Meet Audrey Bakerson | High Ticket Closer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Audrey Bakerson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Audrey, how do you think about risk?
I think risk is essential. Life feels more exciting and fulfilling when you’re making bold moves instead of playing it safe. “No risk, no reward” is a phrase that’s really rung true in my life. I grew up in a small town where staying close to home was the norm, and there’s nothing wrong with that, but choosing to pack up my car and drive across the country changed everything for me. That leap brought new opportunities, jobs, connections, and exposure to diverse cultures and ideas. It opened my eyes and propelled my career in ways I couldn’t have imagined if I’d stayed in my comfort zone.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My career journey has been anything but linear and honestly, that’s what makes it so meaningful. After graduating early, I had an exciting opportunity to work with Pepsi. I was thrilled to have a job offer in hand even before walking across the graduation stage. But after touring the facility and weighing the move from Michigan to California, something in my gut told me to turn it down. At the time, I thought I had made the worst mistake ever.

That summer, I found myself working dock crew at a boat club washing boats under the sun with three degrees in my back pocket, questioning everything. I kept networking and applying, collecting a pile of “we regret to inform you” emails. Then one day, at a golf event, I crossed paths with someone working in a sales role I was interested in. He told me he’d help me land a position and he did.

The company’s headquarters were in Michigan, but I couldn’t face another gray winter. Luckily, they had a location in Tampa. I flew out for a visit and immediately felt energized. Within a month, I went from having no options to being flown out for a new job… at a metal company. Yes, metal. I packed up my life in my Oldsmobile and drove to Florida alone a two-day trip, the longest I’d ever driven. I hopped between hotel rooms dodging bugs, sleeping on floors, wondering if I had made the right call.

Once I started the job, I quickly realized selling metal wasn’t my passion, shocker. The environment was tough respect didn’t come easy. I was walking into tool and die shops with a hard hat and bright blonde hair, getting catcalled, underestimated, and even threatened. It wore me down. I began to leave work in tears, constantly exhausted. But then I met a mentor who saw something in me. She took me under her wing and helped reignite my confidence.

Months later, a spot opened on her team. I jumped at the chance. The interview process was long and grueling, and it came down to me and another candidate from a competing company. I was convinced I wouldn’t get it but I did. That job is where I still work today, and it was a massive turning point. I finally found a place where I felt my talents were utilized.

But I didn’t stop there. About a year ago, I stumbled upon high-ticket remote closing. I hopped on what I thought was just a free training call, and little did I know that one call would change the entire trajectory of my life. I enrolled in the She Sells Academy, an all-women’s sales training program. It was the biggest investment I’d ever made in myself, and I genuinely thought I might be getting scammed. The whole field sounded too good to be true: flexible hours, warm leads, selling products you actually care about. But I took the leap.

That risk paid off in ways I couldn’t have imagined. I learned under Shelby Sapp, became her Southeast regional rep, and met a powerhouse group of women who’ve become close friends. After graduating, I started hunting for sales roles again. My first role as a setter didn’t yield much I barely made a dollar. I moved to a closer role but found that without consistent leads, it was tough to build momentum.

By month four, I had only made around $1,000 part-time, and I started to lose faith in the dream. Then, I landed a role with consistent leads, and everything clicked. I began closing regularly, built up to a 50% close rate, and genuinely loved what I was doing. I reinvested in more training, kept leveling up, and now I’m juggling four roles: I work my day job, bartend on weekends, and take closing calls before and after work. Every part of my day is scheduled, but I’m growing faster than ever.

The journey hasn’t been easy, but I’ve learned to trust myself, keep saying yes, and do the hard things even when I’m tired. I’ve learned the power of betting on yourself and staying open to what’s possible, even if it doesn’t make sense yet. I’m excited to see where this all leads, and I hope my story reminds others that the path may be messy, but it’s worth it.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend came to visit for a full week, I’d make sure they experienced all my favorite spots and got a real taste of my everyday life. We’d kick things off with drinks and dinner on Water Street, home to some of the city’s best restaurants, before heading to Olivia, my all-time favorite place to eat.

One night, we’d go line dancing, and another, we’d drop in on my favorite run club (the one for MF’s who don’t actually run). We’d explore Davis Island, stroll along Bayshore, and soak in the views. I’d even take them to a jiu-jitsu class, because you can’t visit me without doing something a little unexpected.

We’d spend at least one day poolside, margaritas in hand, catching up with some of my favorite people. For dinner, we’d grab sushi at my go-to spot and walk through a few of the weekly routines that keep me grounded.

Midweek, we’d take a trip to St. Pete to bar hop, wander through the local art scene, and watch the sun set over the water. One morning, we’d wake up early and head straight to the ocean to dive in as the sun rises, collecting seashells to take home as keepsakes.

Of course, we’d ride the trolley into Ybor for a Pilates class, because balance, right? I’d leave room for a little spontaneous exploring, probably try out some new restaurants, and make sure their camera roll is packed with memories. More than anything, I’d want them to leave feeling like they didn’t just visit, I’d want them to feel like they lived a piece of my life.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d love to give a shoutout to my family. No matter the distance, whether I’m navigating a tough season or celebrating a win, they’re always in my corner, lifting me up. A special thank you to my sister and best friend, Aliea, she’s the one who truly made me believe I can do anything. She constantly encourages me to grow, challenges me to become better, and shows up for me no matter the time or situation. She’s my biggest cheerleader and my rock.

Instagram: @audreybakerson

Image Credits
darelisphotography
jdogg95
josh.edstedt.photography