Oct 27, 2025

The Truth About Medical Sales — From a Medtronic Veteran

Justin Marshall’s path into medical device sales didn’t start in a boardroom or a classroom, it began in the hallways of a Hartford elementary school. As a kid, he would buy candy from a corner store and resell it to classmates, turning nickels into dollars. That early hustle planted the seeds of entrepreneurship and taught him fundamental lessons about effort, persistence, and understanding people.

Over time, those lessons evolved from selling candy and T-shirts to leading sales for one of the largest medical device companies in the world, Medtronic. Justin’s career is proof that great salespeople are built long before they ever step into the industry.

Early Lessons in Grit and Connection

Growing up, Justin quickly learned that business success comes from how you treat people. Every interaction mattered. Whether selling small items in his neighborhood or running a small clothing business in college, he realized that consistency, respect, and reliability build stronger relationships than any sales pitch ever could.

This mindset became the cornerstone of his future career — understanding that people don’t just buy products, they buy trust.

Breaking into Medical Device Sales

After earning his degree and working in copier sales, Justin began searching for a career that aligned with both his ambition and his desire to make an impact. When he discovered the medical device field, he saw an opportunity to combine sales with purpose — helping improve patient outcomes while building a long-term professional legacy.

Breaking in wasn’t easy. Rejections were constant. Yet he treated each setback as part of the process, refining his communication, presentation, and confidence with every interview. When his first opportunity finally came, he was ready to prove his value.

The Long Game of Integrity

Fifteen years later, Justin’s success in medical device sales can be traced back to one principle: integrity. His reputation grew not just because he hit numbers, but because he earned trust.

There were moments when he made mistakes — as every professional does — but he handled them with humility and ownership. Instead of avoiding difficult conversations, he faced them directly. That approach strengthened relationships with clients and reinforced the one trait that defines long-term success in this field: character.

Building Relationships, Not Transactions

Justin’s approach to sales goes far beyond closing deals. He focuses on relationships that last years, not quarters. By learning what matters to his clients and showing genuine interest in their success, he transformed business interactions into partnerships.

His method aligns with what he calls the “three A’s” of success in medical sales:

  • Affability – Being approachable and easy to work with.

  • Availability – Showing up when it matters most.

  • Ability – Delivering knowledge, solutions, and results consistently.

These simple but powerful traits have helped him stand out in one of the most competitive industries in the world.

Giving Back and Paying It Forward

Beyond personal achievement, Justin is deeply invested in helping others succeed. Through mentorship and coaching, he supports aspiring medical device sales professionals who want to follow the same path.

His goal is to help new reps avoid the common pitfalls, embrace the learning curve, and step confidently into a career that can change lives — including their own.

Final Thoughts

Justin Marshall’s journey from small-time entrepreneurship to leadership in medical device sales shows that success isn’t about luck, connections, or shortcuts. It’s about discipline, humility, and a genuine desire to serve others.

For anyone entering their first year in medical device sales, his story is a reminder that integrity, preparation, and a long-term mindset will take you further than experience alone.

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