Russ Berrie Institute for Professional Sales

04/10/2024

The William Paterson University of New Jersey Professional Sales Team showcased their skills at the National Shore Sales Challenge hosted by the Perdue School of Business at Salisbury University, April 5-6, 2024.

Our students of the William Paterson University Cotsakos College of Business represented the professional sales team and embraced the opportunity to compete against top sales students from universities across the United States. In addition to competing in the sales competition, they networked with corporate companies and developed new relationships to advance their careers.

The experience was invaluable and empowering for our students and their careers. We can't wait for next year!

02/21/2024

This semester the Russ Berrie Institute for Professional Sales kicked off its Sales Career Conversations program and had the pleasure of welcoming corporate partners Joseph Cardinale and Tyrone Choate from Sunbelt Rentals. They shared an overview of professional sales career opportunities at Sunbelt Rentals and valuable insights from their own experiences. It was a remarkable experience for our business students as they had the chance to network with professionals and extend their knowledge of career opportunities. The Russ Berrie Institute will continue to have corporate partners at the Cotsakos College of Business to engage with future business leaders to provide meaningful connections and knowledge on professional sales careers.

12/12/2023

The Russ Berrie Institute for Professional Sales would like to wish everyone a Happy Holidays! Enjoy the break and stay warm! ❄️🎄

12/07/2023

On November 15, 2023, the Russ Berrie Institute for Professional Sales at the Cotsakos College of Business, William Paterson University of New Jersey, held a 20th Anniversary Celebration Dinner to honor its legacy.

The Russ Berrie Institute was established in 2003 through a generous gift from the Russell Berrie Foundation to support the vision of Russ Berrie, founder and CEO of Russ Berrie and Company, Inc., to elevate professional sales.

During the memorable anniversary celebration, the Institute paid special tribute to the collective efforts of current faculty and staff and long-term academics and corporations for their dedication and commitment to elevating the profession of sales. In addition, the Russell Berrie Foundation was honored as the legacy partner for their unwavering support and instrumental role in shaping the Institute's success over the past two decades.

Dr. Joshua Powers, Provost of William Paterson University, shared how the late Russell Berrie's vision has significantly impacted the profession of sales and the Cotsakos College of Business at William Paterson University. Dr. Idana Goldberg, CEO of Russell Berrie Foundation, provided heartfelt welcome remarks and introduced the new Russell Berrie Endowment Scholarship for students who are Professional Sales Majors at William Paterson University.

Special thanks to William Paterson University alums Marlon Addison and Ian Michaelchuck for serving as emcee and keynote speaker, respectively. We also want to thank the RBI sales community, including students, alums, past directors and staff members, academic partners, corporate partners, and friends. Your support over the years has been invaluable, and we are genuinely grateful for the partnership we share.

The Russ Berrie Institute will continue celebrating its 20th Anniversary throughout the 2023-2024 academic year.

12/05/2023

11/28/2023

The Russ Berrie Institute would like to congratulate all of the students who participated in the 2023 National Sales Challenge. A big round of applause to all, we know how hard you worked for this! Thank you to all the universities that came from around the world, and corporate sponsors that supported the event, we appreciate it!
-selling

11/13/2023

On November 15-17, 2023, the Russ Berrie Institute of Professional Sales will host the National Sales Challenge. We aim to promote the sales profession by providing students the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and capabilities in a series of sales challenges.

Visit https://www.wpunj.edu/giving/special-giving-opportunities/National%20Sales%20Challenge.html for more information.

03/22/2023

We are delighted to announce the winners of the 2023 RBI Sales Triathlon, which took place on March 7th - March 9th. This event was made possible thanks to the support of our corporate partners, our judges, our student participants, and guests. Swipe to see our winners who demonstrated impressive sales skills and strategic thinking throughout the competition. Their hard work and determination paid off, and we are proud to have them as champions of this year's Triathlon. Thank you to everyone who made this event possible. We look forward to seeing you again next year!

11/24/2022

The Russ Berrie Institute for Professional Sales would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! We will be spending time with friends and family over the break, what will you guys be doing?

11/17/2022

National Sales Challenge 2022 Day 2! Good luck to all the sales teams competing!

11/16/2022

Good morning!!! Today is the first day of the 2022 National Sales Challenge. Here is a schedule of what is taking place today.