As hiring and retention continues to challenge companies nationwide, forward-thinking online program is linked to retaining top talent. 

In a year that has found companies navigating unprecedented challenges amidst the pandemic, the team at CCA Global has revamped FAST START,  their extensive training program for sales professionals, with a new virtual platform designed to train and retain new employees.

Modeled after CCA Global’s proven in-person training program, the FAST START team researched best-in-class tactics for virtual team learning before recently taking the program live. The most recent training session featuring the new virtual platform garnered the largest FAST START attendance for the company to date.

"I learned so much during the day, could do the homework at night, and get rest in my own bed. Having the speakers was amazing. I could not say enough good things about this program. I will encourage future sales associates to participate," said recent participant Courtney Akel, from Akels Carpet One in Little Rock, AR.

This updated virtual FAST START combines 32 hours of Zoom time, more than 20 OnLine University classes and 10 presenters and speakers.

“We combined homework, team assignments and local store activities with support and access from the top vendors in the flooring industry,” said Nicole Harding, Vice President of  CCA Global University, who led the effort to create the new virtual curriculum. “We have our multiple flooring divisions learning the rules of the trade and brand specific information.”

The virtual five-day course provides sales professionals at all experience levels skills to understand the standards of performance, how to improve interactions with customers and build their book of business, boost key sales metrics such as close rate and average ticket, strengthen their brand knowledge and learn best practices on gaining integral referrals and reviews.

“Retaining talented sales pros is a nationwide issue long faced by our industry, but it’s never been so critical as it is right now. It is extremely critical to keep good people and ensure they are successful. This course does all of that,” said Harding. “We pride ourselves in being a great place to work, and in bringing out individual’s best strengths. This course is highly personalized with personality assessments, one-on-one selling scenarios and feedback sessions. We want to set our team members up for success with the best foundation we can offer from the start.”

About CCA Global Partners, Inc.

CCA Global Partners is a privately held cooperative based in the United States with member businesses throughout the U.S. and Canada, and in Australia and New Zealand. Since 1984, CCA Global has partnered with entrepreneurial business people to create a cooperative powerhouse unmatched in the marketplace. Across North America, more than 2,800 retail locations, 20,000 childcare centers, and 1 million small businesses benefit from CCA Global’s leadership through its 14 different businesses – Carpet One Floor & Home®, ProSource®, Flooring America® and Flooring Canada®, FEI Group®, The Floor Trader®, International Design Guild®, Lighting One®, savings4members™, The Bike Cooperative®, CCA Sports Retail Services™, CCA for Social Good™, Innovia Co-op™, Lionsbridge Contractor Group™, and Drive™.