On joining Herff Jones in 1989, he focused on building the sales territory in eastern North Carolina. By 2007, he had expanded sales from seven to 60 schools. Additionally, he trained teachers and students in yearbook production and marketing and facilitated workshops for teachers and students on various aspects of scholastic journalism.

Between 2007 and 2010, he served as area sales manager, managing direct and associate representatives in North and South Carolina and Tennessee. From 2012 to 2016, he resumed his role as a publications specialist.

Donald Sutton received numerous awards during his career, including National Top Sales Volume Leader in 2003 and National Top 4 Volume Leader from 2003 to 2005. In 2015, he received a 25-Year Service Award.