The Wireless Way, with Chris Whitaker

Great conversation with Paul, we cover CPaaS, mobility, IoT, revenue creation, adoption rates in technology, pivoting and advice for technologist looking to expand their offerings. This is the way. In addition, a student of the Stoics. If you are not familiar with the Stoics and Marcus Aurelius, Ryan Holiday makes it easy to understand, check out his Daily Stoics Podcast and books.   Paul ask a great question you need to ponder, even answer at the end of the episode.  And he gives some great advice on how to handle your answer. CEO Global Point View – CPaaS, Mobile Services expert, Start up scaler, Global Sales expert, Negotiator, Strategic Partnerships Paul Ruppert is a veteran CPaaS and mobile services executive, strategy consultant and holder of 2 tech patents enabling global text messaging, with career experience in both the private and public sectors applying a range of multidisciplinary skills exercised at the highest levels of both arenas–from corporate boardrooms to the White House. He has generated over $400M in direct sales, is a skilled cross border negotiator, technology innovator and strategic partnership driver with two decades leading global commercial, product, marketing teams and M&A deals in B2B SaaS sales. Prior to entering the private sector, with a Harvard masters graduate degree Paul served over a decade in policy and political roles as an legislative assistant to a US Senator, economic development advisor to a cabinet Secretary, a technology industry lobbyist and White House staffer. His private sector achievements are exceptional including scaling startups from $0 to $Billion valuations, forging global strategic partnerships, doing business in 80 countries, working with private equity and $B enterprises managing $130M business P&Ls, and managing cross border, cross cultural teams of teams having lived in the US, France and China. Paul is the President of Global Point View Ltd, a strategy consulting firm providing insights to technology companies seeking guidance on focus, strategies and plans via scaling, partnerships and acquisitions. His international clients have included Facebook, MasterCard, Western Union, Liveperson, Infobip, private equity and venture firms looking to leverage mobile services in their digital plans for conversational commerce. More on Paul- https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulruppertintl/Infographic on Paul-https://www.slideshare.net/pruppert/paul-r-ruppert-mobile-exec-graphicSupport the show

SPEAKER. AUTHOR. PERFORMANCE EXPERT.Alan Stein, Jr. is an experienced keynote speaker and author. At his core, he’s a performance coach with a passion for helping business leaders change behaviors. He spent 15+ years working with the highest performing basketball players on the planet (including NBA superstars Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, and Kobe Bryant). Through his customized programs, he transfers his unique expertise to maximize both individual and organizational performance. Alan is a dynamic storyteller who delivers practical, actionable lessons that can be implemented immediately. He teaches proven principles on how to utilize the same approaches in business that elite athletes use to perform at a world-class level.https://alansteinjr.com/about/Support the show

70% of global deaths are related to non communicable diseases, 1 and 2  adults have a chronic disease. if that doesn't get you thinking, I got nothing for you.  I have known Johnny for almost 30 years, he was our Sunday School teacher when Heather and I were first married.  My wife has known him even longer.  An amazing human being.  One of the smartest guys I have ever known, and I know a lot of people.  His ability to teach and share complex concepts is top notch.   A long-time resident of the Washington, DC area, Johnny earned a BA in Economics from George Mason University before co-founding a successful small-business enterprise, Communications co,  that he managed for more than 25 years before deciding to transition into other pursuits. He went on to receive an ordination for pastoral ministry, earn a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Liberty University, authored the book, A Thought-out Faith: Christianity as the Best Explanation, and began hosting the "Animated" podcast. He recently earned a certification from the American Council on Exercise (ACE) as a health coach, and is now developing content and offerings aligned with his passion to enable others to take command of their own health and overall well-being (www.mywellnessfriJohnny Armsend.com). Johnny also has the privilege of being a featured speaker at various business, civic, and church events/gatherings, and serves as a lay pastor at his local church. He and Jill, his lovely and gracious wife of 36+ years, live in northern Virginia and are blessed to share in the lives of their three grown sons. https://www.mywellnessfriend.com/Support the show

