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Sales Kickoff 2025 Recap: Elevating Strategy, Expanding Opportunity

Xclusive’s Sales and Service Leaders convened in Westminster, Colorado, from March 3–5 for the annual Sales Kickoff 2025, an event designed to align teams, sharpen execution, and lay the groundwork for a year of strategic growth. With the theme Elevate. Engage. Sell., the three-day program included training, leadership presentations, and collaborative planning sessions across departments.

Here are the key takeaways and outcomes from the event.

Company Vision and Sales Alignment

The kickoff began with opening remarks from Karla Dougherty, who shared Xclusive’s Vision 2025 and emphasized priority areas for growth. This included strengthening national account partnerships, improving sales process consistency, and expanding into new service verticals.

A highlight of the event was a live Q&A session with CEO Nicole Beall, who discussed the company’s sales trajectory and reinforced the critical role of collaboration between departments in achieving revenue targets.

Digital Prospecting and CRM Evolution

Participants received in-depth training on LinkedIn Sales Navigator, led by the LinkedIn team, focused on modern digital prospecting strategies. This session was followed by a comprehensive walkthrough of recent updates to Microsoft Dynamics CRM, introducing a more intuitive pipeline process and new documentation standards that will simplify workflows and improve visibility into national accounts.

New Market Opportunities

On Day Two, Gisela Gomez presented an overview of Xclusive’s 2025 expansion into janitorial and outsourcing services. She outlined how the sales team can identify, position, and close these deals, along with a new service handling process aligned with Avendra expectations. This marks a significant step in Xclusive’s move to become a full-service solutions provider for clients across industries.

Sales and Service Integration

A joint roundtable featuring Jim White, Yuritza Malloch, Jessica Espinoza, and Jose Laura explored how Sales and Service can better coordinate on account transitions, ensuring a seamless handoff and a stronger customer experience. The discussion focused on improving communication, planning service delivery timelines, and reinforcing accountability across teams.

Sales Training and AI Enablement

Xclusive introduced a new AI Sales Coach platform in partnership with Butler Street. This tool will support both Sales and Service teams in refining their approach through real-world scenario training, ultimately boosting win rates and strengthening client relationships.

Marketing Support for Growth

During the final morning session, Marketing Director Jason Nutile shared the updated marketing strategy for 2025. Key initiatives include enhanced inbound lead generation, new national account landing pages, streamlined processes for sponsorship event support, and refreshed digital and printed collateral. These updates are designed to equip the Sales team with timely, brand-aligned tools that drive results.

Compensation and Profitability Education

To close out the event, CFO Britt Goldman and Ashley Kusmanoff led a session on the 2025 bonus structure. They provided clarity on how pricing, margins, and deal structure directly impact commission earnings. Real-world examples illustrated how smarter sales strategies can increase overall compensation.

Looking Ahead

With aligned strategies, innovative tools, and clear targets in place, Sales Kickoff 2025 laid the foundation for a strong year of growth and innovation. All team members are encouraged to review the shared resources folder for event materials and connect with their leaders for support as these initiatives roll out.

The Power of a Handwritten Note: Creating Meaningful Touchpoints with Customers

In today’s fast-paced digital world, small gestures can leave lasting impressions. One of the most effective—and often overlooked—ways to build stronger customer relationships is through a handwritten note.

Whether it’s to celebrate a milestone, express appreciation, or follow up after a successful staffing event, a thoughtful handwritten message from a Branch Office Leader can reinforce the human connection that sets Xclusive apart.

To make this process easy and efficient, the Marketing Department now offers a streamlined service to send handwritten notes on your behalf using the Thanks.io platform. These notes are mailed in premium Xclusive-branded stationery and can come directly from you or a designated member of your team.

Here’s how it works:

1. Submit a Request using the new online form available in the Marketing portal.

2. Share the Occasion and Draft Message – We’ll ask why you're sending the note (e.g., client anniversary, exceptional collaboration, new contract kickoff) and have you provide a short, personalized message.

