Dan Sutterman, Director of Mid-Market Sales at Upside, joined the company in 2019. He talked to us about his experience over the past six years.

Q: What brought you to Upside? 

Dan: I first learned of Upside in 2019 through a connection from a previous job. I was lucky enough to get an interview, and had the chance to sit down with CEO Alex Kinnier, in which he explained Upside’s business model and the vision he had for the company in detail.

I remember being really intrigued by Upside’s origin story, the people I interviewed with, and the fact that all three parties — consumer, merchant, and Upside can all win together. 

While at that time I didn’t know anything about fuel, consumer apps, or start-ups, I knew that Upside was different and somewhere I wanted to be

Q: Which of our values do you connect with the most? 

Dan: Be an Owner. Each of us is responsible for understanding what we’re doing and why, so that we do what’s right and not just what we’re told. 

We are all literally and figuratively owners! There is a certain amount of responsibility and entrepreneurial spirit that is felt across the company even though we aren’t a “start-up” anymore.  

Q: What do you love most about your sales team? 

Dan: That we are an actual team! I currently manage the mid-market restaurant sales team that is primarily responsible for targeting quick-service restaurant (QSR) operators of brands we all know and love (Wendy’s, Taco Bell, KFC, etc.). 

The majority of the team has been at Upside for 3+ years and we have all gotten to know each other fairly well on both a personal and professional level. A recent new hire to the team shared how impressed he was of the team’s willingness to support him as he ramps through onboarding. 

It is super gratifying to see the team working together to share challenges, brainstorm solutions, and of course, celebrate our wins! 

Q: What are the most important skills for your role/profession? 

Dan: Grit. Like everyday life, sales is full of ups and downs. Passion and perseverance are required to succeed, and you can’t fake it. There are so many instances in which I’ve personally seen individuals and teams at Upside will projects/deals across the finish line. 

Q: What is something you’ve always wanted to learn?

Dan: As a young toddler my grandparents would take me to the airport to watch planes come and go. That spurred a lifelong interest in aviation and I am currently an instrument-rated pilot. I fly 1-2 times a week and am currently working on my commercial and multi-engine ratings. If we ever happen to get a company plane…I know a guy! 

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