Publications & Sites 
Martin keeps things moving
A man on the move: John Martin, a Northbrook resident of 18 years, is incoming Northbrook Chamber of Commerce board chairman (term 2013-2014). Karie Angell Luc~for Sun-Times Media
Updated: November 29, 2012 11:59AM
It could be said John Martin, an 18-year Northbrook resident, is a man on the move.
Yes, his business, Sandler Training, takes him to Chicago. but Martin, a father of three sons, finds moving up comes with hard work. He’s a man of considerable talent and will soon become the new president of the Northbrook Chamber Board.
Q. Tell us about your family.
A. My wife Anne and I have three boys, Danny, 17, a senior at Loyola Academy; Tommy, 15, sophomore at Loyola Academy; and David, 13, and eighth-grader at St. Norbert.
Q. Why is Northbrook a great place to raise a family?
A. Northbrook offers my family so much access and opportunity; from excellent education, to great recreational services from the park district and the Y (North Suburban YMCA in Northbrook), to a sense of community and pride in a well-kept, well-run community. As a family we feel lucky to live in Northbrook and at this holiday time the feeling is even more poignant.
Q. What are your hobbies?
A. I’m a devotee of low and slow and barbeque frequently on my backyard smoker. While Tom Skilling has nothing to worry about, I track and record weather conditions with my home meteorological station. In the winter, I’m often making sawdust in my woodworking shop. I also play drums and have a large, loud drum set in my basement. At my church, St. Norbert, I get to use my public speaking ability and contribute to our liturgy as a minister of the word.
Q. Are you a winter or summer person? Seasonal sports?
A. Summer gives me a chance to frequently see my beloved White Sox and also take my boys to both the south side park and yes, the north side park as well. We have a mixed family!
Q. Sandler Training. What does it do?
A. We specialize in four very specific types of training and development: Sales management training, sales training, business development and strategies for the non-selling professional, including strategic customer care training for customer service teams. We also provide consulting to individuals and companies on things that affect revenue generation from hiring to strategic growth.
Q. Where do you get your clients?
A. I think we’ve worked hard and we’re fortunate that many of our clients come from referrals. Naturally, we prospect for new business like every company must. We also expand our business network by speaking at company meetings, trade shows and association events. Networking is also an important part of my prospecting plan and I take advantage of those many opportunities at the Northbrook Chamber where I am the incoming board chairman for 2013-2014.
Q. What is your shout out to others struggling with career loss, job loss?
A. Behave your way to a better attitude. In talking and coaching some folks from the community that are struggling with job loss, sometimes I find their discouragement leads them to inactivity, the inactivity to even further feelings of discouragement. Aristotle said, “Happiness is a state of activity.” So I coach them to do something proactive today and bet them they’ll feel better when they do. I never lose.
Q. Is the economy getting better?
A. Yes. I see a numerous signs of improving economic conditions. The hope by everyone is that these signs are durable and we can return a more fully employed economy.
