Christopher Gramley – Regional Account Manager

Coffee or Tea? I usually start my mornings with vitamin water. It has a little caffeine for a gentle boost and some good nutrients to keep me energized. It’s refreshing and gives me the extra kick I need to dive into the day.

What did you want to be when you were younger? As an extroverted kid, I was always energized by being around people, hosting friends, talking, and just interacting socially. Growing up with a dad in sales, I loved seeing how he connected with people and it really resonated with me. I realized early on that sales could turn something I genuinely enjoyed into a career. It was not about math or science; it was about building relationships and that felt like the perfect fit.

How did your career in sales develop after college?  I have been in software sales since I finished school, I started in the Automotive ERP segment and moved to product-based ERP sales and Food and beverage following that. I began as a Senior Account Executive in Food and Beverage here at Aptean and for the past six months, I have been working as a Regional Account Manager and leading a team focused on our down-market strategy.

Walk me through your week: what does your typical day look like? No two days are ever the same, and I love that. I might have introductory calls with new clients, product demos, or discovery meetings to understand their processes and needs. Some meetings are virtual, some are on site, and I usually travel about two weeks a month. Now that I’m in management, my week has more structure with forecast calls and team check-ins, but I still get to work with clients and support my reps. I love helping customers improve their business practices and see the real impact of our software. The variety and consultative nature of the work is what makes every day exciting.

What makes Aptean special to work for? For me, it comes down to three things: the culture, the people, and the product. The culture is unlike anywhere I’ve ever worked. People here are collaborative, open to change, and always looking for ways to improve, which keeps things exciting and innovative. I work with an amazing team every day, and it makes my job easy because everyone is talented, engaged, and knows how to run a proper sales cycle. The product is just as important. In my 12 years in software, I’ve seen a lot of solutions, and ours stands out. It’s easy to sell because it truly transforms our customers’ businesses. When you combine a great team with a product that makes a real difference, it’s clear why this is such a special place to work.

Are you more detail-oriented or big picture? I’m definitely more big picture. I tell all my clients that I’m about a mile wide and three questions deep. I like being multifaceted across the organization, and thankfully I work with amazing specialists who handle the heavy lifting and give me all the details and support I need.

Clear or cluttered desk? Clear. I can’t handle clutter at all. I recently switched to a standing desk in my home office, and it’s been amazing. I used to sit at a big oak desk for hours, but standing for part of the day is much better for my health.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned in this role so far? Find at least one small win every day. Sales is a roller coaster. You can have the best week of your career followed by the worst. Celebrating little wins, whether it is a good conversation, booking the next step, or making a small impact, helps you stay grounded and focused.

Which company value matters most to you, and why? Grow together, no question about it. The people here are exceptional, and the culture is incredibly collaborative. Everyone wants to grow, and Aptean is a place that allows you to grow with the company instead of having to move from job to job. This is the best place I have ever worked. The people, the culture, and the ability to share your opinion and make a meaningful impact makes it a place where you can build a career and stay for the long term. I firmly believe in that.

Any hidden talents? I’m really good at naming college mascots. It has no practical value outside of bar trivia, and I’d probably prefer to use that space in my brain for something more useful like spelling or math, but that is the hidden talent I can claim.

What’s the success you’re most proud of during your time at Aptean? While we have achieved many great wins as a team, I am most proud of having the opportunity to help shape some of the programs and teams that continue to make Aptean one of the most innovative companies in the market. Our leadership does a phenomenal job of taking ideas from across the organization and turning them into real value for our customers.

Do you have any little routines or listen to music that keep you in the zone at work? I’m a big music guy. I usually play a few pump-up songs before big calls or when I’m driving to a client site. I have a curated playlist of high-energy songs in pop music, rock, country, that gets me focused and ready to perform.

And finally... If you could give one piece of advice to the next generation stepping into this role, what would it be? Chase culture and the rest will take care of itself. If you surround yourself with people that genuinely want you to succeed and help you grow the success, the money will follow.