IBM names three Baylor University graduates 2007 Rookie of the Year

WACO, TEXAS

Baylor graduates Jim Fenn, Nathalie Sims, and Brandon Timberlake have each been recognized as IBM Rookie of the Year for 2007 in their individual business units. They were awarded this special honor for surpassing their sales quotas and standing out among their peers as leaders, team players, and high-caliber performers.

Jim Fenn | COPPELL | BBA in Marketing, 2005

has risen to the top of his field in IBM Global Services selling Hardware and Software maintenance. He covered a multi-state territory including Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma. Fenn exceeded his sales goals every quarter in 2007, reaching 319% of his quota in 1Q, 312% in 2Q, 118% in 3Q, and 162% in 4Q. "I always felt like I would be successful in whatever I chose to do, but I feel like Baylor helped me by making me a more rounded person," remarked Fenn. "With the smaller class sizes at Baylor, you're able to network with more people and learn from them and their experiences."

Nathalie Sims | COPPELL | BBA in Management and Entrepreneurship, 2006

was acknowledged for her contribution to the IBM Software business unit. She went beyond her sales goals to achieve 125% of her target in 2007. Sims was awarded Rookie of the Year for 2007 in Software not only because of her contribution to revenue, pipeline creation and progression, but her demonstrated leadership and her excellent relationship development. "My favorite class at Baylor was Dr. Petty's Entrepreneurial Finance class. It was also the hardest class I ever took," said Sims. "Dr. Petty was known for his Socratic teaching style. He would draw a name each day of a student in the room and ask that person to lead the class by projecting their assignment for the rest of the class to critique. Scary! I loved it, though, for his commitment to the subject and his students. I learned much about working hard and giving 100 percent even when the work is hard."

Brandon Timberlake | COPPELL| BBA in Marketing, 2005

was honored for his contribution to IBM's General Business West. By teaming with his brand specialist and understanding his customers, he attained 159% of his quota for 2007. For his performance in the second and third quarters of 2007, Timberlake received the Business Unit Executive Award for General Business West, a special award that is given to one of the sales representatives for their contribution to the business for achieving their quota and leadership. For the fourth quarter, Timberlake was awarded the Rep of Quarter for all of General Business West. This is the highest award that any representative can receive for the quarter. Timberlake credits Dr. Darryl Lehnus with teaching him the art of asking questions and guiding a customer through their answers to the product that he was selling. "The first day of class I remember him telling us selling is about people and knowing your customer," said Timberlake. "He made a point to learn everyone's name by the end of the first week and continued to greet you by name whenever he saw you in the hall. I admired that then and appreciate it now. I guess that's why three and half years later I am still talking about him and how he helped my career."

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