))
#196 What War Taught Me About Sales, Leadership, and Never Quitting
Manage episode 493550351 series 2976552
Success in business isn’t just about tactics—it’s about perspective, resilience, and the mindset you build when everything is on the line.
In this episode, James sits down with Danny Keels—janitorial sales leader, Army veteran, and seasoned entrepreneur—to unpack an incredible journey from combat zones in Somalia to closing multi-million dollar contracts in the cleaning industry.
Danny shares:
- The life-changing lessons he learned serving in Somalia
- How military discipline shaped his approach to sales
- The power of persistence when clients say “no”
- Why authentic relationships—not the cheapest bid—win in the long run
- The mindset that keeps him grounded as a father, husband, and professional
If you’re in janitorial sales, leadership, or just trying to build a business that lasts, this episode is packed with hard-won insights you won’t hear anywhere else.
Whether you’re scaling past $5M or still landing your first big accounts, this one’s for those who refuse to quit.
💡 What You’ll Learn:
- ✅ The unexpected link between military service and business success
- ✅ How to stay consistent when deals take 6–18 months
- ✅ The right (and wrong) ways to approach big RFPs
- ✅ Simple daily habits that build unshakable focus
- ✅ Why “cheaper isn’t better”—and how to prove your value
⏱️ Episode Breakdown:
(00:00) – What Clients Really Want (Hint: Not Just Price)
(04:00) – Danny’s Story: From Somalia to Sales
(10:00) – Mindset Shifts That Change Everything
(18:00) – Why Adversity Creates Better Leaders
(25:00) – Building Trust Over Years (Not Weeks)
(35:00) – Overcoming Rejection & Staying Persistent
(45:00) – The Real Definition of Success
(50:00) – Closing Reflections and Final Advice
💼 Our Trusted Partners:
- ✅ uSource: All-in-one hub for the facility maintenance industry – Start Free Trial
- ✅ Team Engine: Hire, communicate, and manage your workforce – Learn More
- ✅ Swept: Janitorial software that scales with you – Check It Out
🙌🏼 Join Our Community:
- 🚀 Facebook Group: Join here
- 📈 Join to be a member to our Profit Advisory Board (Business Growth Community)
📲 Follow Us:
- 📸 Instagram → @profitablecleaner
- 💼 LinkedIn → The Profitable Cleaner
- 📘 Facebook → The Profitable Cleaner
209 episodes
Share
