The Southwestern Company Alumni Blog
Last week I had the opportunity to start my week off with a much needed boost. Every summer since I have been working in Southwestern’s alumni department I try to make time to watch President Dan Moore take the stage on a Monday morning at Sales School. Although I have seen the part many times before, it still gives me goosebumps as I reflect back on what it was like to find the courage to knock on that first door.
Meaning no disrespect to his predecessors, I am always amazed at how Dan’s imagery captures what that first encounter with “Mrs. Jones” may be like. Dan’s words and incredible storytelling inspired me to do battle with my own Mr. Mediocrity on and off the bookfield. My perspective has changed since sitting in War Memorial during my eight summers as a bookperson, but the lessons still ring true.
For the last 30 years Dan Moore has been jump starting sales school and most of us can not imagine it any other way. As Southwestern’s Sales School entered its second week, 740 screaming students in a packed War Memorial Auditorium in downtown Nashville welcomed Dan to the stage. When the standing ovation and cheering roar of the crowd ended, Dan was promptly interrupted.
In a special surprise, Dan was joined onstage by his wife and best friend, Maria. On behalf of all of Southwestern and the students dealers, Tabitha Taylor, serving as emcee, recognized Dan for the extraordinary impact he has had on over 70,000 students – including all of the first-year dealers in the audience he was about to inspire.
With just about all of students who have attended Sales School for the last 30 years trained and mentored by Dan, it all starts for everyone with that Sales School door. In showing our appreciation, it is now and forever will be known as “Dan’s Door.” The plaque on the door reads:
“In honor and recognition of the outstanding dedication, commitment, and executed personal development Dan Moore has shown to more than 70,000 students, one door at a time, beginning with this one.”
The surprise and emotion in Dan’s face said it all. While taken aback by the moment, he graciously and humbly accepted the recognition, then did what any Southwestern Company great would do… moved to the next door.
Dan, you are FANTASTIC!!!! CONGRATS!!!!
Mary
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Dan,
I still remember your inspiration in the summers of 98 & 99! Congratulations!
Jessica
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Dan,
You’re awesome! In my five summers selling books (96-2000), I ALWAYS looked forward to when you took the stage at Sales School! Your inspiration carried me between many doors!
Thank you
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Dan, has it really been that long??? Congratulations to you and Maria both. You’ve always been an inspiration to me.
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Dan, my impression of you during my years with SW (‘72-’85) was of a guy who although being an amazingly great salesman and manager, was tremendously gracious, humble, approachable and genuine. Keep being used to impact for good many more people.
Dan Pinckney
Munich, Germany
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What an appropriate tribute to one who has been such a tremendous inspiration! I never tired of hearing the stories you shared, even after seven summers of selling (‘85-’91). Thanks so much!
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Dan,
Mahalo for introducing me to the door & helping me to always remember the pony!
You rock! Bless Maria for supporting you to support all of us in building character & knocking strong!
Blessings & Aloha, C
ps–if anyone has footage of your skit, I would love to share it with my hubby!
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Congratulations Dan! You made such a huge impression on me my first summer (‘96) and all the many years that followed with SW. So glad that you continue to impact students for the world!!
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Dan, you have been an inspiration to many many of us. Congratulations. Thank you and God Bless you always.
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Dan, it’s so great to see your humble and inspiring service to so many thousands of us be recognized in this special way. You are truly one of the extraordinary people who has touched my life. Thank you!
(Dan Pinckney and I even talked about you when he and his wife visited me in January and we discovered that we had both sold books. Such a small world!)
Your influence spans the globe.
Blessings and admiration always,
Bettina (Pfahl) Schramm
Stuttgart, Germany
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BookDan and Maria! I can think of no one more deserving. The impact you’ve had on so many lives…the LEAST you can get is a plaque above the door that launched 70,000 book men and women! WTG for both of you!
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