Welcome to the 5th Annual Sales Summit

February 19th, 2026

Set Yourself Apart

Welcome to the Sales Summit. We invite you, to join us, on a journey of personal and professional growth. Our theme, Set Yourself Apart is more than a slogan—it’s the mindset behind our Sales Summit at UMN Duluth. This event is designed to challenge you to think differently, sharpen your skills, and elevate how you show up in your market. Through practical insights, real-world strategies, and meaningful connections, you’ll gain the tools and confidence to stand out, create value, and lead with intention in everything you do.

Whether you're pursuing a new career path, enhancing your skills, or exploring opportunities for personal development, the Sales Summit is designed to be a catalyst for growth and transformation. Embark on this journey with us, and discover the power to set yourself apart.

Meet the Speakers

John Hastings

Executive Vice President Sales - Loffler Companies

John Hastings serves as an Executive Vice President at Loffler Companies, an industry-leading office technology and managed services provider headquartered in Minneapolis, MN. With more than 25 years at Loffler, John currently oversees sales and operations for the Imaging (copy/print) and IT Solutions divisions.

His responsibilities include leading sales strategy across both business units, improving operational efficiency, shaping organizational structure, driving key financial metrics, and fostering collaboration among teams.

Drawing on a background in leadership, ministry, and organizational development, John often speaks to business leaders on topics such as sales strategy, leadership development, and building high-performing teams. He and his wife reside in Maple Grove, MN, and have three children. Outside of work, John enjoys golf, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and spending time at their northern Minnesota cabin.

Sue Newton

Director of Strategic Accounts - Brillect

Sue Newton brings more than 18 years of experience in client relationship management and business development within the consulting and talent industries. Known for her ability to build trust, solve complex problems and deliver thoughtful, high-impact solutions, Sue is a respected leader and a go-to partner for clients and colleagues alike.

Drawing on her background as an athlete and coach, Sue approaches every challenge with discipline, focus and heart - believing that how you do one thing is how you do everything. Her positivity, empathy and keen listening skills fuel strong, lasting relationships and a high standard of excellence in her role as Director of Strategic Accounts.

Lunch and Learn Panelist Speakers

  • Lindsey Trett

    Director of Talent Aquisition - Walser

    Lindsey Trett has built a 17-year career at Walser Automotive Group, beginning in 2008 as a part-time service receptionist while completing her music performance degree at the University of St. Thomas. She quickly grew through leadership roles in Walser’s Service Development and Business Development Centers before stepping into a director-level role in Process & Implementation in 2020.

    Since 2022, Lindsey has served as Walser’s Director of Talent Acquisition, where she leads company-wide talent strategy, university partnerships, and a rapidly expanding internship program. Lindsey is passionate about developing the next generation of leaders in a corporate automotive retailer space.


  • Donna Mangas

    Regional Sales Manager - ATS

    Donna started as a National Sales Rep for ATS Logistics -Anderson Trucking Service Inc. She quickly found her passion in developing people, building culture, and driving results and has been leading her team of logistics sales reps for the last 2.5 years as a Regional Office Sales Manager.

     Culture is everything in her office; combining a winning attitude with a strong, supportive family feel. It’s a place where people feel connected, challenged, and confident. From hands-on role play to collaborating with other managers for cross-office workshops; she is committed to helping her team elevate their skills, mindset, and career trajectory.

     Relationships power her team’s success. Strong relationships and clear communication—across teams, divisions, and customers—are what keep our office thriving with new opportunities.


  • Ben Cox

    District Marketing Manager - Federated Insurance

    Ben is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Madison (2015) and began his career at Federated the same year. Over the past decade, he has grown with the organization through a variety of roles. He spent three years as a Marketing Representative, building strong client relationships and executing impactful marketing programs, followed by three years as an Account Executive focused on strategic account growth. Now in his fourth year as District Marketing Manager, Ben leads teams, drives market strategy, and supports business development across the district.


  • Connor Foor

    Talent Acquisition Manager - Enterprise Mobility

    Connor Foor is the Talent Acquisition Manager for Enterprise Mobility, Team Minnesota. Connor attended Caldwell University in northern New Jersey where he completed a bachelor’s degree in business administration and an MBA. Connor has been with Enterprise Mobility for eight years, starting as a Management Trainee and pursuing internal promotion to be a Branch Sales Manager. Now, he manages a team of recruiters and Talent Acquisition professionals and manages college and university partnerships across Minnesota.

  • Kirk Studebaker

    President - Coordinated Business Systems

    Kirk Studebaker is President of Coordinated Business Systems and a seasoned sales professional who has transitioned into executive leadership. He brings firsthand experience navigating change and building resilient teams, offering practical insight on adaptability and thriving in today’s evolving workplace.


9:00am -1 0:15 am         Speaker: John Hastings (“Your First Big Sale is You: Building a Personal Brand That Gets You Hired”)

10:15am - 11:30am        Career Fair

11:30am - 12:30pm   Lunch N' Learn Panel (The Role of Tech in Modern Business: Current Uses and Future Directions)

12:30pm - 1:30 pm         Career Fair

1:30pm - 2:30pm           Speaker: Sue Newton (“There’s More than one way to win in sales”)

2:30pm - 3:30pm          Career Fair

Day of

Schedule