You seem to be conflating "like" with "respect." I've worked with a lot of extremely effective salespeople; I've liked some and disliked others, but liking someone has absolutely nothing to do with their effectiveness. Many that I've disliked have earned that specifically because they were so effective, which leads to another issue with your suggestion, which is that you don't seem to separate good/ethical sales from hard, manipulative sells. Someone who can manage the latter is almost always VASTLY more effective, but deserves neither your respect nor your friendship.
Yes, a good salesperson is a massive asset. No, "effective" does not imply "good," though your requirements on that point may vary. No, "respect" does not require or imply "like," and no, this is not such a black and white issue.
Good points. I felt that his comment implied he didn't like the salespeople because they were salespeople, which does say something about how much he respects sales as a profession. However, on re-reading the original I see that he might have meant just that he didn't like those particular salespeople.
I think my point still stands though. If you have a secret contempt for salespeople, don't start a business.
Yes, a good salesperson is a massive asset. No, "effective" does not imply "good," though your requirements on that point may vary. No, "respect" does not require or imply "like," and no, this is not such a black and white issue.