Mastering sales

New sales club helps students acquire valuable professional skills to launch sales-focused careers

Whether interacting with accomplished industry leaders, participating in a high-pressure sales role-play workshop or networking with alumni and prospective employers, students in the Professional Sales Association (PSA) are acquiring the soft skills crucial for career success.

The newest student organization in the Harbert College of Business, PSA is open to all Auburn University students, including business students who want to earn a professional sales minor.  

Bob Muscat, a lecturer and professor of practice in the Department of Marketing, feels strongly about the confidence one gains from becoming familiar with sales. 

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“In my 40-year career, one thing has stuck with me — it’s not the best ideas that win, it’s the best ideas you can sell to your leadership that win. The PSA helps students gain the poise and confidence to do so. I think anyone, from almost any major, would benefit from participation with PSA. And, it’s off to a great start.”

Bob Muscat, PSA faculty advisor

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PSA welcomed 47 members in its first semester of operation during the fall 2025 semester.

“We welcome all majors to apply—anyone who wants to be more confident and articulate their thoughts into something meaningful,” said sophomore Ben Auger, PSA president who is majoring in finance and minoring in professional sales. “Through hands-on training and guidance from industry leaders, PSA prepares its members to thrive in their future careers and all professional settings.”

Last semester, the students interacted with multiple accomplished industry leaders who imparted their expertise at the group’s biweekly meetings.

One of those speakers was Chris Greco, CEO of independent investment management firm Waycross Partners, who shared insights on leadership, sales and building a meaningful career.

Sophomore finance major James Kolvites, who serves as PSA treasurer, said Greco’s presentation really resonated with him.

“When Mr. Greco told us that you want your job to be creating revenue [since] companies typically don't cut salespeople, that was very insightful because it reassured my career path decision,” said Kolvites, who plans to pursue a career in real estate sales and finance.

Students benefit from PSA activities

According to Auger, PSA aims to ease the transition from student to professional career.

“In sales—whether it be medical devices or tech, for example—there’s such a barrier to entry because companies expect students to have experience,” said Auger, who wants to become a financial advisor. “But no students really have any sales experience, so PSA can help students bridge that gap.”

A sampling of fall 2025 PSA speakers and events included:

• Alumnus Larry Ryback, CEO of Barbecue chain Jim ’N Nick’s.
• A workshop on cold calling led by Nathan Mills, sales development representative with ecommerce software development company Pepper, which is modernizing the food supply chain.
• Alumnus Barry Thomason, a retired industry sales and marketing executive now serving as an entrepreneur in residence at Auburn’s New Venture Accelerator.

Kolvites is pleased with the group’s strong start.

“Even after just one semester in PSA, I’ve already seen significant improvement in my personal selling skills, industry knowledge, and overall confidence,” Kolvites said. “After hearing from countless industry professionals [last] semester, I’ve noticed shared behaviors and values that help them succeed at selling not only their products or services, but also themselves, ultimately leading them into leadership roles.”

This semester, PSA plans to feature prominent executives such as:

• Auburn alumnus Frederick Blatchford (’85 industrial operations and management), retired VP at a Johnson & Johnson medical device subsidiary.
• Ryan Robinett, founder of Multiply Inc., maker of a cutting-edge AI sales trainer.
• Alumnus Jonathan Pierce (’05 business administration + logistics), founder/CEO of Cloud Sales Coach and Harbert College guest lecturer.

In addition, PSA will introduce new hands-on, experiential learning activities such as

• The PSA Fundraising Challenge, where members develop social media campaigns to support their favorite charity.
• Faculty-led workshops for members participating in national student sales competitions like the University of South Florida’s Running with the Bulls.

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Learn more or apply to the Professional Sales Association.