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April 7, 2005

YOUNGEST STATE SENATOR LEARNS HOW TO GET THE VOTES THROUGH VECTOR TRAINING

When State Senator Nick Hacker hit the campaign trail last year, he was reminded of his days as a Vector sales representative.

"My philosophy has always been that you don't learn to sell knives," said the former rep. "You learn how to sell your self."

That sums up the lessons he learned selling Cutco knives as a student at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. Today, at 23, Hacker is the youngest state senator in the history of North Dakota, and may very well be the youngest in the history of the United States.

"The key to campaigning is to gain rapport with people you've never met before," Hacker said. "It's all about how fast you can gain respect. And how you can get someone to like you in a few minutes."

Hacker was able to master this skill as a Vector sales rep during the summer after his freshman year.

"Like most students, I received a letter and went in for the interview," he recalled. "At the time I was working as a bartender and needed a second job. I was a little hesitant because I had never sold anything."

The rest is history.

really liked the process. Once you sell yourself, the knives sell themselves."

During that first summer, Hacker earned more than $13,000 in commissions, and much of his success was based on his ability to build customer confidence during the initial moments of the in-home demonstrations.

But he learned much more through the "Skills For Life" program. Budgeting his time and setting goals were other key elements that ultimately helped him get elected. These skills are still appropriate because in addition to being a state senator, Hacker has a full-time job and is finishing up his senior year at the university.

His full-time position with the university's Center for Innovation is also directly related to his Vector experience. As a business and entrepreneur consultant, he develops business and marketing plans for innovative high-tech businesses.

Hacker said that his experience as a Vector rep and assistant manager has been invaluable when working with start-up businesses. All of these skills caught the attention of the Republican Party in North Dakota's District 42 in Grand Forks where more than half of the constituents are under the age of 25.

"Nick was the perfect candidate for that district," said Bruce Goodman, president and CEO of Vector West. "As an assistant manager, Nick recruited and trained many college students. He understands their needs and his ability to relate to peers was critical during his campaign and election."

At 23, Hacker has a bright future and many opportunities.

"My experience with Vector was invaluable," he said. "You can't put a price tag on it. As I see it, three types of people work for Vector: those looking to earn money while in college; those who choose a full-time career with Vector; and those who leave and perhaps return."

Where does Hacker fit in?

"Let's put it this way. I never close a door," he mused. "My demonstration kit is still in my closet."