Professional and advanced sales students in the Terry College of Business took part in the academic year-ending Top Dawg Sales Competition at the UGA Business Learning Community on April 22.

The daylong event featured a role-play competition and a networking opportunity for nearly 100 Terry students, culminating in a televised final round of live pitches among the four students who advanced.

“I’m just proud of all my students. A lot of you started my class not knowing how to sell, and I made you do these scary things, but you guys have done it,” Cindy Rippé, senior lecturer in the Terry College Department of Marketing and director of the college’s professional sales program, told the crowd in the Stelling Family Study. “You’ve grown your skills, so take this moment to network and enjoy the event.”

More than 30 sponsors and 65 professionals were on hand to judge the role-play competition and network with students. Professionals from companies such as Hendrick Automotive Group, Paycom, Norfolk Southern, Insight Global, CED and The Home Depot attended, giving students ample opportunities to present their credentials to a captive audience.

The day’s highlight was the final round of the role-play competition, shown live in the Stelling Study as the final four competed in Sanford and Barbara Orkin Hall. Terry marketing majors David Nelson, Grey Foster and Nic Wiles (who is also majoring in advertising) joined economics major Sam Kenny in the final four. They were tasked with selling Mini Coopers to a fledgling cookie dough company looking to expand its business. The 20-minute role plays included several twists — including the buyer making a frantic phone call early in the pitch.

“I love the weird objections, and they tell us to have a plan for them,” said Wiles. “Did you see me smile when she picked up that phone?”

When it was all over, Nelson was named the Top Dawg Sales winner, taking home $2,500. Wiles placed second and won $1,000, with Foster ($500) finishing third and Kenny fourth ($350). The 12 other students competing in the day’s Sweet 16 each received $200 for advancing.

“What we get to do here is amazing and such a privilege,” Rippé said. “To my graduating students, thank you for everything. I’m going to miss you all so much. To my students that are up-and-coming, let’s go! And to my sponsors and everybody who helps with this event, thank you for letting us shine. It makes a difference for my students and helps them grow.”