Our Expert Team
Ben Kaukus - Founder
Ben Kaukus began his sales career in 1979 in an outside sales position in the copier industry. As a top-performing salesperson, he was promoted to start a new division for a new product segment. In that capacity he delivered significant growth for that product category, He stepped out of that position to embark on a new business venture starting a new copier/technology dealership in 1989. As a partner in this venture, he became the Vice President of Sales. Being responsible for the start-up of the company, his chief responsibility was to grow the customer base and revenue for the organization. In the early years, he learned to develop and train many top-performing salespeople. Soon the company went from being a startup company to earning a great achievement by becoming a Top 100 dealership in the country.
Ben sold his interests in that company and searched for another challenge. He found many opportunities in new industries that included telecommunications, managed services, and textile/uniform/linen industries. He accepted the new changes that enabled him to grow as a Regional Sales Manager and Director of Sales. In these positions, he enjoyed taking on the challenges of delivering substantial sales growth, plus learning how sales training and development are paramount for success. These opportunities gave him the methods to further expand his in-depth knowledge and skills on how to develop top-performing sales teams. Ben earned several awards throughout his selling career. This list isn’t necessarily important to anyone, but what is important is the knowledge and expertise that he acquired over his career. His expertise became his passion. His wish is to share this knowledge with anyone who truly wants to learn.. and further develop their selling & leadership careers. This is the driving force behind his formation of Effective Selling Solutions and our proven program.
R j olszewski
Rick Olszewski has over 40 years of experience as a sales trainer, consultant, coach, and national speaker. After graduating from SUNY Oneonta he started in Corporate America for his first 10 years. He then committed to going after his passion, helping people to help themselves and realize their potential. Rick left Corporate America and joined the team at a Sandler Training Franchise in Syracuse NY as an associate. During these 30 years, he was promoted to partner and then owner. Sandler Training is a global company with many franchises both domestic and abroad. Rick's areas of expertise are in sales training, management, customer service, communication, and executive coaching.
Rick's diverse clients include many industries including sales organizations, business owners, managers, college coaching staffs, political dignitaries, entrepreneurs, schools, and many more.
Rick's love for speaking, teaching, and coaching has had a positive impact on thousands of individuals, and helping people to achieve their goals has become his core value. His unique sense of humor and practical style have made him one of the most sought-after sales trainers and speakers throughout the country.
Rick has been actively involved in his community, he serves on the board of the Greater Syracuse Sports Hall of Fame and has been inducted by SUNY Oneonta Alumni of Distinction.
Until recently Rick resided in Central New York State for many years, he now has recently relocated to South Carolina with his wife and family nearby.
