Bridging Education and Industry: Our Enlightening Visit to RevGen
As an entrepreneur and educator passionate about preparing students for real-world success, I'm always seeking opportunities that blend classroom theory with practical application. Last week, our Meredith College entrepreneurship students experienced exactly this kind of transformative learning when we visited RevGen in Raleigh, hosted by CEO John Rosar.
“It’s best to understand the cause and effect and how to make it work for you.”
-John Rosar, RevGen CEO
RevGen exemplifies what happens when passion meets purpose in the B2B sales world. John shared his fascinating journey from marketing major to finding his true calling - moving through real estate and restaurant management before discovering how to combine his natural gift for selling with his commitment to creating remarkable customer experiences.
What struck me most was RevGen's systematic approach to sales success across diverse industries, from edtech to ecommerce. Their proven 5-step cold calling system, which he has also created into a sales-focused online course, mirrors what I've been teaching for years:
Get to the decision maker - Understanding organizational hierarchy and navigating gatekeepers effectively
Find the hook - Identifying pain points and creating personalized value propositions
Give the pitch - Communicating solutions with clarity and confidence
Ask qualifying questions - Leveraging the SPIN selling technique (Situation, Problem, Implication, Need-payoff)
Close with assumption - Using assumptive selling techniques to secure the meeting
Watching our students engage directly with RevGen's sales professionals was a powerful reminder of why experiential learning matters. They weren't just hearing about sales theory; they were witnessing professionals actively booking qualified meetings for clients, handling objections in real-time, and creating value at every touchpoint.
As someone dedicated to creating inclusive business environments and coaching the next generation of sales professionals, I was particularly impressed by RevGen's diverse team and collaborative culture. John has clearly built an organization that reflects his belief that leadership is both a privilege and a responsibility.
For educators and business leaders alike, this visit reinforced a crucial truth: when we bridge the gap between classroom concepts and industry practice, we empower students to see themselves as future professionals capable of driving impact. When theory meets application, transformation happens.
What learning experiences have you created that bridge education and industry? I'd love to hear your stories and strategies for preparing the next generation of business leaders.
John Rosar is the CEO of RevGen in Raleigh, where he combines his natural gift for sales with his passion for creating remarkable customer experiences. With a background spanning marketing, real estate, and restaurant management, John has built a thriving company that helps B2B SaaS clients secure qualified meetings through a proven 5-step cold calling system.