Sales Engineer of the Year Award

At NAASE, we are committed to our members and all those in the sales engineering field across industries. We know that each of you has different titles and sells products, software, and services, but ultimately your role is helping move the deal forward. We want to celebrate YOU, the Sales Engineer that strives for greatness! Our third annual “Sales Engineer of the Year” award will not make you famous or rich, but it will make you proud to know that your peers and mentors, reputation, and final execution earned you this award.

The 2025 competition is coming soon!

We are excited to announce that we plan to hold a new contest in 2025! Detailed conditions, evaluation criteria, and participant instructions will be published soon. Please stay tuned to this page and our official channels to ensure you don't miss any important updates. Join our community of talented sales engineers, be inspired by your peers' experiences, and enhance your professional skills with us! We eagerly look forward to your applications and participation in the 2025 contest!

Requirements

  1. Submit nomination/application
  2. Letters of recommendation (include organization and current title of the person writing the recommendation)
  3. If selected as a finalist, a 3-5 minute video providing a demonstration of your choice (see topics list in the Finalist Guidance document)

Timeline

Application Deadline:

TBA

Finalists Announced:

TBA

Winner Announced:

TBA

Selection process

The Sales Engineer of the Year winner is announced based on the start date. NAASE will judge and declare a winner based on several factors and criteria, including but not limited to the following:

  • Years of professional experience
  • Education level + Major of Study
  • Evidence of promoting the SE profession in some fashion
  • Recommendations/ Endorsements
  • Awards/ Recognition/ Professional Designations/ Certifications

Winners in Past Years

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SE of the year 2021

Beau Hallavant

  • university MTSU
  • B. Sc. Mechanical Engineering Technology
  • Years in SE: 8
  • Company: WD Bearing Group

Beau Hallavant, the 2021 winner of the Sales Engineering Years Award, brings a unique blend of mechanical engineering expertise and global sales leadership to his role as Director of Sales for North America and Europe at WD Bearing Group. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), Beau’s technical foundation has been the cornerstone of his success in navigating complex business environments and driving international growth. Known for his ability to bring structure and clarity where others may see complexity, Beau excels in transforming organizations operating under resource constraints. His leadership style is rooted in a deep understanding of both systems and people, allowing him to foster teams that are not only efficient but also deeply connected.
Beau’s approach to sales engineering and leadership reflects a rare combination of technical insight, strategic vision, and human empathy—an approach that continues to deliver meaningful results across borders and industries.

SE of the year 2022

Paul Michael

  • university Champlain College
  • Business, E-Business Management
  • Years in SE: 11
  • Company: Entranta

Paul Michael is an experienced Sales Engineer and Solution Engineer with a strong track record in the computer software industry. Currently working as an Enterprise Sales Engineer at Entrata, Paul has developed a reputation for combining technical expertise with strategic sales execution. His professional strengths include Sales, Contact Centers, Management, SaaS, and Sales Presentations, which he leverages to deliver tailored solutions that meet customer needs and drive business success. In his role at Entrata, Paul serves as the primary technical resource for the field sales team, guiding them through the technology evaluation stage of the sales process. He works closely with both business and technical stakeholders, effectively communicating product value and ensuring customer satisfaction throughout the sales cycle. His ability to anticipate and address technical challenges allows him to build and maintain strong relationships with clients.
Paul holds a degree in Business, E-Business Management from Champlain College, which provides him with a solid foundation in both business strategy and technical solutions. His ability to align customer needs with product capabilities has been key to his success in sales engineering.

SE of the year 2023

Sarah (Miller) Sheinhorn

  • university Towson University
  • B. Sc. Mass Communications
  • Years in SE: 6
  • Company: Cadmium

Sarah Sheinhorn, the 2023 winner of the Sales Engineering Years Award, is a Sales Engineer at Cadmium, where she brings a unique combination of business strategy, client advocacy, and technical acumen to her role. A graduate of Towson University with a B. Sc. Mass Communications, Sarah has consistently centered her work around one core goal: helping associations thrive. Her career journey includes a strong foundation in client services and nonprofit fundraising, which she has seamlessly combined with her passion for technology and virtual solutions. At Cadmium, Sarah helps associations navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape by offering tailored solutions for online learning and virtual conferences. She doesn’t just sell a product—she delivers lasting value by understanding each client’s unique goals and long-term vision.
Sarah is known for her thoughtful approach to sales engineering, built on a foundation of clear communication, trust, and deep expertise. She consistently goes beyond the technical details to build relationships, understand people, and provide solutions that serve both immediate and future needs.