IN THE SPOTLIGHT THE EXCHANGE WINTER 2021 OUR FAVORITE TRAILBLAZERS: WADE WHEATLEY HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH SALESFORCE? In the fall of 2019, Graymont hired Sameer Afsar as their CIO, and I started working on a project with him. Before Graymont, Sameer worked as a Salesforce consultant for several companies. As we worked together, he introduced me to the CRM and AppExchange ecosystem. Being someone who loves learning, I immediately admired his expertise and wanted to learn more. From there, Sameer introduced me to the Trailblazer Community and Trailhead learning modules. A few months and 90 badges later, I became Graymont’s Salesforce Admin. WHEN DID YOU FIRST USE APPEXCHANGE? The first time I really engaged with AppExchange was when Sameer asked me to download Mogli SMS for a few initiatives we were working on. This was in addition to several other apps we are using, including DocuSign and Zenkraft. Less than one year later and we have seen a 367% increase in new appointments through our lactation consulting services, as well as an increase from zero to 150 Salesforce Admin A horticulturist turned Salesforce Admin, Wade Wheatley 5-star Google reviews in less than a month. Graymont Medical discovered Salesforce through a job he found with the WHAT DOES BEING A TRAILBLAZER help of a temp agency. One year later, Wade’s career MEAN TO YOU? It means constantly having a thirst for knowledge and learning. As a has sprouted with the speed of a storybook beanstalk. Trailblazer, you have a sense of joy about learning and pushing yourself and not being satisfied with your knowledge level where it’s at. This He’s moved from being a billing specialist at Graymont drives you to go where you haven’t gone before — to blaze new trails. Medical, to managing all of their Salesforce efforts. He WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR chatted with us about these exciting changes. OTHER TRAILBLAZERS? Keep doing trails. Take advantage of the Trailblazer Community groups and answers sections, which allow you to exchange information and learn from others. And then, if you can find someone like Sameer — a mentor who will come alongside you — invest in that relationship. They will be able to help you with tips, tricks, and interesting solutions that don’t always show up on Trailhead. 13