Meet Chris Thrasher – the National Sales Manager here at ABM. Chris brings to our team a value of being able to interpret and understand what customers want and relaying that message to the appropriate team members. Chris is a goal-oriented person and often tells us, “Give me a goal and I’ll achieve it!”
We encourage you to take a few minutes to read on below about our hardworking and driven leader for our sales force.
What is your role at ABM?
I am the National Sales Manager. I will be celebrating 5 years with ABM in August 2018.
What geographical areas do you cover?
I oversee all U.S. sales activities.
What is your education/business background?
Education: I received my undergraduate in Agribusiness at Auburn University. I also completed my graduate degree in Administrative leadership from The University of Alabama Birmingham. I have obtained my CCA certification from the American Society of Agronomy.
Business: I began training and working for Lowes during college and moved up quickly within 3 years at the company. Then I decided to take a new turn in my career and try out teaching. From there, I learned I wanted to get back to my roots and became an Ag Sales Rep with Southern States Cooperative Inc. as a Territory Sales Manager and took formalized manager training to begin running a division of their business. I became familiar with ABM while working with Southern States and jumped at the chance to come on board with ABM. After joining ABM I quickly went from a Regional to National Manager for the company. I am now National Sales Manager at ABM and will be celebrating 5 years with the company in August of 2018.
How did you get into this line of work?
I was raised around my grandparents who truck farmed and worked at a local dairy farm. I’ve always enjoyed being in touch with nature, seeing how crops change and prosper under various conditions, and in general, have just always had a passion and love for agriculture.
Who is someone that has been a mentor and/or influence on your life?
I have been blessed to have so many mentors in my life over the years; however, my stepdad had a big influence on my life – and helping me become the person I am today. He taught me how to work hard, be responsible and that my actions define who I am. He really gave me the tools and guidance I needed to be successful in life.
What are you most passionate about within your job?
I love the thrill of the “hunt” challenge.
- The thrill of being successful and having the feeling of accomplishment
- Helping guide our team as best as I can
- Becoming better – individually and as a company – each and every day
- Helping other team members succeed and reach goals
- Being goal driven and working hard to achieve those goals
What are you passionate about, outside of work?
My children and family.
How has ABM helped you in your career development?
ABM’s owner, Dan, really gives us all the opportunity to grow within the company and in our profession, as well as be creative and try new things.
What are 3 words to describe ABM?
- Innovative (industry leaders)
- Reputable
- Knowledgeable
What do you like most about ABM / what is your favorite part about working at ABM?
The people – ABM feels more like a family than a business. Everyone here knows and understands each other. It’s a true joy working for a company like ABM.