I have known Eric for several years.  We have shared the stage, worked events together and were excited to have this conversation on many aspects of channel life and ecosystem. Channel strategy, MDF, advice and tips on leveling up or starting a channel program.  He has started a new company and has a new book coming out, you'll want to hear more from Eric. Eric lives his life to the fullest, always looking for opportunities to lead others with passion and excitement. Eric is a business leader and well-respected subject matter expert in culture and leadership with more than 45,000 hours of mastering his craft, a track record of success, and the respect of other industry leaders. Over the years, he has had the opportunity to travel worldwide, meeting with other thought leaders, subject matter experts, business partners, and clients. As a result, Eric understands the critical foundation of profound leadership – vision and mission, direction and analysis of metrics, talent development and relentless coaching, accurate forecasting, and the motivation of employees and colleagues alike.When not working, he spends time with his family and focuses on personal development.https://www.ericbrooker.com/work-with-eric/#consultinghttps://www.ericbrooker.com/bookshttps://www.ericbrooker.com/shop/p/online-course-how-to-linkedinSupport the show

Seth and discuss a looming issue around recycling old devices and the process of mining precious metals. Its eye opening. CEO and co founder at Prolog Mobile, Serial entrepreneur and Unicorn Co-Founder with a knack for start ups in the electronics recycling and sustainability space. Mindful that our fragile little blue planet needs all the help it can get, He likes to be involved in anything that promotes common sense solutions that benefit people and the environment.  His Specialties include Marketing, business development, product development, strategy and building companies, organizations / movements and fundraising (angels and VC's, not bake sales ;-). Also has experience writing and developing patents across multiple categories... in his off time he is an avid outdoorsman, all the extreme sports and enjoys live music. Learn more about Seth- https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-heine/Learn more about Prolog Mobile- https://prologmobile.com/Support the show

Free Download sample- https://www.uncopyablesales.com/Kay Miller is an expert on Uncopyable Sales. She was the first woman ever hired for outside sales by Amerock, a division of Anchor Hocking. She was later hired by Walker Exhaust, the largest automotive muffler manufacturer in the world, where she was named Salesperson of the Year. It earned her the enviable nickname, “Muffler Mama.”Kay has been a career salesperson, and now speaks and consults. She's the author of the new book, Uncopyable Sales Secrets – How to Create an Unfair Advantage and Outsell Your Competition. It's packed with stories, along with powerful strategies and actions you can start using immediately to make more sales.Uncopyable Sales Secrets teaches a foolproof system for creating an Uncopyable Attachment with your prospects and clients so that you can fill your sales pipeline, close more deals, and build a loyal customer base.She also helps you identify your Moose. Her advice at the very end will have you thinking!Learn more-https://www.linkedin.com/in/millerkay/Support the show

If you are a partner wtih Telarus, and attend our Tuesday calls, you will know this legend!  Doug Miller's always known what he wanted to do -- work a microphone and market hot technology!  Age 5: Doug hosted make-believe TV game shows in his home.  Age 10, he made friends with the Little League president so he could announce the games. Age 15, he persuaded a teacher with an overnight radio shift to teach Doug to deejay.  An production internship on TV's "The Love Boat" followed; with several radio, TV and news gigs on both sides of the microphone.  Doug decided the real opportunity was in "managing" technology businesses -- but kept his hand in the Talent end of things just for fun.  Now with an MBA in Business Marketing alongside deep communications and technology backgrounds -- Doug Miller presently directs complex telecom Project Management teams and is also "THE VOICE" of TELARUS -- the world's largest Telecommunications Service Broker.  Doug's distinctive voice is known to many, both inside and outside of telecom.  He voices and hosts many recorded and live Telarus events, including an eleven-year run scripting and hosting the live weekly Telarus Tuesday Call - the company's flagship sales and marketing vehicle.  Managing and working with teams in nearly every Telarus department over 12 years as the company grew 20 times its size -- Doug has gained a unique perspective on business growth, and on the intense power of great communication in business and personal relationships.  Learn more about Doug- https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-miller-mba-81297319/The Tuesday call- https://www.telarus.com/resources/category/blog/tuesday-call-blog/Support the show

