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What makes some shed businesses thrive while others struggle with the same product in the same market? The answer often lies in their approach to sales.
Gary Boyle and Peter Miller of Making Sales Simple join the Shed Geek podcast to unpack how specialized sales training is transforming the shed industry. Born from their experience managing multiple shed lots and over 125 furniture salespeople, their program addresses the unique challenges faced by professionals selling what is often a customer's third-largest purchase after their home and vehicle.
The conversation explores the concept of the "forgotten dealer" – those isolated salespeople who gradually lose motivation between customers. "Sales can be very lonely," Peter notes. "You can get all kinds of motivation and be gung-ho and literally two weeks later you're Eeyore." This isolation leads to inconsistency, which Shannon describes as "the rarest characteristic of all humanity."
A particularly memorable story involves the "Be Back Bus Stop" – a metaphorical bench where customers who promise to return but never do would supposedly wait. This early lesson taught Peter that collecting customer information creates accountability and makes follow-up possible. The Making Sales Simple program now teaches salespeople to treat their business card like a "Be Back Bus Ticket" that requires "payment" in the form of contact information.
The discussion also tackles "selling out of your own pocketbook" – the common mistake of projecting your financial situation onto customers. As Gary emphasizes, "Just because a customer doesn't have good credit doesn't make them a bad person. They may have fallen on hard times."
Looking toward the future, the team previews the upcoming Shed Sales Summit on September 22, 2025, in Knoxville, Tennessee. With capacity expanded to 500 attendees, the event will focus on sales processes, marketing strategies, and professional development specifically for shed industry professionals.
Ready to transform your approach to shed sales? Visit ShedSalesSummit.com and follow their Facebook page for details about this career-changing opportunity.

For more information or to know more about the Shed Geek Podcast visit us at our website.
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This episodes Sponsors:
Studio Sponsor: Union Grove Lumber
NewFound Solutions
Shed Hub
Shed Suite
Digital Shed Builder
CAL