Mark Baldwin Guides the Next Generation

In 1997, when Mark Baldwin began his career, his favorite part of the job was engaging with customers and colleagues. From an inside salesperson tasked with operating the warehouse to a sales executive today, Baldwin believes it is the partnerships you form that lead you to success. That mentality is what helped him earn the 2026 Sanitary Maintenance Sales Leader Award.

“Mark’s professionalism, humility, and dedication to both his teammates and our customers have earned him the respect of everyone around him,” says Scott Cresswell, President of Portland, Oregon-based Walter E. Nelson Co.

Honesty is at the heart of how Baldwin operates. By being open and candid, he establishes a trusting relationship with the customer that he can leverage to best attend to their needs.

“I have always been a proponent of transparency and outcome-based accountability,” Baldwin shares. “Building trust with my customers and delivering measurable results that I frequently share with them helps me become a business partner, which sets me apart from our competitors.”

Baldwin’s experience not only positions him as an established sales leader but also as a dependable mentor to emerging sales representatives. His desire to share with others is why he continuously is sought out for guidance.

“Mark consistently goes above and beyond to support his fellow employees and help them grow into the best versions of themselves,” says Stacy Nelson, Marketing Manager at Walter E. Nelson Co. “He is always willing to assist, offer guidance, and build strong relationships to ensure everyone on the team feels valued and appreciated.”

His top tip for new sales reps is to be invaluable to the customer. It is wisdom Baldwin picked up from his own mentor, Kelly Tellegen, who always advised him to center his work around the customer.

“The most instrumental core principle in my career is being trustworthy and knowledgeable—learning everything I can about our industry so I can bring value to our customers,” Baldwin says. “The best advice I have given to emerging sales professionals is to devote themselves to learning the needs of the customer—listen and never leave a customer out to dry.”

Learning is an ongoing process for Baldwin, especially as new digital technologies continue to emerge. However, he believes that embracing new tools is necessary because they affect every level of the commercial cleaning industry.

“I believe in transforming with AI and digital technologies where it benefits the customers,” Baldwin advocates. “Our industry can greatly embrace these technologies when it comes to equipment and labor savings. Still, I will always want to provide an in-person experience by visiting customer locations and seeing challenges alongside the customer.”

Cresswell believes Baldwin’s adaptability is what distinguishes him from others in the industry. Anytime there is an opportunity to innovate, Baldwin integrates it into his own practice. He is constantly looking for proactive solutions that benefit the customer and his team.

“What truly sets Mark apart is his forward-thinking mindset. He constantly looks for new ways to improve efficiency, strengthen customer relationships, and uncover new opportunities for growth,” says Cresswell. “His ability to think ahead and act decisively has not only helped the team succeed internally but also strengthened our position in the marketplace.”

Although Baldwin is relatively new to the Walter E. Nelson Co. organization, he has already made himself indispensable. His earnest attitude toward the job motivates his team to try and operate to that same standard. As a genuine individual, he is recognized for his welcoming and caring spirit, which has supported his success personally and professionally.

“By staying aware of industry trends, collaborating across departments, and maintaining a professional, positive presence with both clients and partners, Mark consistently uncovers new avenues for growth,” Nelson says. “His proactive mindset and dedication make him a key contributor to the continued success of the organization.”

Taylor Vraney is an Assistant Editor for CleanLink.com, Facility Cleaning Decisions, Contracting Profits, and Sanitary Maintenance. 

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