. While focusing on my family and raising my children, I learned that being a full-time parent really teaches you to be in the moment. You have to be present for them, and to be present for them, you have to be present for yourself. Being able to understand this, and embrace it, set me up to be a stronger sales person later on. I practice a lot of that, and it helps me see what’s right in front of us.  Now, I get immersed in what I do and I’m incredibly mindful at work, which is really a valuable tool. Balancing those different worlds has taught me to both multitask and be present, both in my professional and personal life.

Why Clean Tech?

I’ve spent almost 15 years in the energy sector, focusing on sustainability and energy efficiency. Energy is a long-established industry undergoing significant transformation and growth. I find this particularly exciting because it offers immense opportunities for innovation and advancement—whether it’s in solar, battery technology, or energy management. Being part of this evolving sector means contributing to meaningful change and embracing the potential for substantial growth and progress. Clean tech is fascinating because it’s an industry in flux—constantly evolving with new opportunities for growth and innovation. I love being part of a sector that’s making a tangible difference in how we use and manage energy.

Navigating the Challenges

This isn’t just about selling a widget; it’s about understanding and meeting unique requirements with precision for each of our customers and each prospective customer. It’s not just about selling a product; it’s about finding the right fit and ensuring we can deliver on our promises. It’s a challenge, but it’s also what makes the work exciting.

How My Manager Supports My Career Growth

Having supportive leadership has been a game-changer for me. I report to Jason Massey, our Co-Founder and CEO, who is always accessible and open to answering my questions or offering assistance despite his busy schedule. I also work very closely with Charles Tuck, Co-Founder and SVP of Energy & IoT Solutions, and I’ve benefited from collaborating with senior leadership in different parts of the company. They may not be direct managers, but they’re invaluable resources for insights and advice.

With the recent Series B milestone, the dynamics of our team have evolved. I’ve appreciated the autonomy Jason provides, allowing me to reach out directly to sources for what I need. This trust and independence have been crucial for achieving our goals. Regular weekly check-ins ensure that I stay aligned with the team’s needs and expectations which has built a great amount of trust and has allowed me to work autonomously.

Advice for Future Clean Tech Leaders

If you’re eyeing a career in clean tech, my advice is simple: Embrace the challenge and never stop learning. 

To excel, I’ve found that immersing myself in every available resource is key. I make it a point to attend webinars, listen to industry podcasts, read relevant books, and engage with mentors. Networking and continuous education are crucial. Don’t expect others to educate you—take responsibility for your own learning. In a startup environment, I’ve often worked with only about 80% of what I need to move forward, and that’s perfectly okay. The trick is to not wait for everything to be perfect before you start. I’ve learned to roll up my sleeves, tackle challenges head-on, and make things work even if they’re not flawless. Honesty is essential, though. If something is genuinely unsellable, that’s a different issue entirely.

Looking Ahead

As we gear up for exciting changes post-Series B, I’m thrilled about the growth prospects at Ndustrial. More people means more creativity and support for our customers. I’m especially eager to see how our team expands and how we continue to innovate in the cold chain market and beyond, even though we already have a significant stake. It’s fascinating to watch how we evolve as an organization, especially when exploring strategies and marketing approaches in other industries. With a growing team, we’ll be able to sell and close deals more efficiently. At the end of the day, as a salesperson, I thrive on the challenge and find joy in crafting strategies and putting everything into action. I absolutely love working for a small company with a dedicated team, constantly discovering new ways to scale our impact.

I am a salesperson to the bottom of my feet. I’m passionate about what I do and believe Ndustrial is an incredible place to grow your career. 

If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and bring an open mind and creativity to the table, you won’t find a better place than here. We’re a team of innovative, strategic thinkers who thrive on creativity. Who wouldn’t want to be part of that? It’s an incredible environment with fantastic opportunities, and if our track record for hiring great talent continues, we’re in for even more exciting times ahead. So, if you’re looking for a place where your skills can shine and where you can make a real impact, come join us at Ndustrial!