Jack McNamara, assistant store manager and manager of outside sales at North Coast Lighting in Tigard, Oregon, has been in lighting sales for more than a decade. He considers himself a strong salesperson, but with never-ending changes in product technology, he knows he needs to have the latest technical knowledge to provide the highest level of value to his customers. Having achieved his NXT Level 1 and 2 designations, McNamara is able to help medium-to-large businesses throughout Oregon think through lighting improvements using the most advanced techniques and technologies.
McNamara first heard about NXT Level through a former colleague. When he learned it was free, he immediately applied to the training in the hopes it could help his professional development, open doors to new projects, and enhance his professional reputation. He was not disappointed.
“My NXT Level designation brings me more credibility in the field,” says McNamara. “It definitely makes an impact on my customers when I tell them that I’m NXT Level designated, and when they see the designation on my business card.”
As soon as NXT Level 2 was offered, McNamara jumped on the opportunity to continue honing his expertise. “The NXT Level 2 curriculum was more challenging and in-depth, and featured a combination of in-person and online training,” he said. “I appreciated the opportunity to network with and learn from the other students.”
NXT Level 2 not only equipped McNamara with the latest advanced lighting knowledge, it completely changed his approach to lighting assessments. “NXT Level 2 focused on how to do a better job in the assessment before you start thinking about incentives or products,” he said. “Now I ask questions first and listen more to customer needs. It’s made me look at assessments differently and helped me to be more efficient. I think every person working on commercial lighting retrofits and new construction should go through this program.”