Kalli H. - Business Development Director

Title: Business Development Director
Location: Remote (Arizona)
Joined: 2016
Preferred pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Forming authentic connections with local business owners is what keeps Kalli feeling warm and fuzzy inside. But you’ve been warned: one of the biggest hit songs from 1999 will be in your head all day after reading her story.

Tell us about your job! What do you love about it?

I work with learning and helping local businesses with their goals. What I love about is a) I believe in the product and b) I have developed a passion for working with certain industries because I have gained knowledge by working closely with them and learning about them through Groupon.

What’s your favorite Groupon memory?

I have way too many favorite memories but our team is kind of random and I love it! Whenever someone closes a contract we may do star jumps one day or break a dance move the next.

What’s been the most challenging thing you’ve worked on?

Stress. I stress a lot and it has been challenging to cope with it but it is so rewarding when you accomplish your goals…and not only the big ones, but the small victories, too. Sometimes it can be stressful getting a hold of someone but I will always find a new way to get creative!

Who or what inspires you?

Both of my parents. They are both such hard workers and I am grateful to grow up witnessing the work that they have done and continue to do for our family. I think it pushes me each day to continuously work as hard as I can to hopefully be more like them. Of course, there is also money that drives me 🙂.

You’re a member of Groupon Volunteers. What do you enjoy about participating?

I joined Groupon Volunteers because I wanted a way to give back. The great thing is our head of volunteering has many different volunteering resources that we can choose from. My favorites to date were Habitat for Humanity because I never thought I was “handy” but when we worked as a team we did a fantastic job! We helped out a young family, which was super rewarding.

So where were you before joining Groupon and how did you get here?

My journey is a bit different than most. I applied to Groupon when I lived in Chicago within the first few years of Groupon becoming a company. I ended up not getting an interview which was okay because my husband and I ended up moving to Arizona to escape the cold and the snow. Oddly enough, Groupon decided to open an office in Scottsdale and I decided to give the application process another shot. I am SO glad that I did and it has turned out to be one of the best decisions I have ever made!

What were your thoughts when you first walked into Groupon?

Is this real life?! I had never seen a culture like this before. From day one the training, management, colleagues, and Scrums were so informative and encouraging! Sales can be intimidating at any company, but the culture and the tools that Groupon provided made it the best company I have worked for.

How are you staying connected with your team as we’re all working remote? 

We do huddles, slack chats, and we usually get together via Zoom Thursdays to play a quick game.

You’ve been at Groupon for nearly 6 years. What about the company has kept you here? 

The room to grow professionally, our leadership, colleagues and personal growth.

What has been your proudest moment so far at Groupon? 

Becoming a BDD. Many people have different sales paths ie Manager, Training, etc but I knew I wanted to stay on the sales end so becoming a BDD was my proudest moment and also Presidents Club 2020.

What’s the biggest challenge your team is solving? 

Dealing with businesses that are still hurting or have restrictions from Covid.  

Have you won any awards at Groupon? 

Rep of the Quarter a few times and Presidents Club 2020.

What is one non-work activity or hobby that you're into? How did you get into it?  

Corepower Yoga.  I signed up for 2/week and became obsessed with it and have been doing it for a few years now.

What’s the first career you dreamed of having as a kid? 

Becoming a brain surgeon.  I remember being in second grade dissecting a sheep's eye and really wanted to become a surgeon after that. After the 6th grade I quickly hated any dissection. 

Any embarrassing moments at work? Tell us about it/them! 

When I was in GOB, I was so mad I kept calling businesses like 10x each because I thought my headset phone wasn’t working and I kept trying. After like 15 minutes my manager told me it was because my headset was around my neck.  Sorry to all the businesses that I annoyed with multiple calls and hearing me complain my phone isn’t working.

What are three career lessons you’ve learned thus far? 

Adapt to Change, patience (still learning but aware), utilize your resources (they will help you with professional and personal growth).

What do your parents think you do?

 Make dials.

If you could take your pick of any other job within Groupon, which job would you want? (all experience aside)?

I think Finance. I like numbers and I graduated with Finance and Supply Chain but I think the Finance Team carries a lot of stress on their shoulders from all the other departments so I think I’d probably go back quickly. :) 

What’s your favorite local business?

There are too many to choose from! Two of my favorites are Flip N Fit as well as Lavatory Phoenix. Flip N Fit is similar to a Class Pass but just for the local Phoenix area. I love it because I do not have to stick with just one workout and I can do spin, yoga, barre, HIIT, or boxing. It’s amazing! Lavatory Phoenix has an unreal art experience where they have the biggest ball pit on the planet. I was able to work with and meet the owner Bill who brought me around to all of his exhibits. It is definitely a must see if you are even in the Phoenix area!

Can you write a Groupon haiku?

Playfulness Groupon–

Making Fun Smiling Dials–

Creating Campaigns

Tell us something about you that’d surprise us.

I am super obsessed with Lou Bega’s Mambo # 5 and I will stomp across the dance floor to it.