Marketing professor mentors students to national sales success

Patrick Bruen, an assistant teaching professor of marketing, spent the semester preparing students for success far beyond the classroom culminating in a trip to Dallas, Texas, where eight students competed on the national stage in the RNMKRS Sales Competition hosted by Victra.

Six students, Kendyll Kershner, Laci Haller, Johanna Ehrman, Elise Aniol, Abby Jordan and Alexandra Johnson, were enrolled in Bruen’s Professional Selling course, where they spent the semester building skills in sales strategy, communication and professional confidence. They were joined by Garrett Schumacher and Kylin Miles, students from an additional professional selling course who were performing at a high level and invited to compete. Together, the group represented BGSU at the national competition.

Their strong performance placed the BGSU team among the top-performing groups nationwide, earning eight students an invitation to compete in the national competition against colleges and universities from across the country.

“This experience reflects what can happen when students fully engage with the learning process and challenge themselves,” Bruen said. “They showed discipline, preparation and professionalism every step of the way.” 

Over two days of competition, students participated in four events: prospect calling, discovery calls, a networking event and a formal sales presentation. Several students distinguished themselves through leadership, professionalism and high activity levels. Johanna Ehrman earned third place in the prospecting competition and placed third overall in the national standings.

“The sales competition was an amazing opportunity,” said Kershner. “I walked away with sharper sales skills, new professional connections and a better understanding of how to stay composed under pressure. Thank you to Victra and Professor Bruen for coaching us through RNMKRS and giving us this opportunity.”

In addition to awards, the competition created meaningful career momentum. Several students left the event in conversations about potential professional opportunities with Victra, reinforcing the value of hands-on, industry-connected learning.

“Victra and RNMKRS put together an event that allowed us to practice the sales skills Professor Bruen has been teaching us all semester while connecting with real sales professionals,” Ehrman said. “The wisdom and time they shared spoke volumes about the culture at Victra, and I am very grateful to have been given this opportunity.” 

Bruen’s hands‑on approach and commitment to student success reflect the college’s emphasis on experiential learning. By integrating high‑impact opportunities into the classroom, he helps students develop confidence, adaptability and skills that translate directly to professional environments.

“Seeing students apply what they’ve learned and succeed at a national level is incredibly rewarding,” Bruen said. “They earned this opportunity through hard work and commitment.”