3. We Handle the Rest – Marketing will format your message, print it using Thanks.io’s authentic handwritten style, and mail it directly to the customer.

4. See What Was Sent – You’ll receive an image of the final note for your records.

Why it Matters:

• Personal Touch, Professional Impact: A handwritten note breaks through the noise of emails and calls. It’s tangible, memorable, and shows your customer they’re valued.

• Time-Saving and On-Brand: By having Marketing manage the process, we ensure consistency in branding while saving Regional and Branch Leaders valuable time.

• Builds Loyalty and Trust: Simple gestures of gratitude and recognition help strengthen long-term partnerships and open the door to future opportunities.

This small act of service can go a long way in reinforcing our commitment to exceptional service and genuine connection.

Ready to send one?
Visit the Marketing Request Form and select Handwritten Note to get started.

The Culture & Collaboration Council:
What Comes After the Kickoff

On May 20, 2025, we officially launched the Culture & Collaboration Council—a powerful next step in our commitment to building a more connected, inclusive, and empowered workplace at Xclusive. This council represents a fresh chapter in how we shape our culture: not from the top down, but together.

“The Culture & Collaboration Council reflects our commitment to listening, evolving, and creating a workplace where people feel connected, heard, and valued. I’m excited to see the ideas and energy this group brings to life.”
— Deidre Lewis, VP of Human Resources

The council’s mission is simple but important: to turn great conversations into real progress—through collaboration, creativity, and accountability. We’re excited to introduce the team leading the charge:

• Jose Saldana, Council Chairperson, brings with him a deep understanding of our company’s values and a passion for elevating the employee experience. His inclusive leadership and strategic vision will help shape the council’s path forward.

• Keren Ramos, serving as Council Recorder, plays a key role in capturing the voice of the group and ensuring our actions align with our intentions. Her thoughtful documentation keeps us accountable to our goals.

• Cesar Ydrugo steps into a dual support role as backup Chairperson and Recorder—gaining new leadership experience while helping the team stay on track.

Coming Soon: June 9, 1:00 PM MST

Our next meeting will focus on something everyone can get behind: ideas for a formal employee recognition program. The council will begin shaping what meaningful appreciation looks like across all parts of the company.

This is just the beginning. As the council continues its work, we’ll share updates and ways you can contribute. After all, building a stronger culture takes all of us.

Interested in joining us?

“We're also excited to see the Council gaining momentum within the company, as we've seen growing interest from Team Members who want to join,” Deidre adds. “Although the Council is currently full, any future additions will be to fill open vacancies. In the event of an opening, we will communicate it and open an enrollment period during which we’ll accept letters of interest. If there are multiple applicants, the Council will evaluate all candidates and make a decision.”

SHOUT OUT TO THE MOMS OF XCLUSIVE!

Last month, the company celebrated all the moms—whether working or staying at home—who have supported their families over the years. We salute you!"

LOCAL FACEBOOK PAGES HELP RECRUITMENT, SHARE AND ENCOURAGE YOUR COMMUNITY TO FOLLOW!

We’re excited to announce that the Xclusive Marketing Department has just launched official Facebook pages for several of our key cities—including yours! These local pages were created to help support recruitment and brand awareness in each market by providing a dedicated space for job posts, team highlights, and local engagement. To make these pages successful, we need your help spreading the word and keeping the content relevant and active.  

“Thanks for your help in driving this initiative, as it’s critical to our future success!” declares Jim White, SVP of Services. “Please make sure we are fully utilizing this outlet. It’s especially important that we run ads in English, with a focus on English-speaking talent pipelines. According to the feedback from the recruitment assessment, this is where we’re struggling the most to hire.”

Why These Local Pages Matter: 

• They show candidates we’re actively hiring in their city

• They create a stronger local presence with hotel partners and community members

• They drive more referrals and job applicants through shared posts

What You Can Do:

• Share with Your Entire Branch Team
  Please share this message—and the Facebook link for your city, and the QR code file for mobile use—with all team members at your branch. Encourage them to:

• Like and follow the page

• Invite their friends and family to follow

• Share posts that go live on the page (especially job openings)

• Submit Post Requests to Marketing
  Want to highlight a team member, share an event photo, or post a job?
  Use the Marketing Request Form here:
  👉 https://xclusivestaffing.com/branch-services-marketing-request/
  Marketing will post it for you and notify you when it’s live and ready to share.

