Hey everyone! If you’re thinking about breaking into medical device sales, you’re in the right place. Today, I want to share the story and lessons featuring Seth Coletti. Seth’s journey is a perfect example of how you can start from scratch and rise to the top even if you don’t have a fancy background in sales.

Meet Seth: From Boats to Big Med Device Companies

Seth didn’t start in medical device sales. In college, he sold boats. He liked sales, the competition, and having a clear goal to chase. After college, he jumped straight into medical device sales, landing a spot at one of the biggest companies in the industry. He worked hard, learned a ton, and built relationships with top reps. Fast forward a few years, and Seth’s now the National Sales Director for a medical device company—all before turning 30!

First Year: Like Drinking from a Fire Hose

Seth describes his first year as “drinking from a fire hose.” The training at big companies is intense. You’re expected to learn a lot, fast, and then teach it back like you’re already an expert. It’s overwhelming, but it sets you up for success. Seth’s advice? Don’t just rely on the official mentors or trainers. Reach out to the top performers, ask questions (even if they seem silly), and build your network. That support will help you more than anything else.

Real Talk: Expectations vs. Reality

Everyone thinks that once you work for a big name like Medtronic or Stryker, the job will be easy. But Seth quickly learned that having a big company on your badge only gets you so far. The market is super competitive. Sometimes, your product is almost identical to the competition’s. What matters is the value you bring and the relationships you build with your customers.

Mistakes Are Part of the Process

Both Jacob and Seth laugh about their early days—spilling all their training info to surgeons without really listening or asking questions. News flash: every doctor has seen a hundred new reps before you! The key is to learn from those awkward moments and keep improving. Don’t be afraid to admit when you don’t know something. It’s better to be honest and proactive than to pretend you have all the answers.

Traits of Top Reps

Want to stand out? Here’s what Seth and Jacob say you need:

• Be proactive and always willing to learn.
• Build a strong network inside and outside your company.
• Bring real value to your customers—don’t just regurgitate product features.
• Stay positive and persistent, even when things get tough.
• Love what you do! The top reps are passionate, while those who struggle often seem annoyed by the job.

Big Company vs. Startup Life

Seth’s worked at both huge companies and a medtech startup. Each has its pros and cons. Big companies offer great training and resources, but you’re just one of many. Startups give you more responsibility and a chance to make a bigger impact, but you have to be ready for more chaos and less structure. Either way, the skills and hustle you develop will serve you well wherever you go.

Final Thoughts

Seth’s story is proof that you don’t need a perfect background to make it in medical device sales. If you’re willing to work hard, keep learning, and build relationships, you can go far—maybe even all the way to the top. As I say, “Bet on yourself and go after your dreams. Your life can be better than you ever thought it could be if you do.”

Want More Details?

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All the best,

Jacob McLaughlin

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