← Forerunner
Forerunner role-play cheat sheet
For the mock cold call at the end of most SDR interviews.
What they sell, in one line
Software that helps local governments manage floodplains, permits and flood-risk compliance.
Who you'd be calling
Floodplain managers, planning and zoning directors, permit and building officials, and public works leads at cities and counties.
Your opener
“Hi [Name], this is [You] with Forerunner. I'm calling floodplain managers in local government, and I know I caught you out of the blue. Do you have a quick minute so I can ask how your team keeps track of flood permits and records?”
Problems you solve for them
- Flood maps, permits and elevation records are scattered across paper files and spreadsheets
- Staff must prove compliance with FEMA flood programs and keep records audit-ready
- Small teams struggle to answer residents' flood questions quickly
Discovery questions to ask
- How does your office track floodplain permits and elevation records today?
- How much work is it to prepare for a FEMA or state compliance review?
- How do residents or contractors ask about flood zones: phone, email, or in person?
Objections they'll throw at you
“I'm busy right now.”
→ No problem, I know your team wears many hats. When is a better five-minute slot this week for me to call back?
“We're not interested.”
→ Understood, and thanks for being straight with me. Just so I don't waste your time again, is floodplain record-keeping working fine, or is it just not a priority this year?
“We already use something for this.”
→ That's helpful to know. What system is it, and does it cover permits, maps and compliance reports, or do some pieces live in spreadsheets?
“Just send me an email.”
→ Sure thing. So it's relevant, who on your team handles floodplain work, and would a short follow-up call next week make sense?
Interview tips for this company
- The posting is for a Business Development Representative who supports sales teams, so expect questions on research, lead lists and handoffs, not just calling.
- Read up on what a floodplain manager does and what FEMA's flood program (NFIP) is, in plain terms.
Written from public information about Forerunner to help you practice. Ask an insider what their role play looked like; it's the best prep there is.