• Use These Share Tips to Help Grow Your Page
  When sharing posts from your page, you can use simple, friendly captions like:  We’re hiring in [CITY]! Know someone looking for steady work at great hotels? Tag them below or send them our way! #Xclusive [CITY] #NowHiring #HospitalityJobs”

Here are the current live community pages: 

Xclusive Services Albuquerque Facebook: Shareable Link: https://bit.ly/FBXSABQ

Xclusive Services Atlanta Facebook: Shareable Link: https://bit.ly/XSFBATL

Xclusive Services Austin Facebook:  Shareable Link: https://bit.ly/XSFBAustin

Xclusive Services Charlotte Facebook: Shareable Link: https://bit.ly/FBXSCHA

Xclusive Services Cincinnati Facebook: Shareable Link: https://bit.ly/FBXSCIN

Xclusive Services Nashville Facebook: Shareable Link: https://bit.ly/FBXSNAS

Xclusive Services New Orleans Facebook: Shareable Link: https://bit.ly/FBXSNOLA

Xclusive Services Fort Lauderdale Facebook: Shareable Link: https://bit.ly/FBXSFTL

Xclusive Services Kansas City Facebook: Shareable Link: https://bit.ly/FBXSKANCITY

Xclusive Services Phoenix Facebook: Shareable Link: https://bit.ly/FBXSPHX

Xclusive Services Miami Facebook: Shareable Link: https://bit.ly/FBXSMiami

Xclusive Services Houston Facebook: Shareable Link: https://bit.ly/FBXSHouston

For more information, you can email Jason Nutile, Director of Marketing at jason.nutile@xclusiveservices.com

THE FOUR CORNERSTONES OF SALES CONFIDENCE: BUILDING A CULTURE WHERE EVERYONE ASKS FOR THE BUSINESS

Success in our industry isn’t just about staffing services or janitorial excellence — it’s about the people behind the solutions. Whether you're in Sales, Recruiting, Service, Admin, or Support, your confidence in what we offer matters.

No matter your title, we all have the opportunity to grow our business every single day — by how we show up, what we say, and how we ask for the business.

At Xclusive, we believe four core principles can unlock that kind of confidence:

1. Attitude – Show Up With Belief

Your mindset matters. A positive, proactive attitude opens doors, builds trust, and inspires others.
💬 Are you showing up each day believing in what we do?

When you believe in the value of our services, asking for the business doesn’t feel like selling — it feels like helping.

2. Personal Accountability – Own It

Own your outcomes. That includes the way you follow up with a customer, handle a request, or represent the brand in everyday conversations.
💬 Are you taking full responsibility for your part in our customer experience?

Confidence grows when you know your actions move the needle — and you take ownership of the result.

3. Perseverance – Don’t Quit Too Early

Success rarely happens on the first try. The best team members keep showing up, even when things don’t go their way the first time.
💬 Are you staying consistent — even when the win takes a little longer?

Confidence isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up again and again until the right moment lands.

4. Habit – Make It Your Default

Confidence doesn’t come from one big moment — it comes from repetition.
💬 Have you made asking for the business part of your daily routine?

When “asking for the business” becomes habit — in conversations, emails, site visits, and events — it becomes second nature.

Let’s All Get More Comfortable Asking for the Business

Whether you're talking with a long-time customer or meeting a new property for the first time, there’s one question that unlocks opportunities:

👉 “How else can we support your property?”
👉 “Would you like to explore a proposal?”
👉 “Can we be part of the solution for your next staffing need?”

No pressure. Just confidence. And trust in what we bring to the table.

Let’s be the team that always asks. That’s how we grow — together.

This prestigious honor places us among the nation’s most trusted recruiting partners, reinforcing what our customers and Team Members already know: we deliver excellence in staffing and service.