Jenny Redisi, ’91, has stepped into the role of director of the College of Business’ Professional Sales Center, effective July 16. She has been intricately involved with the sales program since 2016, actively engaged with the Experiential Learning Center on campus and worked as an instructor for Business in Action at the freshman level. Jenny also brings 20 years of industry experience to the classroom with sales positions at NCR, Preh Electronics, Microsoft and Oracle along with all aspects of her business, Cafe Roma in Elgin, Illinois.
Learn more about Jenny Redisi through the following interview, conducted by the College of Business Marketing and Communications team:
Q: You have been teaching at NIU since 2016. What courses did you teach at NIU prior to this?
A: I primarily have taught MKTG 350 Intro to Sales and MKTG 446 Sales Metrics and Leadership. I have also coached three Experiential Learning Center teams. In addition, I taught Business in Action, Integrated Marketing Communications and Buyer Behavior.
Q: What are you most excited about in your new role?
A: I am most excited about helping students tackle the changing dynamics of doing business with confidence in their own abilities. The challenges are significant when you consider the changing skills required in the job market, Generative Artificial Intelligence, economic uncertainty caused by factors from across the world, and the health of the planet. Business models and best practices will evolve over time. It is my goal to have NIU Sales Program students recognize what they are great at and appreciate what others contribute so they can use their superpowers to make the world a better place.
Q: What is one thing your COB colleagues could help you with, support you with, or answer for you?
A: Sales is for everyone, every major! I need help exposing more students to power of professional sales and how much value salespeople bring to every stakeholder. In every role, people need to influence others. Teachers need to influence students to complete their homework. Nurses need to influence patients to take care of themselves. Accountants and engineers need to convince their colleagues and clients to implement the carefully prepared recommendations. Nonprofit executive directors need to influence donors and volunteers to support the mission. All of these roles will be more effective if they understand and leverage professional sales principles.
Q: Why did you decide to earn your B.S. in marketing at NIU? What was your experience like, and how did your NIU studies ready you for your career?
A: From an early age, I was always “business-minded.” My mom used to call me Alex P. Keaton from Family Ties. I did not know I wanted to major in marketing until I had Rick Ridnour for MKTG 350 Introduction to Sales. My dad wanted me to major in Accountancy, but I just was not inspired. I really liked the human aspects of marketing. I also craved to be where the action was. Marketing, and specifically sales, seemed like best place for me. I loved my four years at NIU. I was heavily involved on campus with the Honors Program, NIU Marching Band and Delta Sigma Pi. Dean Brown also invited me to be the student voice on the planning committee for Barsema Hall.
The biggest impact on my career readiness was opting in to leadership roles and jumping on every chance to gain more perspective about industries and roles. My sales classes inspired me to see the value that great salespeople bring to their clients and organizations.
Q: After you earned your degree, where did your career take you?
A: I landed my first job through campus recruiting. I was a strategic accounts salesperson in the Retail Division of NCR. My accounts included Ulta, Crate & Barrel, Kohl’s, Target, and several other retailers that are now obsolete. This was at the very beginning of the PC boom. In the first year of training, we spent as much time learning about technology as we did about selling.
After several years, I was promoted to district manager. It was a huge challenge to take on the responsibility because I was the youngest person on the team and now responsible for managing my peers and mentors. I loved leading. It was a fascinating time to be in IT sales because of the explosion of new technology. Self-checkout, kiosks and electronic shelf tags were all invented and first sold to retailers during that time.
I also worked for Microsoft as a relationship marketing manager and Oracle Hospitality as a sales representative. I took a few years off from corporate roles to start Café Roma in Elgin. Fifteen years later, Chef Frank is still serving the best Italian food and soups in the northwestern suburbs.
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies?
A: I enjoy gardening and yoga. I am an avid native gardener and work tirelessly to support native plants, insects and wildlife. I love to travel and explore the local culture, art and cuisine. A great day on vacation could include a hike or SCUBA dive.
Q: What’s your favorite vacation spot that you’ve visited?
A: My favorite vacation was in Costa Rica. I stayed far from the tourist areas and really gained an appreciation for the culture and environmental challenges facing this gorgeous country. Ketchikan, Alaska, is a close second. I was surprised by the beauty and diversity of the wildlife and ecosystem.
Q: Do you have any special talents?
A: I am a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach. My Top 5 Talents are: Individualization, Relator, Input, Learner and Arranger.
Q: In your opinion, what makes Huskies special?
A: Grit, real-world experiences and compassion make Huskies the best in the pack. I have found that the NIU students are committed to learning and curious about new ideas. Some of our best class discussions are around challenging an idea or principle. They also work hard outside of class in jobs, sports, and student organizations. So many students are balancing multiple priorities. I love it when they bring those experiences into the classroom. I also find Huskies to be committed to their communities while also open and welcoming to others.
