Voice of the Intern: Behind the Scenes at Walser’s NextGen Sales Academy

By Kyizom Paldy, 2025 NextGen Intern

This summer, Walser’s NextGen Internship Program cranked things up a notch with the launch of our very first Intern Sales Academy. A high-energy, hands-on crash course in the art (and heart) of car sales.

For the first three and a half weeks, our Sales Academy interns dove headfirst into Walser’s signature sales training, learning the ins and outs of the Walser Way—our no-pressure, transparent, and customer-first approach to buying a car. Once they graduated from the classroom, it was game time: they hit the sales floor at Walser Toyota and Walser Mazda, ready to put their skills to the test.

Unlike our corporate internships, where mentors meet weekly, Sales Academy interns work side-by-side with their mentors every single day. That means more support, more real-time coaching, and more chances to step confidently into customer conversations. Because let’s face it. Helping someone buy one of the biggest purchases of their life is no small thing.

Check out this video for an inside look at the Sales Academy experience. From training and mentorship to real customer conversations, our interns are building skills, making connections, and learning what it takes to succeed on the sales floor.

From the Sales Floor to the Spotlight

The Sales Academy is filled with driven students turning training into real-world results. Each intern brings their own style, strengths, and story to the program. Today, we’re highlighting one of them — Luke Kron, a student-athlete at the University of St. Thomas. From learning the sales process to seeing what makes a dealership tick, Luke’s summer has been all about curiosity, growth, and getting down to business.

Let’s get to know him.

Who are you beyond your resume?

I grew up in Andover, MN and have three older sisters. I love spending time with my family and friends. I love all sports and grew up competing in many sports, including hockey at the Division 1 level. I now spend lots of my free time at our cabin, where I like to fish and hunt. I love playing tennis and getting outside as much as possible.

Did the NextGen internship match what you were expecting? Why or why not?

Yes and no. I was expecting to learn the sales process and how it works in the automotive industry, which I did. What has even been a bigger part of my experience, which I didn’t expect as much, is watching how the everyday operations work in a Walser dealership.

How has your understanding of the sales process changed since starting the internship?

It has helped me by listening to others when collaborating in a team setting. It has made me more effective in communicating to others across the company.

If you could swap roles with anyone at Walser for a day, who would it be and why?

Sherry Schultz. As interns, she has spoken on various topics, and I enjoy her point of view. It would be intriguing to me to see the company from afar and lead from her position as she tracks and manages talent.

Walser’s CHRO Sherry Schultz has been driving change since she joined the company in 2018. An experienced people strategist, Sherry brought innovation to the HR department by launching Employee Resource Groups, expanding paid parental leave, offering adoption assistance, and thinking big about how to ensure Walser is a great workplace for all employees. By managing all things people, Sherry is a key player in the NextGen Internship program. Alongside the talent acquisition team, her insights led to a formal internship program. The programmatic elements have been the highlight of the interns’ summer. From volunteering to a boat cruise, the intentional moments of community and connection have made Walser a notable intern destination.

How have you grown professionally or personally through this internship?

I have grown in ways to become more comfortable in a workplace environment. Having the opportunity to work with many seasoned professionals gives me the opportunity to ask questions and be curious every day.

If your internship had a theme song, what would it be?

“Takin’ Care of Business” – Bachman-Turner Overdrive.

Want to hear more from our interns?

Check out more stories and behind-the-scenes moments on Walser’s YouTube Channel.

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