From Zero to One — and Back into Retail: 3 Steps to Landing Your Next Role
- Jackson Lieu
- 14 hours ago
- 5 min read
In the dynamic world of B2B SaaS sales, reaching $1 million in revenue from zero is a major achievement.
But as I learned, the unpredictability of corporate demands can lead to unexpected challenges.
When I was let go due to the board’s ambitious $10 million target, I faced a turning point.
With no safety net and the pressure to provide for myself, I took some time off and eventually found my way back to retail sales, the environment where my career originally began.
That season taught me about resilience, humility, and adaptability, and reminded me that even when doors close, new ones open with purpose.
To date, I’ve turned down three offers, including one with a $90K base, because I’ve learned that alignment matters more than desperation.
If you’re standing at a similar crossroads, here are three practical steps that helped me find clarity, stability, and growth again; should you choose this path.
Step 1: Condensing Your Professional Resume
When pivoting to retail (or any new field), your first move is to simplify your story.
Highlight transferable skills, not just titles.
Example: If you grew T-Mobile sales by 20% year-over-year, translate that into customer empathy, consultative selling, and relationship-building — all highly valuable in any retail environment.
I even listed my GED as my highest education, despite holding a Bachelor’s, to match the hiring lens and show I could meet them where they are.
Your goal is to make your resume feel relevant, adaptable, and human, not overqualified or detached.
Step 2: Following Through with Multiple On-Site Visits
After applying, the real work begins.
Show up. Build relationships. Create advocates.
“Every conversation was a touchpoint. Every handshake was a discovery call.”
In my case, I made over 25 on-site visits, not just to interview, but to connect.
Every visit, I’d note the manager’s name, interests, and “why” in my Airtable CRM, treating my job hunt like a sales pipeline.
Also, dress to impress.
When you walk in looking sharp, you walk in with confidence.
And confidence builds momentum.
Step 3: Crafting a Thoughtful Thank You Email
Never skip the thank-you email.
Personalize it with details from your conversation.
Example:
“I really appreciated hearing about your team’s collaborative culture. My experience leading five associates at T-Mobile taught me how strong communication drives performance.”
That simple follow-up separates you from 90% of candidates.
What Store Managers Care About
Questions are the answers, and the kind of question(s) you ask can either make you or break you.
As a high-caliber sales professional - your job is to find and validate the pain to then later recap it through the follow-up email.
Here's my favorite question to ask during the interview:
Typically, when I speak with store managers, here are a few strategic priorities that are always top of mind:
Driving Sales Performance — Staying laser-focused on sales goals and unit mix (Internet, Mobile, Video, Accessories). Great managers know which levers drive the needle.
Improving Conversion & Customer Experience — Turning traffic into customers through consultative conversations and top-tier service (NPS, CSAT, CES).
Developing and Coaching Reps — Tracking attainment and attach rates, but more importantly, creating an environment where reps feel supported and proud.
Then I always ask:
“What does that look like on your end?”
From there, I dive deeper:
Where is it now?
What’s been done to solve it?
What’s the impact?
That’s top-tier AE work — even in a retail setting.
Good to Know: Recruiters typcially won't share the hiring manager's email, therefore leaverage tools such as Apollo.io to get the email.
Four Offers across 9 bookings, a 44.44% win rate and/or 45% (rounded).
Why I Chose Comcast
To my surprise, Comcast ranks #35 on the Fortune 500, with ~182K employees and $121B+ in annual revenue.
They’re not just selling Internet and Video, they’re building the next generation of connected homes.
At $18/hour and ~$53K OTE, I may not be earning SaaS-level pay, but I’m covering bills, stacking runway, and most importantly — rebuilding peace of mind.
Runway is the name of the game. When your back isn’t against the wall, you have the power to say no to the wrong role. -Jax Lieu
Navigating the Job Market
Returning to retail after B2B SaaS isn’t a step back; it’s a strategic reset.
You’re earning, learning, and positioning yourself for the next chapter.
Since returning, I’ve turned down three positions that didn’t align with my mission, and that discipline has opened better doors.
“It’s not about getting back fast. It’s about getting back right.”
Wrapping Up
Transitioning from SaaS to retail takes courage - but it’s proof that growth doesn’t stop when the title changes.
By refining your resume, engaging intentionally, and following through with gratitude, you’ll stand out in any market.
And remember: resilience is a skill — not a personality trait.
"I was brought on to go Zero to One, and we did exactly that. At the end of the day, it didn't even matter."
258K in ARR closed/won across four Mid-Market deals at a 20% close rate.
2.5M+ in pipeline generated with a 90%+ meeting held rate.
Fully responsible for 25% of the Zero to One mission within a group of 4.
Yet - it still didn't matter; or did it?
Final Words
If you’re reading this and going through a similar storm, I see you.
It’s hard.
You give your all, 80-hour weeks, everything you have - and still get let go.
It hurts.
Deeply.
But Isaiah 30:21 reminds us:
"Whether you turn to the right or left, you will hear a voice behind you saying, "This is the way; walk in it".
Have no fear.
If there’s a will, there’s a way — and for me, that way is through Jesus Christ, the King of Kings.
Pour your worries into Him.
He will pave the path.
Not us. Not you. Not me.
But Him.
God bless you all — and may we come back stronger than ever through His grace.
🙏 Thank you for reading. If this story resonated with you — whether you’re in SaaS, retail, or somewhere in between — I hope it reminds you that resilience pays dividends.
💬 What chapter are you in right now — rebuilding, growing, or resting?
👇 Let’s talk in the comments.
Tech Stack
Airtable - CRM
Apollo - Data
Gmail - Email + Phone for Cold Calling
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