Episode #16
IronCast: Ep. 16 | Don Barclay
Send us Fan Mail IronCast Ep. 16 | From the NFL to Equipment Sales with Don Barclay In this episode of Ironcast , we sit down with Don Barclay, former NFL offensive lineman turned John Deere equipment sales professional, to talk about his unique journey from the football field to the construction industry. Don shares how he went from being an undrafted free agent out of West Virginia University to building a six-year career with the Green Bay Packers and finishing his time in the league with the Detroit Lions. He reflects on the mindset required to compete at the highest level, and how rejection—starting with not being drafted—helped shape his resilience. After football, Don transitioned into sales through a connection in the industry. Now several years into his role at GT&E, he discusses how the lessons he learned in the NFL... discipline, coachability, and handling pressure translate directly into building relationships and closing deals. The conversation dives into: How to handle rejection in sales and turn it into motivation The importance of trust and long-term relationships with customers Why success in sales goes beyond just price Insights into the evolving construction equipment industry, including John Deere’s latest excavator lineup and innovations Don also shares how staying involved in his community as a high school football coach has strengthened both his personal life and his professional relationships. This episode is packed with insights on perseverance, growth, and what it takes to succeed in a completely new arena after reaching the pinnacle of another.
