Graeme Sharpe, Sales & Account Manager at Nexday Overnite, was recently recognised with the ‘Committed to Growth’ award for his outstanding sales performance between February and April 2025.

With 17 years of experience in customer-facing roles, including 13 in management, Graeme brings a strong foundation in leadership, operational know-how and customer service. After spending a decade in food retail, he joined Nexday Overnite and has steadily progressed through the business - from office administrator to depot manager, and now starting his new chapter in sales.

We caught up with Graeme to hear more about his career journey, his recent success and what’s driving his growth.

 

What attracted you to a career in logistics in the first place?

“I never really considered a career in logistics until a role at Nexday Overnite came along. I came from a retail background and spent more than 10 years in store management, but I reached a point where I was looking for more structure and a better work-life balance. When the office admin role at Nexday Overnite came up, I saw it as a good short-term opportunity, but once I got started, I quickly realised how much I enjoyed it. The fast-paced environment, the variety in the work, the team spirit and being able to support customers in a hands-on way really suited me. Eight years later, I haven’t looked back!”

 

You began your journey with the Nexday Overnite as an office administrator. How did you move into a sales role?

“Nexday Overnite has really given me the opportunity to grow and progress in my career. I started as an office administrator, followed by office manager and later became depot manager in 2021. I was responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations across the Bolton, Bury and Wigan areas. That experience gave me a deep understanding of how the business operates and allowed me to build strong relationships with our customers. Earlier this year, when our Sales Manager moved into a new role, I was offered the chance to step into sales. It was a big change and something I hadn’t done before, but I saw it as a fresh challenge and a great opportunity to continue learning and developing.”

 

You've been awarded ‘Committed to Growth’ thanks to your amazing efforts and results. What is the secret to the success of your sales approach?

“When I took on the sales role, I started from scratch - building my own pipeline, cold calling, researching local businesses and getting out into the community. I also identified businesses we were already delivering to and followed up with face-to-face visits, often dropping off branded materials to introduce myself. There were no shortcuts - just a lot of groundwork and relationship-building.”

“I think what’s helped is that I’m not just selling a service - I’ve spent years working across the operational side of the business, so I know the ins and outs of how we work. That experience means I can speak honestly and confidently about what makes The APC different from competitors, and customers can sense that I understand the day-to-day realities they face.”

 

What do you think makes someone successful in sales?

“You have to genuinely care. People can tell straight away if you’re just chasing targets or going after a quick win. That’s why I focus on building trust by listening, asking the right questions and really understanding what matters to them. It’s not about selling a service; it’s about showing how we can make their day-to-day life easier and offer something that genuinely works for their business.”

“At The APC, we’re known for being personal, responsive and genuinely focused on helping our customers succeed. It’s an approach I really believe in and having experienced it first-hand across different parts of the business, shaping how I connect with potential customers. It helps me build trust, have open and honest conversations and clearly show the value we can bring to their business. When you truly believe in what you’re offering and take the time to connect, that’s when you start to see real results.”

 

And finally, how do you switch off outside of work?

‘Football is my release. I’m a lifelong Manchester United fan and try to get to as many games as I can, even when it’s tough to watch! I also spend weekends with friends and their kids getting outside, heading to the park or just taking time to relax. It’s important to find moments to switch off, and for me, that usually means being on the pitch, in the stands or enjoying time with the people I care about.”

For media enquiries please email apc-team@schonandco.com.