Meet Rowan Ellis, the newest member of the Smart Ease family. Rowan is taking over day-to-day management of our Channel Partners from Gaige Ross, who will be launching Smart Ease operations in the UK this year.
How long have you been with Smart Ease?
I started on 1 February 2023. Spring chicken here!
Have you always been in sales?
Sort of. I’ve always been close to sales, either directly or through oversight.
I began my work life as a youth worker in a few different capacities. Initially I was selling the idea of safe sex to year nine students, and later I was visiting primary and intermediate schools selling the benefit of living a wholesome life full of good values and resilience. Upon getting married and planning a family, I began my career in sales. That was ten years ago!
Along the way, I’ve developed skills in people management, HR, Recruitment, Business Development, Business Advisory and Finance.
What do you do every day?
As the NZ Sales Director, I’ll continue supporting our Channel Partners and their teams to learn how they can leverage Smart Ease products to grow their business. My approach to sales has always been ensuring the success of my client through a consultative approach. Winning strategy is often hidden behind the unasked questions, so I’m looking forward to working together on those.
To enable further decarbonisation and digitisation of New Zealand business, part of my role is also scouting for new Channel Partners.
What’s been the highlight of your time at Smart Ease so far?
I’ve really enjoyed learning from Gaige, the former NZ Sales Director who now heads up Smart Ease sales in the UK. He has demonstrated a sincere passion for the industry and an unwavering commitment to the outcomes we are working towards.
What motivates you to bounce out of bed and come to work?
Two things.
1. We’re saving the planet. I’ve had a 6kW east-west system on my roof for a few years, so I’m quite the fanatic. Playing a significant part in the global rollout of renewable energy is an immense privilege.
2. Seeing others succeed is one of my strongest motivators. My favourite sales quote by Zig Ziglar (right) guides me. This role provides limitless opportunities to help our Channel Partners unlock new levels of success.
Stop selling.
Start helping.
Zig Ziglar
What do you do in your spare time?
I have three kids, aged 3, 5 and 7. They keep me busy! I’ve also been blessed with a wife who loves her own hobbies more than me (it’s amazing). This allows me to keep busy playing guitar, video games, learning Mandarin Chinese (HSK 4), managing my investments, and hitting the gym.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
My life changed when I read Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People in 2013. Rule one is don’t criticise, condemn, or complain. That one quote has steered my life in ways I couldn’t imagine. Warren Buffet’s number one rule, “don’t lose money”, has also had a huge impact.
What food would you never give up?
I have to be honest… I can’t live without BACON.
Chat to Rowan to learn more about Smart Ease Payment Plans