From knocking on doors as a Southwestern Advantage salesperson to building a career in real estate, construction, and trucking, Ernest Riley’s journey is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and leadership. His story serves as an inspiration for aspiring salespeople and entrepreneurs, showcasing the long-term value of the skills learned through Southwestern Advantage.
The Southwestern Advantage Experience: A Foundation for Success
Ernest Riley’s journey with Southwestern Advantage began in 1989, immediately after graduating from the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now the University of Louisiana). In his first summer, he was recognized as a Top First Year and achieved President’s Club status, surpassing even his own student leader in sales. In his second summer—his first year recruiting—he built and led a 19-person sales team, an impressive accomplishment. He is honored on the Wall of Greats, a testament to his impact on the program. Among his many accolades, he earned the Superstar Sample Case for consistently delivering 30 demonstrations per day, the Record Keeping Award for financial tracking, the Big Tech Award for outstanding performance, and the Gold Seal Gold Award multiple times for working at least 80 hours per week during the summer. Maintaining a strong work ethic, he focused on controlling the variables within his power by taking cold showers to start his day outside his comfort zone, reading daily, and following a structured schedule from 7:00 AM to 9:30 PM. Over the course of nine summers, he developed strong communication and leadership skills that would later serve as the foundation of his success.
Expanding an Entrepreneurial Career: Overcoming Challenges
Using the resilience and discipline gained from his sales experience, Ernest transitioned into a diverse career. He started as a math teacher, using his ability to communicate complex ideas effectively. Later, he built a real estate portfolio of 15 rental properties and owned a Curves fitness franchise. After losing his properties and business due to Hurricane Katrina, he had to start over. He pivoted into construction and trucking, earning a contractor’s license and securing government construction bids. At one point, he built a fleet of 12 dump trucks, later scaling down to two while shifting to brokerage operations. Today, he oversees large-scale construction projects, continuing his influence in the industry.
Lessons in Leadership and Success
Reflecting on his journey, Ernest credits his ability to handle rejection and maintain discipline as key factors in his success. He believes in focusing on factors within one’s control, such as work ethic, organization, and mindset. Developing meaningful relationships has been a key factor in his career, as the bonds formed with recruits and colleagues create lasting support systems and opportunities. He also continues to apply sales principles to business, including daily expense tracking and detailed financial records.
Staying Connected to Southwestern Advantage
Even decades later, Ernest remains connected to his Southwestern Advantage roots. He still owns memorabilia from his sales days, including his President’s Club shirt, sales books, and journals. He plans to share photos and historical materials to contribute to the program’s alumni legacy. He maintains relationships with former recruits and colleagues who have also built successful careers and expresses gratitude for the foundational skills and experiences that helped shape his financial independence and career path.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Ernest Riley’s journey—from selling books door-to-door to being a business leader—shows how the skills learned through Southwestern Advantage can translate into lifelong success. His story is an example for students and young professionals, proving that perseverance and adaptability can open doors to new opportunities. For those currently in the program or considering a future in sales, Ernest’s story is a reminder that the lessons learned today can pave the way for a successful career and fulfilling life in entrepreneurship.
