Meet David Dam
David Dam is an agriculture sales-development pioneer, a top-rated speaker, and a successful entrepreneur who has helped a wide range of businesses improve their marketing strategies and grow sales across the United States and Canada.
David Dam
David is the founder and CEO of ALTERRAIN, an industry leader in sales assessments, sales force evaluations, online sales development and customized monthly implementation plans specific to the agriculture industry.
David grew up on a farm, and also owns one, so he has a deep understanding of what farming communities need to succeed. He has spent countless hours in a tractor seat, working the land, and endless hours in a pickup seat calling on farmers. He is highly skilled at developing strong reseller networks, creating differentiated sales and marketing programs, and had a leading role in the growth of one of the largest family-owned seed businesses in the world. In other words, David has sat in the seats of his customers.
In the early 2000s, for close to a decade, David served as the Head of Sales for Golden Harvest Seeds, a company with roots dating back to the mid-1800s. His leadership and tenacity led the company to the largest new-customer base, dealer network and highest-customer-retention level it had ever seen, resulting in the greatest sales growth in history of the company.
With over 30 years of experience in all facets of sales development; including consulting, coaching, recruiting, systems, processes, and metrics, David has established himself as a distinguished expert in his field. He has been the focal point of a number of publications, most notably, a feature story in the Wall Street Journal.
David, along with his business partner and wife, Michelle, make a power team that specialize in candidate assessments, sales force analysis, and sales force development strategies based on building repeatable processes that lead to predictable results.
What Companies are Saying About ALTERRAIN
“David Dam is the best I have ever met when it comes to training people. David is more dedicated than anyone I have ever met, and his ability to share his knowledge with others is top notch. David was the creator of the Spot On programs with Norder Supply and helped to build several other programs integral to the sales staff. David helped increase my sales and efficiency immediately and is an asset anyone would be lucky to work with! David is a must have when it comes to knowledge, information, and training in the seed industry.”
Senior Agronomy Sales Specialist at
Norder Supply Inc.
“David Dam understands the decisions a farmer faces when working to raise a crop and profit. This becomes very valuable as a manager of a sales force to keep the learning “real” so the sales people act more as personal advisors to the farmer. Each year provides unique opportunities and challenges. David has always been a leader at recognizing the pulse on the industry and helping a sales force effectively implement business planning and implementing tactics to address those changing dynamics.”
Marketing Lead at Monsanto,
Corn States LLC
“David has a complete understanding of the necessary foundation of business relationships based on trust, passion and customer needs. Beyond the understanding, David relates, shares and demonstrates these skills as the strongest sales trainer I’ve experienced. After David facilitates your session...your exit doors will burst open as your sellers energy will take them directly to their market.”
Director of Agronomy at
Farmer's Cooperative Company
“David is probably one of the most down-to-earth guys I know. We’ve been helping companies grow sales together for about a year by combining technology with ALTERRAIN’s excellence in helping agriculture businesses take their sales to the next level. I look up to David and I learn something new every time we speak. To me, David is a role model and a friend that I really, really [convincing tonality here] enjoy working with.”
Sales Effectiveness Consultant Membrain
“I have worked for David Dam in the past and would highly recommend that anyone listen to what he has to say. Years of leading a large organization, like Golden Harvest, has given him great experience and the ability to organize and carry out a mission. Once he has started on mission he will spend countless hours to make it a success. I highly recommend David Dam as a great manager.”
Planned Giving Officer at
Diocese of Lincoln NE
“David is committed to helping others succeed. He has a deep understanding of agriculture and especially the seed and chemical industry. You can expect David to push you through the implementation phase of any plan or new skill you need to integrate into your organization.”
Vice President, Business Resources at
United Suppliers, Inc,
“I was fortunate enough to work with, and report to David Dam from 1999 - 2007. Throughout that time, David served as the Golden Harvest Head of Sales and Lead Trainer for Syngenta. Over this timespan, I was able to work closely with David and gain a very strong appreciation for his professional skill set. First and foremost, David is a winner who is driven to exceed expectations. Whether it be sales results and profitability or another business objective, David has a very strong track record of delivering results above expectations. In the 8 years that I worked directly with David, he was widely regarded within the organization as a top tier performer and his annual results supported this.
David’s strongest attribute is his ability to build business plans that differentiate, then trains, coaches and develops people. David’s passion for helping professionals meet their full potential is unmatched. He achieved excellence in training/coaching through developing curriculum that matched the training need and also through intentional coaching. First, he is an outstanding agricultural sales trainer. David’s understanding of the sales process and how to anticipate and successfully handle objections makes his training material extremely applicable. He has walked in the seller’s shoes which enables him with expertise to craft training that prepares sellers for the task. Additionally, his ability to handle objections is unmatched. His training’s are built to enable sales professionals to anticipate and successfully handle the likely objections to closing the sale. Finally, his people coaching skills are the best I have ever seen. He is able to clearly articulate to people how they can improve and get the most out of their skill set. I would highly recommend David to organizations who are driven and willing to implement a strong training and coaching culture. Without doubt, he will lift a sales organization to higher performance levels.”
