Fatigue and Stress Aren't "Just Part of the Job", Ep #483

What if the key to unlocking these capabilities lies not in another sales workshop, but in a pair of running shoes or a set of gym weights? On this episode of the Sales Reinvented podcast, I talk with Randy Neufeld, President and GM at Kubota Thunder Bay, who shares how his journey from sluggish and overweight to fit and focused transformed not just his health, but his entire sales career.

Outline of This Episode

• [00:00] The role of fitness in building strong customer relationships and leading high-performing teams.
• [04:50] Consistency and planning ahead are key to effective workouts.
• [08:24] Change poor lifestyle choices by opting for healthier options.
• [12:06] Persevere through setbacks; results will gain recognition.
• [13:51] How exercise led to improved business opportunities for Randy.

The Overlooked Link Between Fitness and Sales Success

Randy pulls no punches: physical fitness isn't just about looking good, but about being sharp, energized, and ready to deliver at your best. When you're physically fit and mentally fit, you're sharper, you're more alert, you have more energy. This heightened focus and self-confidence radiate during customer interactions. First impressions count, and a salesperson exuding vitality and positivity is inevitably more compelling.

Habits That Fire Up Your Day

How does a busy sales leader incorporate fitness into a jam-packed routine? According to Randy, it's ruthless consistency. His formula is simple yet effective. He starts every day with an early-morning workout at a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) gym, before most people have even hit the snooze button. This non-negotiable morning ritual, coupled with a healthy breakfast, ensures he arrives at work already energized and in the right mental space.

Randy recommends: 

• Scheduling your workouts for times least likely to be disrupted, for most, that's early morning.
• Making your fitness routine non-negotiable, just like an important meeting.
• Planning your workouts in advance, so you don't waste mental energy debating whether or what to do.

Sales is notorious for high stress and burnout rates. Randy credits his morning exercise for making him more relaxed and less susceptible to stress during the workday. A lot of stress is caused by people being rushed, whereas when your blood's flowing and you've had a good meal, you're coming to work ready to go. It's a simple formula: controlled mornings equal calmer, more productive days.

Tackling Common Roadblocks

Many sales professionals struggle with two core lifestyle challenges: inconsistent exercise and poor eating habits. You need to protect your workout time from life's interruptions, don't accept your own excuses, and treat your workouts as you would any professional obligation.

Perhaps the most inspiring part of Randy's story is the tangible effect his lifestyle change had on his career trajectory. Losing weight, eating better, and adopting regular exercise led to a more positive outlook, which in turn "opened doors" in his professional life. He transitioned into a new career, enjoyed new opportunities, and ultimately bought into a business, all steps he attributes, at least in part, to the confidence and drive fueled by fitness.

Surround yourself with like-minded people, celebrate small wins, and focus on the next milestone, not just the mountain ahead. In sales (and in life), physical fitness isn't optional self-care; it's a critical lever for sustained performance and professional pride.

Connect with Randy Neufeld

• Randy Neufeld on LinkedIn 

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• LinkedIn
• Twitter 

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