Michael AtwoodRegional Sales ExecutiveResides: Buffalo, NYStarted with POP Yachts: March 2013Q. Why did you decide to go to work with POP Yachts?A. I like boats and I'm a sailor, and I thought it would be fun to do. I'd been in sales before - I sold hardcover books, I owned a van and car service and when I was in civil engineering, I was a sales engineer.Q. Was there anything that surprised you about coming into this industry?A. Just the whole process of getting a customer to getting an offer to doing the survey ... there are a lot of steps along the way in connecting the dots A to Z.Q. How does POP Yachts make that process easier?A. The system they've developed is really wonderful and there are a lot of resources available. Q. From your perspective, as a sales executive, what does it take to be successful?A. Not getting emotionally involved with every sale. You have to work hard and try hard, but it's easy for deals to fall apart. You have to take deep breaths and be cautiously optimistic and keep a level head. Otherwise you'll get your heart broken every time.Q. What do you like about working with POP Yachts?A. The flexibility and working on boats every day. I like that I don't have to go into an office. I put in the time, but it's on my schedule. Q. So what do you like to do when you're not selling boats?A. I'm a sailboat owner and racer. I have a Niagra 31. I also have a teenage daughter who's 16, so I'm raising a family, too. Q. Are there any challenges specific to your region for this industry?A. I'm near Lake Eerie, and we have long, cold winters, which is a huge problem we face here. Plus, it's the old school. They don't really embrace technology here. They don't think outside the box.Q. So how do you and POP Yachts help them get past that?A. I explain to them that it's a global economy, and that they're more likely to sell their boat in another area in the world. I like the fact that POP Yachts has such huge exposure. It really opens it up to more potential buyers.Q. Do you have any interesting listings at the moment?A. Yes! I have a 1927 Alden Yachts Malabar Jr 30 that the owner restored to its past glory. It was a 10-year restoration, but the owner has to let it go. I hope to find a buyer who is going to keep it up and treasure it. One of the perks of working at POP Yachts is meeting owners like this.