Rich Feola: From Door-to-Door Sales Manager to Digital Marketing Developer.

Rich Feola’s journey is a testament to the power of adaptability, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of success. From his humble beginnings as a manager leading door-to-door sales teams to his pioneering efforts in digital marketing, Feola’s story is one of resilience, determination, and visionary leadership.

Rich Feola Started out selling door to door products 15 years ago selling windows and roofs. His tenure saw him spearhead successful campaigns. But Feola didn’t just stop at sales — he revolutionized the process by developing comprehensive scripts and training systems, elevating his company to unprecedented heights, and achieving a staggering $50 million in annual revenue.

However, despite his remarkable success in the sales arena, Feola felt the need for a change. He longed to settle down, start a family, and pursue a new career path that aligned with his personal aspirations. It was then that his father’s suggestion to become a financial advisor changed the course of his life.

With his father’s guidance and a connection to a reputable brokerage, Rich embarked on a new journey as a financial advisor. But he quickly realized that the traditional methods of marketing in the financial industry were outdated and inefficient. The reliance on direct mailers and dinner seminars felt archaic and lacked the scalability and effectiveness he sought.

Determined to find a better way to generate leads and attract clients, Feola turned to emerging digital marketing platforms such as Facebook, Google, and YouTube. In the early 2010s, when digital advertising was still in its infancy, Feola saw an opportunity to disrupt the status quo and leverage the power of online advertising to his advantage.

Through extensive research and experimentation, his innovative approach not only transformed his own financial advising business but also set a new standard for marketing in the industry. By attracting clients through targeted online advertising, Feola eliminated the need for time-consuming prospecting efforts, allowing him to focus on providing value to his clients.

Feola’s transition from traditional marketing methods to digital advertising was not just a strategic pivot — it was a game-changer that revolutionized his entire approach to business. By embracing innovation and staying ahead of the curve, he not only adapted to change but thrived in it.

Rich Feola stands as a trailblazer in the financial advising industry, inspiring others with his entrepreneurial spirit and visionary leadership. His journey from door-to-door sales manager to digital marketing pioneer serves as a demonstration to the transformative power of perseverance, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. As the business landscape continues to evolve, Feola’s story reminds us that success belongs to those who dare to challenge the status quo and embrace change.

Feola’s foray into the world of marketing began organically, as clients sought him out after discovering his own successful digital advertising campaigns on platforms like Facebook and YouTube. Recognizing the demand for effective marketing strategies across various industries, Feola ventured into running ads for dentists, mortgage brokers, realtors, and even a solar company in New Jersey.

It was with the solar company that Feola witnessed the transformative impact of his marketing expertise firsthand. By leveraging targeted ads, the company tripled its revenue within a single year — an achievement that left Feola in awe of the industry’s potential for growth and profitability.

Armed with firsthand knowledge of the solar industry’s inner workings, Feola saw an opportunity to carve out a niche for himself. Inspired by the vertical integration and profitability of the solar company he worked with, Feola decided to launch Solar Exclusive — a marketing agency dedicated exclusively to generating leads for solar companies.

“There’s got to be a better way to get leads in 2014”

With his wife’s graphic design skills, Feola created a compelling brand identity for Solar Exclusive, emphasizing its unique selling proposition of providing exclusively sourced leads. The response to their nationwide ad campaign was overwhelming, with 20 clients signing up within a month — a clear indication of the burgeoning demand for solar leads.

Realizing the immense potential of the solar marketing niche, Feola made a bold decision to divest his financial practice and fully commit to Solar Exclusive. This leap of faith proved to be a turning point, propelling the company to unprecedented heights of success.

In just seven years, Solar Exclusive has grown exponentially, boasting a team of 200 dedicated professionals and achieving a staggering monthly revenue.

TODAY: Solar Exclusive stands as a powerhouse in the solar marketing space, recognized as the largest independent marketing agency catering specifically to the solar industry.

Feola’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of seizing opportunities and embracing change. By leveraging his expertise and insights, he not only transformed his own career but also revolutionized an entire industry. As Solar Exclusive continues to soar to new heights, Rich Feola’s entrepreneurial spirit and visionary leadership serve as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs worldwide.

One of the key factors behind Solar Exclusive’s success lies in its ability to cater to the diverse needs of its clients. With a keen understanding of the solar industry’s dynamics and a commitment to delivering results, Feola and his team have worked with over 3,500 solar companies in the past seven years. This extensive experience has enabled them to tailor their services to meet the specific requirements of each client, providing the volume necessary for their growth and success.

Central to Solar Exclusive’s success is its dedicated team, whose loyalty and commitment have been instrumental in driving the company forward. Feola’s philosophy of taking care of his people and paying them well has created a culture of mutual respect and support within the organization. As a result, Solar Exclusive boasts a team of professionals who are not only highly skilled but also deeply invested in the company’s mission and values.

Feola’s commitment to his team’s well-being extends beyond competitive salaries; it encompasses creating opportunities for growth, fostering a sense of camaraderie, and celebrating achievements together. Despite the challenges posed by the solar industry’s fluctuations, Feola has managed to retain key employees by prioritizing their satisfaction and fulfillment in their roles.

Looking ahead, Feola is focused on sustaining Solar Exclusive’s growth trajectory while continuing to nurture a positive and inclusive work environment. As the company gears up for its summer festivities, including a yacht party and a casino night, Feola remains committed to fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and fun.

In a competitive industry where success hinges on talent, innovation, and adaptability, Rich Feola and Solar Exclusive stand out not only for their business acumen but also for their unwavering commitment to their team’s well-being and success. As they continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the solar marketing space, Feola’s leadership serves as an inspiration to companies everywhere striving to build not just successful businesses but thriving communities.

What advice would you give to other young men in the sales industry?

#1 Start on the doors.

I was an introvert, and played jazz as a young adult.

I went door to door and it’s changed my life.

I learned how to talk face to face, solve problems for people.

If you’re not willing to grind through the heat and cold, you can’t start a business.

The evolution of Solar Exclusive is a monument to Feola’s commitment to excellence and continuous improvement. By leveraging data and insights gleaned from years of experience, Feola has transformed Solar Exclusive into a trusted partner for solar organizations seeking to boost their sales and grow their business.

Why we love Rich and we know you will too:

Solar Exclusive has donated over $1Million overseas for clean water and electricity projects in India and Africa.

WE KNOW YOU ARE INSPIRED! RICH FEOLA HERE:
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WANT TO SCALE WITH RICH? LEARN MORE ABOUT SOLAR EXCLUSIVE HERE:
https://solarexclusive.com/

I’m a senior leader at The Elliott Group with over 12 years of client service experience and have held a substantial leadership roles in the automotive industry. I’m also an accredited coach, a writer, speaker, and a triathlon finisher. To contact me for engagements you can reach me at [email protected].