Early Career Chats is an interview series run by MMAC Communications Intern Elena Fowle. Elena sits down with early- to mid-career members to hear about their career journeys, professional growth and involvement at MMAC.
Our final interviewee of the series is Drew Sanders from M&M Office Interiors. Continue reading for the full Q&A.
Q: Introduce yourself, your name, your company, your role and then give a general description of what you do.
A: My name’s Drew Sanders, and I’m a business development rep with M&M Office Interiors here in Pewaukee. I meet with and learn about local businesses who are in transition periods, either relocating or renovating a space, and work with them to truly make that space custom to that company.
Q: Could you give a brief summary of how you ended up in that role, what your journey was like and what is keeping you in your industry or role?
A: My career journey actually started during COVID. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in 2021 with a marketing degree. I did a job right out of school in a sales role, completely remote, didn’t vibe with my style, so I ended up taking a marketing job next. I really like the role I’m in now because I’m doing a bit of both. No two days are too similar, so it keeps everything really fresh, and that’s what keeps me coming back every day.
Q: How long have you been involved at MMAC?
A: I’ve been involved with MMAC for three years now and have been in the Networking Forum group number one for about two and a half years.
Q: What is your favorite MMAC event or memory at an MMAC event?
A: My favorite MMAC events are the Business After Hours. I really like the laid back and relaxed vibe to them. They’re just a great opportunity to go explore the city and network with some other professionals in the area.
Q: What do you feel is the greatest benefit that you’ve gotten out of being involved at MMAC?
A: The greatest benefit has by far been the connections. I come here biweekly and meet with the same group. Being able to tap into their network with MMAC has been the greatest benefit by far.
Q: What’s one piece of advice that you would give to other early or mid-career professionals?
A: A piece of advice I’d give to early or mid-career professionals is “it’s not always what you know, but sometimes it’s who you know,” and joining a chamber like this, you get introduced to a lot more people. So, that would be my pitch for the MMAC.