“I have known David for a little over 5 years and have nothing but positive things to say. David has been instrumental in teaching how to become the Number 1 Retail Sales Team in Nebraska. David’s ability to implement a strategy in the classroom and on the farm is second to none. I would highly recommend considering ALTERRAIN’s services to unlock the full potential of your Sales Team. There is no doubt in my mind that David will be an excellent addition to your Team. 25+ years working in Agriculture and leading several key projects that are still in place today makes ALTERRAIN your number source for Sales Training.”
Key Account Manager at
Central Valley Ag
“David Dam had an incredible impact on our sales team’s ability to work through the sales process with current and prospective customers, start to finish. His training methods and 1-on-1 interactions with each salesperson on the team were tailored to each person’s skill set accordingly, allowing each individual to grow no matter what level of ability they were at. If you want to take your sales team to a whole new level and close more deals, I believe David Dam has the experience and tools to get it done for you!”
Account Manager at
Machinery Scope
“When I entered the working world, I was green as green eggs and ham. Like other young men and woman that enter the agricultural world an opportunity in sales presented itself. When you start your career, goals are created. Goals are great but how are they achieved? David has created a process that has developed my skills to be an elite trusted advisor. I ask problem questions, I ask impactful questions, I am asking all the right questions. I’m asking questions like, “ what role do you want me to play on your farm”. Who else is asking that question? I have set myself apart to be better in this industry with David’s help. I recommend Alterrain to get rid of bad sales habits and create better ones.”
Field Sales Agronomist at
Central Valley Ag
“I have had the privilege of working with David Dam at Channel. David prepared Channel employees and Channel Seed Dealers for success through his knowledge and understanding of the seed industry. David developed a short term and long term plan to help coach/train our staff and Dealers to develop value through our services and how to set expectations within our industry through our products and services. David’s coaching techniques were very well received and his follow-up was very timely. Through his commitment to my success as a manager I was able to further develop my skill set as a manager.”
District Manager at Channel
“I had the opportunity to attend two training sessions of David’s. He is extremely passionate and energetic, and brings real world experience to the classroom. David does a great job creating dialogue amongst everyone in the training. He gets everyone out of their comfort zone, and helps them to start thinking differently. I have attended numerous sales classes and training sessions through out my career, and my time with David definitely ranks at the top of the list. He not only helps coach and train the sales process, but is a great motivator. You leave his training ready to hit the streets hungry for sales. If you’re looking to improve your sales team or sales culture within your company, I highly recommend working with David.”
Regional Team Leader at AgriGold
“David Dam is the best coach I have ever worked with in the agriculture industry. While I worked with David he was able to create processes and teach skills to all levels of staff. Through his teaching style he was able to motivate and challenge staff to looks at things in a different way while keeping it agriculturally focussed to keep staff engaged. I highly recommend David to anyone that is looking to take their team to the next level.
Ethan Gosling -Canadian Sales Manager at Decisive Farming
David is certainly one of the best Training Specialist I’ve had the privilege of working with in Sales. He’s well grounded in Ag Sales and understands the issues our Sales People face.”
Sales Manager at NuTech Seeds
“Without the training from David, my closing scores wouldn’t be near where they are now. David provides you with all of the essential tools to properly sell, it’s just a matter of you putting them in action. Selling can be extremely difficult, though David makes it extremely enjoyable, provides you with innovative ideas to close the deal, and boosts your confidence all at the same time! I am fortunate to be able to go to David for any help I need with an account, and am always grateful when his answers increase my business.”
Customer Care Specialist at AgriGold
“David is a fantastic sales coach, his methodology is based on simple steps, perseverance and customer knowledge. I was so impressed of the engagement in my sales team team after a couple of sessions with David. His Ag knowledge provides a unique perspective in the business, instead of talking about hypothetical sales, he approaches salespeople with real examples and solid experience. Great job David, highly recommended.”
Business Excellence Manager at
Decisive Farming Corp.
“David has been a phenomenal coach/mentor these past months of participating in his sales training. He has gone above and beyond his coaching while making himself readily available with any questions or guidance I have needed. From following his process, I have increased my sales closing rate! I recommend David (ALTERRAIN) to all and everyone wanting to become more successful in their career path.”
Key Account Representative at ServiTech
“David is an extremely accomplished sales management leader who has a strong record of sales development. He can deliver exceptional practical sales training at all levels. He will certainly impact your sales organization with his energy and content.”
Past Sales Manager & Head of Recruiting at Golden Harvest Seeds
“David went above and beyond creating a training curriculum that was tailored to the specific needs of my team. I highly recommend David to anyone looking for a highly motivated, customer focused and energetic trainer.”
Senior Manager Agricultural Innovations &
New Business at BASF
ALTERRAIN wants to help businesses sell more.
We bring the highest level of knowledge and skill to our areas of expertise. We have a real-world understanding of the sales process and we are a trusted partner to some of the biggest names in Ag.
