Q&A: Johan Galeano builds success from the bottom up

Before he was closing big deals and winning national sales awards, sales extraordinaire Johan Galeano had a very different dream — to wear a badge. Growing up in Colombia, he witnessed injustice firsthand and set his sights on becoming a police officer. That plan carried him to the RCMP training academy in Canada, but a serious injury and a family health crisis changed his course. What began as a detour into sales turned into a passion and commitment.

Today, Johan is one of the most respected sales professionals in Western Canada’s building supply sector, known for his sharp instincts, relentless work ethic, and people-first approach. Since joining Simpson Strong-Tie in 2022, he has more than doubled his territory’s sales and taken home top honours, including the company’s national “Top Gun” award. But behind the numbers is a deeper mission: to build trust, help clients succeed, and elevate the entire industry — one relationship at a time.

In this Q&A, Johan opens up about his unlikely path into construction, the habits that fuel his success, and why building a personal brand is more than just a marketing move — it’s a mindset.

SiteNews: I understand that before you got into the industry, you were going down a different career path? 

Johan Galeano: I lived in Colombia until I was 17 years old and I always wanted to be a police officer. Back then it used to be very dangerous and I would see from firsthand experience people getting abused, people getting mistreated. I wanted to be a police officer to help people. I wanted to do something to stop the bullies, to stop the bad guys, to make a positive difference in people’s lives. When we came to Canada that was my goal. I joined the RCMP. I went to the academy for almost five months out of the six month training program. Unfortunately I ended up getting injured and also my father became very ill with chronic kidney disease. So I put a pause into my plan until I healed myself up and until I helped my dad get better. So, I moved back to Calgary. 

And how did you get into what you do now?

I believe in God and God always has a plan. I used to work merchandising and a little bit of sales prior to going to the police academy. One of my good friends called me and said there is a sales position and I think you’ll be really good at it. And I thought, “maybe”. I’m personable. I’m charismatic. But I really want to become a police officer. But I went for the interview and it worked out very well. And I haven’t looked back ever since. I also ended up obtaining a bachelors degree in Project Management which has absolutely contributed to my success..My career in sales has been just growing.

What has kept you in the industry?

Sales is a job that is constantly evolving. You have to reinvent yourself frequently if you want to stay relevant. There’s that constant challenge that keeps me going. Number two, I think I developed a really good network of people not only with a lot of different construction companies but also with people in the industry so that’s allowed me to get a good reputation and people trust me, which is nice. Number three, is the fact that I’ve been very blessed to work for very good companies that not only their products are top tier products, but also the company culture has been great. So I’ve had very positive experiences.

You have set sales records at your employers and achieved a great deal in your roles. What are some of your keys to success?

I’m reliable. I’m dependable. Also, part of what sets me apart is that a lot of sales guys get into this industry thinking about themselves. I think differently. I think ‘how are my clients going to make money and be successful? How can I make your business better? How can I help you save money? I see myself as a mediator. I am a person who comes to find the best way to save the money or help them out with our company. 

You help some of the region’s biggest clients, including home builders like Excel Homes, Trico homes, Jayman Built and more, as well as building material supply stores, retail distributors and buying groups including Rona, The Home Depot and Home Hardware. How have you been able to establish and maintain those relationships?

These are very busy people, so it’s hard to get face-to-face with the decision makers. What helped me is starting from the bottom. I don’t discriminate. If you are the janitor or the CEO, I treat you the same way and give you the same respect. I started from scratch at the bottom, going to the people on site asking questions, seeing who the project manager is, who the superintendent is. When I develop a rapport they often introduce me to the CEO or the purchaser. The people on site see I am honest and respectful and knowledgeable so they open those doors for me without me even having to knock on them. 

What are some habits you have outside the workplace that help you perform at a high level?

I’m constantly eager to learn without being told what to learn. Of course we have training processes at work, and that’s great, but in my spare time I’m constantly looking for knowledge. I just finished one class and I have to start the second one on how AI technology applies to sales and building materials. I’m very curious. Working for this company at first I didn’t know much about them. I knew the reputation but I started going to Home Depot looking at their products asking how it works and how it’s installed. I would go on YouTube and watch installation videos. My curiosity and my creativity have helped me implement things from my personal life into my work life.

You have built a following of thousands on social media. What is the importance of building your personal brand in construction?

If you want to get known or you want to stand out, you have to build your brand and build it in a way that is not only helping you but helping others. Maybe that’s with posts that are relatable or informative. My wife started building her brand as an HR ambassador and people took notice and she’s got a great job. She’s the HR manager for Western Canada for a very large company. You have to build your brand because if you believe in yourself and you believe in why you’re selling to others. People will take notice.

What are some of the biggest challenges that you’ve had to overcome in your career?

My own success because. When you are successful you generate higher expectations not from yourself and the people around, your managers and superiors. I took this territory over three years ago and more than doubled it. It’s been an adventure. It hasn’t been easy. But at the same it’s scary for me because I’m always thinking about what’s next and how can I take this even further. I constantly challenge myself to improve and grow personally and professionally.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? 

I’ve been very blessed to have really good mentors in every company that I’ve worked for. People that see the potential in me and they push me to move forward. And I think their best advice is to be honest, be dependable, be punctual, and always have a plan. Don’t just wing it. Don’t just wake up in the morning and be like, “I’m just going to go, maybe see account A and B today to say ‘hello’”. That doesn’t work. You have to have your plan laid out and have a purpose for those meetings with your clients. Don’t just randomly show up to waste their time and yours.

What do you enjoy most about your job? What gets you excited to wake up and go to work?

I work for very good companies and I’ve been very fortunate to work for very good managers and very good people, especially with the current company that I have right now. I feel blessed to work for them because the company culture is top tier. They make you feel like family. Even though it’s a multi-billion dollar company, they don’t treat you like you’re some number in some Excel spreadsheet. The managers care, your co-workers care. So that’s what motivates me to be the best I can be every day. And the fact that the products that we sell are good and help people build safer and stronger structures.