Business-to-business sales professional Matt Marinelli is an outside sales representative at UniFirst Corporation, a uniform services provider in Mount Pleasant, New Jersey. He attends to clients assigned to his region, ensuring a successful, client-centric sales and service cycle. Matt Marinelli also owns Matt’s Meal Preps, a private event catering company that provides customized meal plans and catering services for dinner and lunch parties, mainly at clients’ homes. He previously served as a catering manager and lead catering associate at Jersey Shore BBQ, as well as a life coach and personal fitness trainer in Miami, Florida.
Mr. Marinelli holds a bachelor of science degree in business from Florida Atlantic University and an associate of science in hospitality management from Brookdale Community College. At both institutions, he was on the dean’s list and maintained a 3.8 GPA.
In his free time, he enjoys beach volleyball, exploring new restaurants, cultures, and cities, and running. He is a devout Catholic and serves as an usher at his local church.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My typical day consists of waking up at 6 am and heading to the gym. I like to start my day with a workout to set the tone for the day. It helps relieve stress and give me energy for the day. From there, I head out to work, which includes going to sales meetings and appointments. I travel to the office twice a week for in-person team meetings and to turn in files.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I bring ideas to life by committing to an idea or dream of mine and taking action to bring it to life. This may include practicing a skill or even saving money. I draft a plan with steps to help me achieve my goal and then I start the process.
What’s one trend that excites you?
A trend that excites me is social media food reviews. I like to watch videos of taste testers trying new food places, menu items, and giving reviews. I enjoy following the popular local food spots and going to try them myself.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Staying committed to being organized and on a schedule. This helps me with time management and planning my days, so I can achieve all of my goals at hand. If I am organized and plan a schedule, it keeps me going and productive.
What advice would you give your younger self?
To keep pushing through, no matter what. To trust the process and know that everything happens for a reason. Life is a marathon, not a sprint.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
One thing I repeatedly do is surround myself with great friends and family who have similar goals and always motivate me to be my best. Spend time with people who want the best for you, who will support you, and always be there for you.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I like to walk outside or do any kind of cardio or exercise. This helps take my mind off of my stress and relaxes me, as well. If possible, I prefer to walk by the beach.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
One strategy that helped me advance in my career is to only focus on what I can control. Did I do everything in my power to set myself up for success and to win the deal? Did I properly prepare myself and execute a plan? These are questions I ask myself. If I do everything that’s in my control, then I am at peace and can’t worry about the outcome. I focus on what I can control, rather than wasting time worrying about what I cannot control.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
One failure in my career was early on in my sales career when I allowed my external stressors to affect my professional performance. I was not showing confidence at my job, that made it very difficult to sell. It led to me beating myself up and getting very overwhelmed. Once I realized that sales was a mental game, I was able to succeed.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
My phone helps me be productive by conducting sales calls and syncing my schedule right to my phone and computer.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
The best $100 I spent was on a new pillow and sheets. I got a pillow meant for side sleepers, which is how I prefer to sleep. And I got new sheets that are soft but also cooling.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
My favorite book is Make Your Bed. This book motivated me and spoke to me in many ways. It made me realize that anything is possible with belief, hope, faith, discipline, and mental toughness. The story is incredible and shows unbelievable adversity and is based on real-life events.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
A series I recently enjoyed is The Bear. I really like the characters, especially the lead actor. I love food and restaurants, so it was the perfect show for me. It was captivating, exciting, and very interesting to me as someone who has worked in restaurants and loves to cook and dine out.
Key learnings
- Focus on what you can control, rather than you cannot.
- Exercise is great mental and physical therapy.
- Keeping scheduling and staying organized fosters productivity and progress toward goal achievement.
- Surround yourself with people who want the best for you and motivate you to be your best.