A Born Entrepreneur: NX Direct’s Vinni Ascencao

At NX Direct, several distinct personalities enter our Manager In Training Program. We often see the entry level individual, eager for experience and looking for a resume builder. We see the seasoned marketing or sales professional, actively seeking more upward mobility in an industry they love, or lastly, we see the entrepreneurial spirits bursting with the desire to run their own business but needing the guidance and mentorship to get there. When Vinni Ascencao interviewed with our company in October 2015, we knew he was the third personality type — a natural-born entrepreneur looking for an opportunity. 

Born in San Paolo, Brazil, Vinni grew up with a soccer ball at his feet and eyes towards his two older brothers. When his family relocated to Florida at the age of 7 and then Georgia at 14, Vinni remained active on the field making friends wherever he went. The Captain of his soccer team, he quickly learned the value of working hard, giving respect, and leading by example.

After his high school graduation, Vinni immediately began studying Exercise Science and Business at Georgia Gwinnett College while also holding a job as a personal trainer! Passionate about coaching others and helping them reach their fitness goals, Vinni did this for 2 years before realizing he was ready to pursue a more serious career in the business field. Knowing that he wanted to run his own business and that strong sales skills were key to success, Vinni sought out a sales position in Atlanta.

It was then he stumbled upon NX Direct and interviewed twice with CEO, Nelson Figueroa. The two connected over their love for sports and performance-based environments, and Vinni gladly accepted a full-time position as a Sales Account Executive. Still in school, just now taking night classes to accommodate his career at NX Direct, Vinni recalls having to leave work early and feeling like he could grow so much faster if he was committed 100%, not split 50/50. After much debate on the topic, he decided to put his schooling on hold and focus on work.

Just months after his decision, Vinni was promoted into an Assistant Management role in November 2016 position – reaffirming that he made the right decision for himself. The following month when NX Direct was approached by a new client, Comcast, Vinni, and Nelson accepted the challenge of piloting a retail-based sales/customer acquisition program for them starting in the new year!

Despite a change in the client, campaign and office space, Vinni emerged triumphantly and was recognized repeatedly as an office pacesetter for sales and customer satisfaction. It was without surprise that 3 months later, Comcast asked Vinni to help them oversee an additional campaign in Atlanta, and a month into his new role as a Managing Partner, Vinni is still setting the example by leading his team with passion and the energy of a Brazilian soccer star!

When you can’t find Vinni in the office, you can catch him around Atlanta with his 4 best friends, playing a pick-up game of soccer, or chatting with his 2 brothers, Alexander and Adriano (who both run successful businesses of their own, too)! Despite his recent success, Vinni remains humble, hard-working and virtuous. He reminds us that when you want to be the best on the field, you have to be willing to put in your best every day.

To Vinni – Congratulations, buddy, on your promotion and growth in such a short time, and we can’t wait to see where all a career at NX Direct takes you! Follow Vinni, his team, and growth here on our Instagram @nxdirectatl!