Q&A with Outside Sales Rep Nicholas Kepka Calvetti

“Companies depend on us to do a great job,” says Nicholas. “When that’s understood and we are able to help people, to come through for them, that’s the best part. ”

How would you describe your background?

I went to WPI (Worcester Polytechnic Institute) and have a degree in Management Engineering with a concentration in Industrial Engineering. The degree was designed to bridge the gap between business management and engineering and included business courses and the study of supply chain management. 

After WPI, I worked at Amherst Label as the Scheduling Coordinator for two and a half years before moving to outside sales. In addition to on-the-job training, I’ve learned a lot from Kevin Hallenbeck and Trish Lacombe at Sandler Sales Training. For example, instead of traditional feature and benefit “selling,” we learn to ask questions to determine if Amherst Label can bring value to our potential customers.

What would surprise people to realize about you? 

Well, in 2004 I qualified for a national junior golf tournament representing NH in the 11-year-old age group. Maybe people would be surprised to learn that I played football at WPI my freshman year. I switched to ultimate frisbee for my final three years.

What is the most delightful part of your life outside of work?

I love doing things with my friends and family–whether it’s flag football, wally ball, ultimate frisbee, disc golf—or pick-up volleyball (or pickup in any sport really). I love being active, balanced with relaxing with video games, movies or board games. In the winter, I like going up north to snowmobile.

What is your usual work day like?

In sales, we are always working, always keeping our eyes open for opportunities. When I get in the office at 8:30, I’m usually checking emails, reaching out to new prospects by phone or email, or following up on our mailers or previous emails. I’ll either eat lunch with my dad (Nick Calvetti, Amherst Label’s president) or in the cafeteria, followed by checking in with Andrea Smith, my customer service rep. Andrea lets me know how things are going in-house, and we follow up on quotes and orders. My job is to take all the customer’s information and pass it to Andrea who manages the process from PO (Purchase Order) to delivery. I really depend on her. Communication and working as a team are really important to great service. From 3:30 on, I try to do research, reach out to prospects and plan road trips for Tuesdays and Thursdays. Nye Hornor (VP Sales & Marketing) and I try to visit customers and prospects twice a week and I organize our schedules for those trips, including planning efficient travel routes. 

What is the most meaningful thing about your job?

Knowing and appreciating the importance of assisting individuals and companies with their labeling, marketing and packaging needs is job 1. Companies depend on us to do a great job. When that’s understood and we are able to help people, to come through for them, that’s the best part. The meaning comes from helping people. Learning and growing as a person is important to me too, being inquisitive and creative about problem-solving. I also believe “If you’re going to do something, do it right.”

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Nicholas Kepka Calvetti at Amherst Label’s table at the NH Brewers’ expo

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