Building Connections That Last: Q&A with Andy Stein, VP of Sales at Jun Group

Hi Andy, I’m excited to dive in. Let’s start at the beginning. What first got you interested in ad tech? 

I started my career in television ad sales because I wanted to work in Hollywood, and at the time, TV ad sales was as close as I could get. After six years in TV and a move back east, I noticed the industry shifting toward digital, so I decided to follow the trend. I fell into ad tech, starting at a retargeting-focused company, which is where I got my feet wet. 

Eventually, I discovered the mobile app space, which is when I truly fell in love with ad tech. I’ve always been passionate about reaching people when they’re most engaged, and mobile apps are the perfect place to do that. It’s all about meeting people where they are, and more than ever, that’s on their phones.

Building relationships is a big part of succeeding in sales. How do you connect with your clients?

My approach is to be my authentic self and a trusted advisor. I make a point to stay close to them, not just for work but on a personal level. To me, it’s all about showing up for non-work-related things as much as work. Building that kind of relationship creates a foundation of trust, and trust is the genesis of any strong working relationship.

What tips do you have for people starting out in ad sales? 

First, it’s important to understand the industry inside and out—not just the basics but also the technical details. Clients trust sellers who know what they’re talking about and who can go beyond just repeating buzzwords.

Second, build and maintain relationships. It’s interesting because sometimes you’ll find yourself investing as much—or even more—into your client relationships than your personal ones. I’m sure I’ve missed my friends’ birthdays, but I try to never miss my clients’ birthdays or life milestones.

Third, figure out what type of company you want to work for. Whether it’s a big corporation, smaller startup, or something in between, each type of company offers something unique. Know what aligns with your career goals, and target those opportunities when applying for jobs. I’ve worked at large conglomerates to small startups, and I have found Jun Group to be the sweet spot for me.

Is there a particular product you’re especially excited about pitching to clients at the moment?

Yes, I’m especially excited about the rapidly evolving CTV space and Jun Group’s approach. We don’t see CTV as a standalone product—it’s part of a larger strategy. We use CTV as one of many touch points in a consumer’s digital journey. For example, we can reach someone on their TV, and then seamlessly engage them on their phone or desktop later in the day.

This holistic approach sets us apart. It’s not about just running an ad on one platform—it’s about creating a cohesive strategy that guides a consumer down the marketing funnel and ultimately inspires them to take action. 

If you weren’t working in sales, what would you be doing instead?

I initially wanted to be a talent agent, which is what brought me out west to start my career. If I hadn’t fallen into ad tech back then, maybe I would be a talent or music manager, as I dabbled in that world a bit during college. I managed a musician back then, selling beats to wannabe rappers in Times Square. I guess hustling has always been in my DNA, which may be why I enjoy sales as much as I do. 

How do you like to spend your time when you’re not at work?

Family is my priority when I’m not working. I also play in a softball league and enjoy poker. Lately, though, a lot of my free time has been spent trying to score Taylor Swift tickets for my kids!

Follow Andy Stein on LinkedIn.