River City 6: Steven Torneten
Sandler Training (www.SandlerOmaha.com) is a sales and sales management training franchise with over 250 centers around the world. Associate Steve Torneten works for the Sandler Sales and Management Training Omaha franchise, which serves clients in Nebraska and Iowa.
Tell us a little about your business. – We train salespeople using the proven Sandler selling methodology, which enables them to engage prospects and exchange information in an honest, organized, and non-manipulative manner that serves the best interests of both parties. It’s about efficiency, effectiveness and accountability. We change culture and we change lives.
How did you get started in the business? – After a successful career in sales I felt inspired to pass on my experience. Sales can be brutal at times to a person’s self-esteem but with the right training and support it can be incredibly rewarding, emotionally and financially.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – In 2006 I became a licensed real estate agent, which was also the beginning of the worst housing market since the great depression. When many agents were leaving the market, I jumped in. If I was going to feed my family I needed to be bold and learn quickly how to sell. This required me to push beyond my comfort level, which really increased my capacity in business regardless of the economy.
Tell us a little about your family. – My wife is an amazing music teacher for OPS, sings in the Omaha Opera Chorus and is the most fun and outgoing person I know. Our daughter is 10 and loves music, art and playing with her friends, our two cats and our dog Bosco.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – When I learned to let go of trying to be something I am not. Being authentic is a power move and has opened the world up to me.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Be with my family. I really cherish family time.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I love gardening.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – I am very fortunate to have made friends with Jack Canfield, the author of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. His advice to me was to continue to dream big, then trust and allow the universe to do its magic.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – International Speaker. My plan is to help change the world in as big a way as possible and this will be my next profession.
What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – The Pachamama Alliance (www.pachamama.org). My soul resonates with their mission of creating an environmentally sustainable, socially just and peaceful experience on this planet.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – Mind Power Into the 21st Century: Techniques to Harness the Astounding Powers of Thought by John Kehoe.
What is your favorite movie? – The Martian.
What is your favorite TV show? – I still love watching reruns of Seinfeld.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Modern Love, an Omaha restaurant that serves vegan comfort food.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – Nelson Mandela.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – Call me directly at (402) 215-7118 or vist us at www.SandlerOmaha.com.