In the world of business, negotiation is a crucial skill that can make or break deals, partnerships, and sales. Benny Fernandez, a former Miami Hurricanes college football player and coach, is a master negotiator who used his skills to drive growth and new account acquisition across the sales force. His ability to broker deals helped him become a rising star in the dental industry and earn recognition as a top sales executive.

Business professionals of all backgrounds and ranks can learn a lot by analyzing Fernandez’s techniques and strategies for successful negotiations and how they have propelled him to success in his current role with Envista Holdings Corporation.

As a business executive for Envista under the Implant Direct operating company, Fernandez has spearheaded the product launch of their latest innovation, the Simply Iconic implant system, making it one of the top implants in the dental market. The innovative system is welcome news for implantologists, periodontists, and maxillofacial surgeons. They can now treat their patients with a tried-and-true implant body, conical hex, and SimplePlatform™ system for optimal stability and aesthetics.

Fernandez earned an MBA in Strategic Management and Entrepreneurship from the Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His success includes winning Rookie of the Year as the top-performing sales executive in his first year and being ranked #1 sales executive in the entire company at Implant Direct.

The former Miami football player attributes his premier negotiation skills to his relentless focus on the desired outcome and his ability to communicate effectively with his colleagues, customers, and partners. He believes it is essential to understand the motivations and needs of all parties involved in the negotiation and to find creative solutions that benefit everyone. His ability to think outside the box and remain calm under pressure enabled him to close many successful deals.

Fernandez’s techniques and strategies for successful negotiations are born out of his desire to continuously improve and stretch his abilities with constant repetition of business conceptualization. When discussing the reasons behind his effectiveness as a negotiator and businessman, Fernandez connects his preparation during his gridiron days to his current process for being his best business self:

“Instead of developing muscle in the weight room, I created muscle memory the hard way by challenging myself to focus on developing my business acumen and becoming a grand master of negotiation and leadership.”

He also strives to add as much value as possible using his God-given talents. As a result, Fernandez is well-rounded in all business functions and is preparing himself to one day lead an organization at the highest level.

Benny Fernandez, a former Miami Hurricanes football player, is a master negotiator whose ability to influence others has made him a rising star in the dental industry. His proven track record as a top sales executive, generating millions in revenue for Envista Holdings Corporation, is a testament to his expertise in negotiation and leadership. In addition, Fernandez’s story is a reminder that being a skilled negotiator is essential in any industry, and those who master this skill have a greater chance of succeeding in their professional endeavors.