You’ve already met Robin Larson as part of our People Behind The PLUS series. This week, we’re introducing you to another one of our fantastic employees – Raleigh account manager Brett VanDerMeulen!
Brett grew up in Roanoke Rapids, NC, and still resides there today. In fact, he’s been instrumental in expanding Copiers Plus’s offerings into that area. He’s been a member of the crew for a little over a year and we can’t wait to see how both he and the company grow as he continues his journey with Copiers Plus!
Join us in digging a little deeper into who Brett is and how he contributes to the Copiers Plus team!
Meet Brett VanDerMeulen
Prior to finding his way to Copiers Plus, Brett attended Roanoke Rapids High School and worked at Little Caesars, where he made dough and prepped the day’s ingredients. After graduation, he set out for East Carolina University and spent the next four years as a proud ECU Pirate!
Brett graduated with a business marketing degree and plenty of great memories, including meeting his girlfriend of six years, Stephenie. Though his four-year journey there wasn’t always easy, earning his degree was a great achievement and one of the proudest moments of his life!
Brett’s mom is originally from New York, as is most of his family, but now resides in the Littleton / Roanoke Rapids area along with Brett. He also has a half sister who lives in Florida and an uncle in Texas.
The Copiers Plus Journey
It was Copiers Plus’s reputation for caring for its employees that first drew Brett to apply. “I had heard about the accolades [Copiers Plus] won for their work environment,” he said. “Sitting down and talking to our leaders really solidified that with me.”
He’s referring to Business North Carolina’s Best Employers In North Carolina award, which Copiers Plus received in 2021. Of course, it’s an honor of which we’re incredibly proud and strive to fulfill every day, but another perk is that it brings outstanding employees like Brett to our team!
Brett joined the crew in late August of 2022 and has made an impressive impact right off the bat. As an account manager, he describes his role as that of a consultant. “I meet with local businesses and work together with them to find the products that work best with their office,” he said.
He also enjoys that he can clearly see how his role fits into the company’s overall goals and appreciates that he’s trusted to manage his territory.
“At all of my other jobs I felt expendable,” Brett shared. “With Copers Plus, I feel like I am part of the puzzle. I am in charge of the expansion into my area.”
He’s proven himself more than capable of handling this task. Before Brett started with Copiers Plus, the company had little presence in the Roanoke Rapids area. However, Brett has worked diligently with the area’s small and medium-sized businesses to bring them the solutions they need. And this hard work has paid off. He recently closed a deal with a local school district – his biggest account yet!
A Culture Of Collaboration
Brett’s impressive skill set and hard work certainly deserve credit for his success, but he’s quick to point out that he didn’t get this far alone. Though his territory is farther out than many, he never feels isolated. There are many co-workers he can rely on for help any time he reaches out.
One such co-worker is VP of Sales, Kevin Oberman, whom he considers a mentor. Brett didn’t have much sales experience when he started with Copiers Plus, but Kevin has helped him learn the craft.
“[Kevin] has helped me become more assertive and has given me the tools I needed to be successful,” Brett explained.
In fact, Brett has noticed a trend throughout the entire Copiers Plus organization: a willingness to help. Whether assisting a client or co-worker, the company is filled with compassionate individuals who want to help others.
It’s a trait Brett demonstrates as well. He said, “The most rewarding part of my job is knowing I have made a difference in all of my clients’ offices. I focus on getting them the services they need and on saving them money.”
When Brett’s not working hard for his clients, you might find him relaxing with a Harry Potter book, watching The Last of Us, listening to hip-hop, or hiking his favorite spot in North Carolina, Black Mountain. He loves spending quality time with his family, friends, and Stephenie as well.
We’re thrilled that Brett is a member of the Copiers Plus team and have loved getting to know him personally and professionally over the past year. We hope you’ve enjoyed learning more about him this week as well!
