AEs and Sales Managers!!!

Short Version:

Does Salesforce hire new AEs with no SaaS experience but transferable sales skills from other industries?

Long Version:

I’m looking to get a job as an AE in the SaaS industry, but while I do come from sales, I do not come from SaaS.

My background - 2 years at a digital marketing firm while in college for my BBA. I did lead gen for our customers as well as targeted marketing campaigns. After school, I started with a heavy duty trucking dealership (18 wheelers). The first year, I worked in the mobile operations department optimizing processes. I championed and led the implementation of a software solution to streamline dispatch procedures while also aiding leadership in developing mobile service contracts with customers. After that, I was promoted to an account representative. In that role, I am responsible for growing existing accounts and hunting new business through parts sales, service contracts, and digital solutions (real-time diagnostic software, web-based parts ordering systems, and VIN lookup tools for sourcing parts).

These been doing some form of sales/marketing for the last 6-7 years. I love what I do, but I don’t love who I do it for. I want to break into software, specifically Salesforce, because I believe in it. I want to sell something that makes a more measurable and meaningful impact.

Does my experience help or hurt my chances of getting into a small market AE role and working my way up in the industry?