TIMES TALK WITH HEIDI SELLECK
Let me introduce you to Sandy Chang, a SAAC Board Member and a Success Coach Manager for Proforma. She’s a veteran with 12 years in our industry.
- What is a success coach and can you share with me your favorite things about our business and what keeps you involved? What pearls of wisdom would you offer young people entering our industry today?
I truly love what I do because I get the best of both worlds. I have the opportunity to coach and support our Owners while also interacting with their customers and learning about the many different industries they serve. Every day is different, which keeps the work exciting and rewarding.
What keeps me involved is seeing our Owners grow their businesses, overcome challenges, and achieve goals they once thought were out of reach. Being a small part of their success is incredibly fulfilling.
My advice to young people entering our industry is simple: stay hungry, be curious, and learn to listen. The best opportunities often come from understanding what others need rather than focusing on what you want to say next. Also, always be prospecting—whether you’re at an event, in a meeting, or simply out in your community. You never know where your next opportunity or valuable connection will come from.
- When were you first introduced to SAAC and when did you become a member? How has SAAC helped you as a regional to strengthen your relationships with suppliers and your industry friends?
I was first introduced to SAAC six years ago. While I was already familiar with many suppliers on a national level through my role at Proforma, SAAC gave me the opportunity to connect with incredible local suppliers within our industry. These relationships have been invaluable, not only from a business perspective but also in building a stronger sense of community. The connections, collaboration, and support I’ve experienced through SAAC have made a lasting impact on my career and continue to be one of the reasons I stay actively involved.
- What did you think of the SAAC Expo & Disney California Adventure experience last year?
The SAAC Expo and Disney Adventure were so much fun! It was a great opportunity to connect with industry friends outside of the trade show environment. I enjoyed spending time networking, building stronger relationships, and having fun together at Disney California Adventure. Events like these remind me that our industry is built on more than business—they’re about the friendships, partnerships, and connections we create along the way.
- If you ran for the SAAC board which role, would you like to fill? What do you like about SAAC and what would you change?
I am still fairly new to SAAC, so right now I am really enjoying my role on the Board of Directors and learning more about the organization. It’s been a great opportunity to build relationships, give back to the industry, and better understand how SAAC serves its members.
I would love to see more involvement from local distributors at SAAC events. The more we engage and participate as a community, the stronger our industry becomes. Increased attendance creates more opportunities for networking, collaboration, education, and business growth for everyone involved. By coming together and supporting SAAC, we can continue to grow the organization and create even bigger and better events for our members in the future.
5. Are you ready to go back to the beach? We’re heading back to Long Beach for the expo this year and are you excited? What memory can you share with us of being in Long Beach and what are you looking forward to?
I’m excited to see SAAC return to Long Beach. That’s where it all started for me, so it’s exciting to have the show back there. I’m looking forward to reconnecting with our supplier partners, fellow distributors, and especially my Proforma and Safeguard family.
See you at Expo!