Coast Inc's Corner Chat: Michael

Sales isn’t for everyone—it’s a grind, long hours, and nonstop hustle. But with the right team, those challenges can turn into the most rewarding part of your career. That’s exactly what Michael Wisneski has found at Coast Inc.

In this candid interview, Michael shares why he encourages hesitant candidates to “take the leap.” He dives into how Coast’s culture of camaraderie transforms tough days into shared victories, the power of mentorship beyond job titles, and the unexpected moment that showed him leadership here is different. If you’re unsure about a career in sales—or wondering if the right workplace is out there—Michael’s journey proves that even the toughest jobs become fulfilling when you’re surrounded by a team that feels like family.

Q: How did you hear about Coast Inc?

A:  I discovered Coast Inc. through Handshake, a job-search platform that connects students and alumni with employers. Since I had already set up my Handshake account through Miami University (Ohio), I could filter opportunities specifically for alumni.

Coast was listed among Miami’s trusted employer partners, which narrowed my search to a more manageable selection of companies. After reading about them, I was drawn to their focus on small-business growth and personalized professional development—exactly what I was looking for in my next role.

Q: What is it like to work with Coast Inc?

A:  It’s great—and not what I expected, in the best way. The closest comparison? It’s like switching from a massive lecture hall to a small, hands-on classroom.

In college, I had classes with 300 students where success depended entirely on self-direction. Here, it’s the opposite. I’m not just a name on a roster; I’m part of a team. My manager, mentor, and coworkers actively invest in my growth. We collaborate closely, just like group projects where the professor actually knows you.

At other jobs, I’ve felt like success was entirely on my shoulders. Coast strikes the perfect balance: support when I need guidance (someone to "walk me through things"), but trust to take ownership too. That’s why I’m developing faster here—I’ve got a foundation of real relationships, not just tasks.

Q: How has Coast Inc. helped you achieve your goals?

A: What's made the biggest difference for me is having that solid foundation of genuine connections - being able to build close relationships with coworkers and mentors in a way I haven't experienced at other companies.

Coming straight out of college, I had some growing to do. There were habits I needed to change, new disciplines to develop, and honestly, I needed guidance. That's where my team really stepped up.

Jenna has been incredible. She's taught me how to grow professionally - which might sound simple, but having someone show you how to improve and become self-sufficient makes all the difference. In those early days, she was there to walk me through everything. Now that I'm more established, I can operate independently, but that initial support was invaluable.

Q: What does working at Coast Inc. mean to you?

A:  Great question. To me, this program represents a real opportunity - not just to become a manager, but to develop as one. Many training programs simply fast-track you to the title, but here I'm actually gaining the skills I'll need to succeed.

I'm already learning the fundamentals of management: interviewing, training, hiring, and team leadership. By the time I step into that role, I won't just have the title - I'll be truly prepared. That's the real value for me. This program isn't just about reaching management; it's about being ready to excel from day one.

Q: What is the funniest or most meaningful memory that you have of working here?

A: You know what really stuck with me? Meeting our manager Taylor in person for the first time. Here's this guy running multiple offices remotely while raising a family - you'd expect someone all business, right?

Then we go bowling with the team, and he's just... a normal, fun-loving guy. Racing to bowl the fastest, joking around with everyone, hanging out with his kid. No corporate facade, just genuine.

I remember driving home thinking, "He's exactly who he appears to be on Zoom - just a cool person who happens to be great at his job." That authenticity meant a lot. It showed me the kind of leader I want to become - someone who stays true to themselves while handling big responsibilities.

Q: What advice would you give to candidates?

A: If you're on the fence about joining Coast Inc., here's what I'll say: give it a real shot. We all know sales is hard—the rejections, the long days, the grind. But what makes this place special is how that challenge pays off. You grow faster here than you would anywhere else, building real skills that last. And more than that, it's the people who turn the work into something worthwhile. Even on tough days, having a team you actually enjoy being around changes everything. We laugh together, push through the hard parts together, and that makes the difference between just having a job and building a career you care about. The work stays demanding, but when you're doing it with people who make it enjoyable, you realize it's worth showing up for.

Michael grew up in the northern suburbs of Chicago, about 30 minutes outside the city, and has always had a competitive spirit. A lifelong hockey player, he still enjoys hitting the ice in a men’s league for fun. After graduating from Miami University in Ohio last May, he set his sights on a career where he could grow and take on leadership roles.

Originally starting in finance at the Farmer School of Business, Michael had aspirations of becoming a stockbroker but later transitioned to business management. That shift led him to Coast, his first job out of college, where he’s been developing his skills and advancing ever since. With a passion for competition and growth, Michael thrives in an environment where he can push himself and continue building toward his future.

This interview has been lightly edited for clarity. You can learn more about Coast Inc. here.