(JEFFERSON, LA) — Having a robust sales strategy is important to the growth of a business. A good salesperson knows how to target the right customers, foster relationships, and effectively share the story behind the product or service that s/he is selling. An thoughtful sales approach can bring a business great success.
That’s why JEDCO & the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce teamed up to bring you a Prosper Jefferson seminar on Sales. This month, three successful sales professionals will share tips and tricks of the trade to enhance your business’ selling strategy. Join Anthony Parilla (New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans), Liz Van Dervort (Gillis, Ellis & Baker), and Jerry Christopher (an Independent Financial Services Professional) to learn about the following:
- The B2B selling process
- Incorporating service into your sales strategy
- Understanding customer needs
- Using technology to enhance your sales strategy
- Using science to boost your sales
- Behavioral psychology in sales
- The future of sales
The event will be held Wednesday, August 29, from 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM at the Entergy Office on Jefferson Highway. The address is 4809 Jefferson Highway, Jefferson LA 70121 (at the corner of St. George and Jefferson Highway). It is $5 to attend, which will cover breakfast for attendees. Please register for the event in advance online. Register here.
Meet our Speakers
Jerry Christopher
Independent Financial Services Professional
Jerry “Donut” Christopher is a sales leader focused on delivering high value, whether financially to his clients in his role as an Independent Financial Services Professional or with the adoring fans of Bag Of Donuts, the New Orleans rock band he joined in 1989 and has been managing for the last decade. The common thread that links both these groups is the ability to connect on their needs. Whether it’s the rate of return for a family of three with young children or the venue manager with capacity for 1,000 party-goers, Jerry listens first and speaks second with a goal of custom fitting the solution to match the client’s needs. Jerry values a solid foundation of trust with his clients, which may also explain why bass is his main instrument – the heartbeat of the band.
Jerry has over 25 years of experience in both the financial and entertainment space, with companies ranging from New York Life to House of Blues. He also serves as a board member for The New Orleans Civic Symphony and is President of St. Clement of Rome Parish Council in Metairie.
Anthony Parilla
New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans
Anthony Parilla will be going into his 7th season with the New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans. Growing up in South Florida and then graduating from the University of Florida, Parilla started his work career with the Tampa Bay Rays as an Inside Ticket Sales Representative. He then made the move to New Orleans in November 2012 to work as a Season Ticket Account Executive for the New Orleans Hornets. As the Hornets, Pelicans, and Saints dynamic evolved, so did Parilla’s role within the company. After serving as the Manager & Director of New Business Development for the Saints and the Pelicans for three seasons, he then took over as the Director of Premium Seating for both teams in late 2017. Parilla manages a team of 5 Premium Sales Account Executives as well as the team’s Director of Premium Service and two coordinators. His primary goal is to drive new revenue through a variety of products including Saints Suites, Pelicans Suites, Pelicans Floor Seats, and other premium products under the Pelicans umbrella. Parilla is also a proud alumnus of Leadership Jefferson Class of 2018 and is happy to call Jefferson Parish and the Greater New Orleans area his home for the last six years.
Liz Van Dervort
Gillis, Ellis and Baker, Inc.
Liz began her sales career in insurance over 10 years ago by specializing in health care and professional liability insurance. In that time, she has dedicated her career to making her clients smarter, safer and more resilient so they can pursue their passions with greater confidence. Liz has developed an easy-going, casual approach to sales, one that challenges her client to think differently about the way they purchase a necessary commodity.
Liz joined Gillis, Ellis & Baker in 2012 to work with commercial property & casualty clients across many industries. In 2016 Liz was named Risk & Insurance Magazine’s Power Broker for her work with nonprofit clients and was most recently named to Insurance Business America’s 2018 Elite Women in Insurance report. Liz has completed Traveler’s School for Producer Development and YLC’s Leadership Development Series and has earned a Management Liability Insurance Specialist designation. Liz is dually licensed in property & casualty insurance and life & health. She is an active member of the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce, the Young Leadership Council, and many other local nonprofit and civic organizations.
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