It’s hard to believe ApostleTech was Conner Dreo’s first introduction to Salesforce, CRM and client service management.  He was referred by a friend for an open client manager position. His friend spoke highly about the ApostleTech team, and while Conner didn’t have previous experience with CRM software, he knew he had the soft skills to excel in a client service environment. But Conner needed to develop his hard skills and gain a clear understanding of Salesforce to succeed. After nearly three years, he says his job and the company exceeded his expectations. Today, Conner is well-versed in all things CRM and he’s now x2 Salesforce certified.

We spoke with Conner recently to learn more.

Tell us about a typical day for you as a client manager?

Each day begins with planning my workday. Juggling multiple clients with separate projects all in different stages makes prioritizing my tasks a bit challenging. While my job is demanding, every day is different and full of new challenges, which I enjoy.  There are stretches throughout the year where I’ll spend more time in client meetings and other times where I’m busy with an implementation and focused on more admin work in Salesforce.

What are some of the biggest challenges your customers face and how do you and the ApostleTech team help them to overcome those challenges?

Our clients are experts in their business process but marrying their ideas with the tools Salesforce offers is exactly why ApostleTech is brought in to help. Salesforce is a very powerful platform that offers users a CRM experience like no other. Our job is to leverage everything Salesforce has to offer and solve the clients pain points to help them succeed each day.  

Can you tell us about a recent project or CRM implementation you’ve been working on?

Our client Eastwood Homes is nearing their go-live launch with our HCP CRM product designed specifically for growing homebuilders. Their new CRM was customized to show all the necessary data needed to move clients through the sales cycle as efficiently as possible. With other integrations linked to their system, this implementation utilized features from other applications that all had to work in sync to optimize Eastwood’s business process.

When a company implements a new CRM, what are some of the major benefits you see/what kind of impact does it have on their business operations?

We are not looking to reinvent the wheel moving from one CRM to another. If the client does not see new functionality that allows their users to spend less time in the CRM and more time with their clients, that is a lateral move. A major benefit is the ability to report and surface data per user that gives them a snapshot of their performance and tasks they need to complete that day. This makes each person’s unique role and responsibility easier to perform on a day-to-day basis. 

What do you enjoy most about working at ApostleTech?

Working with a close-knit team. It truly makes me feel like my time and energy is noticed and appreciated. Many of us have individual projects we’re working on but much of the team is in communication with each other every day, offering support and creating an environment that allows everyone to succeed. 

What advice would you give someone looking for career advice?

To succeed as a client manager or Salesforce administrator, it takes time and experience. Background knowledge is not required. As I mentioned, I did not have any Salesforce experience coming into this position but got my hands on all the teaching tools Salesforce has to offer. If anyone is looking for a new position in the technology industry, the Salesforce space is rapidly growing and is very inclusive to anyone willing to learn.

When you are not working, what do you like to do in your down time?  

My wife and I have recently started our family so much of my time is spent with my daughter making new memories and learning to balance life as a parent and a husband. I like to spend much of my time watching any and all Arizona professional sports. Inside or outside of work, sports are always part of my daily conversation. I also love to get outdoors or spend time in the gym whenever possible!

To learn more about Conner and how the ApostleTech team can help your business convert from a legacy CRM to Salesforce, contact us here.

Conner helps our customers implement and streamline Salesforce. He leads data conversions from legacy CRM to Salesforce and is also the lead on all company Pardot implementations. Conner is x2 Salesforce certified and a keen student when it comes to expanding his knowledge of the Salesforce platform.