Jun 9, 2026

How to transition from student-athlete to sales: Malek’s Fast Track Program spotlight

Fast Track Program Relocation Series | Malek A., Fast Track Sales Group Leader

Long-term career growth and exclusive advancement with TQL Fast Track

When you’re on the entry-level job search, it is easy to focus entirely on the short-term benefits at companies of interest, but understanding the true long-term career potential is crucial before accepting a job offer. TQL’s Fast Track Sales Program was built to put you on track to accomplish your goals by accelerating your path to leadership and financial freedom.

We sat down with Malek, a 2.5-year tenured Fast Track member who has built a meaningful career by utilizing TQL’s relocation resources, hands-on sales training, and leadership development through the Fast Track program.

Malek relocated from Lansing, Michigan, to our Erlanger, Kentucky office, where he went all-in on mastering the art of logistics sales. As a former college basketball player, Malek knew on day one that the Fast Track Program’s performance-based advancement and structured training aligned perfectly with his elite work ethic. Since completing TQL’s 26-week paid training program, Malek has built a high-earning book of business and is currently climbing the ranks, establishing himself as a strong leader while he prepares for his second relocation to our Tampa, Florida office.

The transition: From college athlete to logistics sales training

Q: What were you doing before TQL, and how did you find out about the Fast Track program?

Malek: Before TQL, I was a recent college graduate trying to find a job in my field. Like a lot of people in that position, I was getting turned down by most places because of a lack of traditional industry experience—my focus up to that point had been heavily balanced with college sports.

Then a recruiter contacted me on Indeed about the TQL Fast Track sales program, offering a clear path into an entry-level sales position with uncapped commission. The recruiters laid it out very clearly: you get exactly what you put into it. As an athlete, I always appreciated environments where your effort dictates your results, so that transparency was highly enticing to me. I dove in headfirst, moved to the Erlanger office, and it completely changed my career trajectory.

Q: Candidates often wonder about the training timeline and sales grind at TQL. What does the day-to-day pace look like when you first start?

Malek: It takes a lot of multitasking and the ability to thrive under pressure. Coming from college sports, I had a semi-career-ending injury, so it was a quick transition for me. Luckily, this sales position correlated very well with the structure I had from sports—putting in hours of work to get a delayed result. It still takes time to establish yourself. My athletic background gave me the mental stamina for it, but it still takes time. For me, it took roughly a year and two months in independent sales before my book of business really started to take off and hit its stride.

Career mobility: Moving from account management to sales leadership

Q: How did you make the jump from account management into sales leadership?

I was in independent sales for about a year before I got the opportunity to become a Sales Group Leader. It is quite the transition because you have to be responsible for more than just your own book of business—you become a crucial part of the team you're on. I decided to take the leadership track to have a better influence on my team, as well as helping guide the new trainees coming in. Being someone that they can look up to as a success story has given me a real sense of pride in my job.

Q: You're preparing to make another major move down to our Tampa, Florida office. How did that come about?

Malek: When I first started here in Erlanger and got my feet wet in the program, I had no intention of leaving this office. I wanted to send my roots here in Erlanger and use the resources to grow my business and my career. When I first had the opportunity to relocate, I decided to wait. I wanted to make sure my book of business was established before jumping into a management change and everything that comes with a move.

My mother lives in Tampa, so now that I’ve built my book of business to a point where I feel comfortable, it seems like a good fit. Plus, with the Fast Track program, you get incredible built-in visibility for management and leadership positions when relocating. It felt like a great opportunity to grow not only in my career, but also to be closer to family.

Q: Have you had a chance to check out the new workspace yet?

Malek: I have. I had a chance to go down for a house hunting trip. That’s another major perk with the Fast Track program – they will actually pay for you to go down there to tour houses and apartments before you make the official move. I’m definitely looking forward to the sun in Tampa.

Q: What are you going to miss the most about the Erlanger office?

Malek: I’m going to miss everyone on my team and the many mentors who have made an impact on me. This is my first sales job or corporate office job, and everybody here has been so incredibly impactful to my career and my life. I can't thank them enough. No matter which direction you choose to go in your career, the Fast Track program will get you there.

What do you need to succeed in the Fast Track program?

Q: For candidates doing their research online, a major question is always: Is the TQL Fast Track program worth it? Looking back at your time in Erlanger, what is your honest review?

Malek: I would tell any candidate looking at an offer to identify their "why." If your why is important enough to make a big move across the state or country for a career, then this program is 100% worth it. I am incredibly thankful that this opportunity came into my life, and I wouldn't change it for anything.

How to succeed in the TQL Fast Track Sales Program:

Dedication and hard work: Show up every day ready to put in the hours for a delayed result.
A strong "why": Work toward something greater than yourself.
Accountability: Understand that you get out of the program exactly what you put into it.
Athlete mindset: Be willing to learn and complete training so you’re confident and ready to start building your book of business.

Apply to put your sales career on the Fast Track >

Explore the Fast Track Relocation Series:

Back to all posts