Spotlight on OLN Inc: A Humble Giant in Face-to-Face Sales

In a world where ads follow you everywhere and inboxes overflow with offers, it’s easy to forget the power of a real conversation. That’s where OLN Inc comes in — a company built on handshakes, human connection, and hustle.

Founded in 2007 by Elijah Medge, OLN Inc began in Nashville, Tennessee, with a simple but bold idea: help big companies connect with small business customers in person. Not through emails, calls, or flashy ads — but through people.

“Small business owners are tough to influence through mass media,” Elijah says. “Trust needs to be built through relationships.” 

OLN Inc stands for Outsourced Licensee Network. It’s not your typical sales company. Instead of one big office, it’s a network of small branches across the U.S., each one licensed to represent major brands.

And they’re not small-time players. OLN Inc has sold services for companies like Amazon, AT&T, Staples, Verizon, DirecTV, T-Mobile, and Direct Energy. The company now operates in 30 major U.S. markets, focusing mostly on face-to-face sales for services people use every day — phone plans, office supplies, and energy solutions.

“We want to solve the problem big companies have,” Elijah explains, “which is: how do we find small business customers at an affordable cost?” 

Starting From Scratch 

Elijah Medge didn’t start with much. He came to the U.S. as an immigrant, chasing the American dream. “That’s been my influence,” he says. He built OLN Inc from the ground up, with grit and a growth mindset.

In the early days, Elijah wasn’t just leading the company — he was selling, training, and figuring things out as he went. “I’m not sure if ADD is a strategy,” he jokes, “but I can’t pay attention to self-doubt for too long. I’m constantly in troubleshooting mode.”

That attitude became a core part of the OLN Inc culture: always moving forward, always solving problems.

A New Kind of Sales Culture 

Most sales companies are known for high turnover and burnout. OLN Inc wanted to be different. Elijah didn’t just want to sell — he wanted to build leaders.

“The goal was to grow by developing entrepreneurial-minded individuals,” Elijah says. “We give them equity and ownership. We want them to feel like they have a piece of the pie.”

At OLN Inc, people are promoted based on performance, not seniority. That means young leaders — sometimes in their 20s — can end up running offices. But they have to earn it. Every person goes through a management training program. Along the way, they learn how to sell, lead teams, and eventually run their own branch.

“Every Sunday, I plan my week,” Elijah says. “Every year, I think about who my top players are, and who I’m going to invest in.”

This system has helped OLN Inc grow steadily for nearly two decades. It’s also created a tight-knit community of leaders who support each other, and who see the company as something they help shape — not just a job.

Weathering the Storm 

When the pandemic hit in 2020, face-to-face sales came to a stop. OLN Inc had a big decision to make. “We do outside sales,” Elijah says. “And during COVID, we couldn’t be outside.”

Instead of letting people go or hitting pause, the company took a risk. They worked out a deal with Amazon and pivoted to a work-from-home model — something they had never done before.

“It was a completely new strategy,” Elijah admits. “We were nervous. But we actually did great. And we realized there’s a whole other way we can make money.”

This moment proved something Elijah had believed all along: growth comes through change. Not only did OLN Inc survive, it found new ways to thrive.

A Philosophy of Learning 

Elijah’s leadership style is simple: stay humble and always keep learning.

“Always seek guidance from people more successful than you,” he says. “Be a learn-it-all, not a know-it-all.”

He also asks himself a tough question: Am I in the top 1% of whatever I’m doing? And do I have peace of mind? That mindset drives him to push harder, not for perfection, but for progress.

“I want to win the game of life,” he says with a smile.

At OLN Inc, that means helping others grow, too. The company doesn’t just train employees — it funds their future businesses. Once a team leader proves themselves, OLN Inc helps them launch their own branch. It’s a kind of business school, but built around action, not theory.

Not About the Spotlight 

Despite their reach and success, OLN Inc doesn’t make much noise. Their social media presence is low-key. Their branding is simple. Even Elijah avoids the spotlight unless it’s to talk about leadership or personal growth.

He often speaks about overcoming fear, dealing with doubt, and staying focused. “Self-doubt, confidence issues, lack of certainty — I’ve felt all of that,” he says. “But courage, growth mindset, integrity, patience — that’s what gets you through.”

Ask him what matters most, and he won’t say profit or market share. He’ll say people.

“Creating memorable experiences with people you care about — that’s success to me,” he says.

OLN Inc may not be a household name, but its model is quietly reshaping how companies do direct sales. By focusing on people — both customers and team members — they’ve built something rare: a sales company with heart.

It’s not flashy. It’s not viral. But it works.

And for Elijah Medge, that’s more than enough.

“I don’t spend much time dwelling on problems,” he says. “Most of the time, I’m thinking of solutions. Then I execute.”

That’s the OLN Inc way. Real people, real conversations, real growth — one sale, one handshake at a time.

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