Meet Our New Pinnacle Scholars
The Next Generation of Fortune 500 Sales Leaders
Breaking Barriers: From Ambition to Achievement
Every great sales career begins with a single conversation, a bold “yes” to growth. But for many ambitious professionals, the path to breaking into Fortune 500 sales or high-tech sales feels elusive. The competition is fierce, the standards are sky-high, and the gap between ambition and opportunity can seem impossible to bridge.
That’s exactly why Pinnacle Sales Academy, founded by Mark Collins, a renowned Fortune 500 sales mentor, created the Pinnacle Foundation Scholarship to open doors for the most promising talent and equip them with the mindset, skill set, and network to rise to the top of modern B2B sales.
Today, we’re proud to introduce this year’s new class of Pinnacle Scholars, a diverse, driven group of professionals who embody the future of sales leadership.
The Pinnacle Sales Academy Difference
At Pinnacle Sales Academy, we don’t just train salespeople, we develop sales leaders. Our mission is to help professionals break into Fortune 500 sales roles, master complex B2B sales cycles, and thrive in technology-driven industries where relationship-building meets innovation.
“In Fortune 500 sales, talent gets you in the room but mindset keeps you there,” says Mark Collins, Founder and Chief Mentor of Pinnacle Sales Academy. “That’s what we instill in every Pinnacle Scholar: the ability to think strategically, lead with empathy, and close with integrity.”
Through mentorship, hands-on training, and career guidance, the Pinnacle Foundation Scholarship offers scholars access to:
One-on-one mentorship from top-performing Fortune 500 sales executives
Advanced training modules in enterprise sales, tech sales, and consultative selling
Career development workshops focused on leadership, negotiation, and communication
A global network of sales professionals and alumni driving impact across industries
Meet the 2025 Pinnacle Scholars
1. Jordan Lee From Retail Hustle to Enterprise Sales Excellence
Before joining Pinnacle Sales Academy, Jordan Lee was managing a high-performing retail team, but his goal was clear to transition into B2B tech sales. Through the Pinnacle mentorship program, Jordan mastered strategic prospecting and solution-based selling, landing a role with a leading SaaS company within three months.
“The Academy didn’t just teach me sales, it taught me how to think like a Fortune 500 decision-maker,” Jordan shares.
Today, Jordan leads enterprise accounts across North America, representing exactly what the Pinnacle Foundation Scholarship was designed to create: confident, capable professionals ready for the global stage.
2. Sophia Ramirez From Classroom to Boardroom
With a background in education, Sophia never imagined she’d thrive in sales, until she discovered how her communication skills could inspire and influence in a business context. Through Pinnacle’s immersive curriculum and weekly mentorship with Mark Collins, Sophia built the confidence and skillset to secure a position with a Fortune 500 technology firm.
“Mark helped me realize that great salespeople aren’t pushy, they’re teachers,” Sophia says. “I learned how to help clients connect problems to solutions, not just products.”
Sophia’s story underscores a truth that Pinnacle teaches every scholar: the best salespeople are problem solvers first.
3. Marcus Chen – Redefining Success in Tech Sales
A data analyst turned tech sales consultant, Marcus Chen represents the growing intersection of technology and relationship management. With Pinnacle’s guidance, Marcus refined his storytelling and negotiation skills, learning how to translate technical insights into business value, a key skill in modern enterprise sales.
“Sales is no longer about selling products; it’s about leading transformation,” Marcus explains. “Pinnacle helped me shift from talking features to delivering outcomes.”
Marcus now manages multimillion-dollar accounts in cybersecurity, a testament to how structured sales mentorship can accelerate even the most technical careers.
What Makes a Pinnacle Scholar
The Pinnacle Foundation Scholarship isn’t just a financial award, it’s an invitation to transform your career. Scholars are chosen not for what they’ve already achieved, but for what they’re determined to become.
Key traits of a Pinnacle Scholar include:
1. Relentless Curiosity
Pinnacle Scholars are obsessed with growth. They constantly seek to understand how Fortune 500 organizations operate, how executives think, and how they can add measurable value.
2. Emotional Intelligence
Sales success is built on relationships, and emotional intelligence is the currency of trust. Scholars learn how to listen deeply, empathize authentically, and communicate with clarity and confidence.
3. Strategic Execution
Every Pinnacle graduate understands that strategy drives results. From building sales pipelines to managing complex buying committees, they’re trained to operate like elite athletes intentional, disciplined, and focused.
4. Leadership at Every Level
“Leadership isn’t about titles,” Mark Collins reminds every class. “It’s about ownership. The best sales professionals take ownership of results, relationships, and reputation.”
That leadership mindset transforms every Pinnacle Scholar into a trusted partner in the eyes of their clients and a future leader within their organization.
The Ripple Effect: Beyond the Scholarship
The impact of the Pinnacle Foundation Scholarship goes far beyond individual success stories. Graduates go on to mentor others, shape company cultures, and contribute to a community that’s redefining excellence in sales.
Many of our alumni now hold leadership roles in:
Fortune 500 sales divisions (technology, finance, and healthcare)
High-growth SaaS companies scaling their enterprise client base
Sales enablement and revenue operations roles driving measurable impact
And just as importantly, they continue to pay it forward, mentoring the next wave of scholars and representing Pinnacle’s commitment to building a legacy of mentorship and mastery.
“Sales is the most human profession in business,” Mark Collins says. “When we lift others up, we elevate the entire profession.”
How to Become a Pinnacle Scholar
If you’re ready to accelerate your sales career, the Pinnacle Foundation Scholarship could be your launchpad.
Eligibility
The scholarship is open to:
Professionals seeking to transition into Fortune 500 or tech sales
Early-career salespeople aiming to fast-track their leadership trajectory
Students with a strong interest in business development or B2B sales
Selection Criteria
Applicants are evaluated based on drive, communication, and potential, not GPA or prior titles.
Successful applicants demonstrate:
A clear vision for their career
Strong communication skills and integrity
Commitment to continuous learning and mentorship
How to Apply
Applications for the 2026 Pinnacle Foundation Scholarship open soon. Here’s how to prepare:
Submit Your Application Online – Share your story, your aspirations, and why you believe you’re a good fit for Pinnacle.
Complete the Sales Readiness Assessment – A short diagnostic that identifies your current skill set and areas for growth.
Interview with a Mentor – Finalists will meet with one of Pinnacle’s mentors (and possibly Mark Collins himself) to discuss their goals and mindset.
Successful applicants join a powerful community, a network that accelerates careers, opens doors, and builds lifelong relationships.
Your Turn to Reach the Pinnacle
Every Pinnacle Scholar begins with a decision, the decision to invest in themselves.
If you’ve ever dreamed of landing a Fortune 500 sales role, mastering B2B or tech sales, or learning directly from a Fortune 500 sales mentor like Mark Collins, this is your moment.
“Opportunity favors those who prepare for it,” Mark reminds his mentees. “The Pinnacle path isn’t easy but it’s worth it.”
Ready to become a Pinnacle Scholar?
Visit https://pinnaclesalesacademy.net/scholarship-program to apply today and take the first step toward your sales leadership future.
