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Quote The Sandler Selling System is a tremendously beneficial process for selling.  Using the system and focusing on the correct behaviors has given me the power to move forward in selling situations that would have previously stopped me in my tracks.  As my company continues to roll out Sandler concepts to others in the sales force I am hopeful that benefits I have received personally will begin to positively impact our firm with increased growth. Quote

Allene Sterritt

About Us

Lorraine Ferguson
Lorraine Ferguson, President

Lorraine is the Founder & President of Direct Impact Associates, LLC, an authorized licensee of Sandler Training in Albany, NY.

Successful in accelerating growth through strategic leadership, Lorraine knows firsthand the value of a sales training approach that follows a learning philosophy of ongoing reinforcement.  She is experienced in driving the behaviors, attitudes and techniques required of an effective sales team.

Lorraine has an enterprising management style with a record for building businesses and retaining highly engaged employees in fast-paced competitive environments.  She is passionate about helping companies grow their business and enabling a successful Tech Valley region through effective sales and management practices.

Her key business strengths include:

  • Sales training and management
  • Customer relations and business development
  • Organizational strategic planning
  • Recruiting, motivating and retaining effective teams
  • Team leadership
  • Client communications

Lorraine has over 25 years experience in the Capital Region/Tech Valley and nationally as an executive managing sales, marketing, operations and technical personnel at the corporate, regional and branch level for start-up, franchise, Fortune 500 and private equity companies.  Prior to bringing the globally recognized Sandler Training programs to this region she was the CEO of a regional technology company and Vice President of Education Services for IKON Office Solutions, a $65 million division.  Previously Lorraine was a member of a management team for a start-up technology company, where she launched the Eastern New York market that contributed $5 million in annual revenue prior to acquisition.

Michael Nelson

Michael Nelson, Associate

Michael Nelson is an Associate of Direct Impact Associates, LLC - the Sandler Training Authorized Licensee for the Tech Valley.  He has over ten years experience in the Capital Region/Tech Valley as a business owner, entrepreneur, and selling professional in the real estate, finance, and facility service markets.  Mike knows that discipline, guts and, energy are important elements to business success, and he has a history of demonstrating it - including successfully starting a business and selling it after building it up to a highly successful level.  

Prior to being part of the Sandler Training team, he was the Director of New Business Development for a large commercial facility services company where he helped install and grow a client direct sales program.

Mike brings several years of selling success, an understanding of the importance of repeatable, proven systems on closing more business and a true passion for sharing the Sandler Selling System and his successes with other selling professionals.

He resides in Glens Falls NY with his wife Sarah and three children, ages 7, 4 and 2.  Outside of work, you will find Mike setting challenging goals for himself, including recent completion of the Tough Mudders New England Event.