Every now and then, you bump into someone that is on a similar journey, maybe the same one.  I "bumped" into Hendrith while researching for an article I was working on. Hendrith has a passion for nature and what we can learn in terms of how to be efficient and effective.  I love a comment he makes about "there is no waste in nature" really makes one think.   We touch on many topics, from what is ESG, different types of capital, what can we learn from nature and why productivity is critical to business success.  The danger in not evolving and not learning is an interesting part of the conversation. Hendrith Vanlon Smith Jr is the Managing Partner & CEO of Mayflower-Plymouth Capital LLC, a small investment management firm based in Arlington Virginia. As someone who is passionate about business and entrepreneurship, Hendrith has also served on the Board of Directors of Dave’s House and the Advisory Board for the City of Kissimmee, and has authored several books on business and economics. Having a love for both investing and nature, he’s pioneered a new set of investment principles which models natural ecosystems and applies lessons from nature toward portfolio management — he calls ‘Permaculture Investing.’ Smith earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Bethune-Cookman University in 2012, completed Masters Degree coursework toward an MSW at Howard University, and earned a Certificate in Program Strategy from Stanford University. He’s also the proud father to a four year old daughter named Chaya.Learn more about Hendrith-  https://www.linkedin.com/in/hendrith-vanlon-smith-jr/Support the show

Great conversation on selling a segment of mobility that has a 85-90% close rate with a 30-40 sales cycle. And no SIM swaps, no poring of #s and no hardware change.  Bob is a great guy, he has skin in the game.  It's a family business and he has built a great team and culture.  Just ask your clients, how confident are you that you are not over paying on your mobility? Who is responsible for doing monthly audits on your mobility expense? Get to know GoExceed as soon as possible. Learn more about Go Exceed-https://goexceed.com/Learn more about Bob- https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobchvatal/Want to sell Go Exceed (and hundreds or other technology) and want commissions?  Learn more about Telarus- https://www.telarus.com/ Support the show

Something a little different, a great conversation with Mike Sci on the topic of cybersecurity.Here is our discussion outline. What’s not in the Bio Why are people intimidated by cyber securityHow can people get more comfortable with the subjectHow do you start a cyber security discussionWhy do you refer to cyber security as a big data problem?There are a lot of acronyms in cyber Security market.  what is MDR, NDR, EDR, EDR?There is a lot of competitors in the MDR security market.   What are some key questions to ask potential MDR providers when trying to select the best solution for your businessWhat is the benefits to using a security service vs. products?How can MDR protect companies with wireless and IOT environments? What is the most common reason a company has for not having an adequate sec posture? What trends do you see now compared to years past? Mike Sci, a Senior Channel Solutions Architect, brings more than 20 years of technology and security experience to his current role at eSentire, a managed detection and response (MDR) security provider. Mike’s specialty is using network, endpoint and cloud security services to reduce the risk of cybercrime on businesses. Mike takes the time to understand each of his client’s unique security requirements to design a security solution that best fits their desired business goals. Learn more about Mike- https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikesci/Learn more about eSentire-https://www.esentire.com/Support the show

This is a longer interview and could, maybe should, have been longer.  Brooke is my niece and I am very proud of her. Living her life and doing it while helping so many others. I was on the edge of my seat during this conversation, this is a topic that I have never addressed on the show, but think about.  Veteran suicides are at an alarming rate, suicides in general are at an alarming level. Brooke does a great job covering parts of the mental health conversation. I hope your takeaway from this  episode is to be more aware of your mental health, having grace for others that are struggling with various mental health issues. Brooke received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Spring Hill College in Mobile, AL in 2009. Her nursing experience has primarily been in mental health, and she has close to 10 years of experience working in residential, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient eating disorder treatment centers. She received her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2018 and is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. As a nurse practitioner, Brooke provided outpatient care at a community mental health clinic treating individuals struggling with mental illness across the lifespan prior to rejoining the McCallum Place team. Brooke has always been incredibly passionate about helping individuals struggling with mental illness and feels privileged to be a part of their journey towards recovery.In her free time, Brooke enjoys hiking, fishing, traveling, and spending time with her wife, three Great Danes, and a Pomeranian mix. National Suicide Prevention hotline- https://988lifeline.org/. Dial 988 in the US.Learn more about Mental Health- https://www.nami.org/homeSupport the show

Watch the video version of this podcast- https://youtu.be/lzAgiVJQWDkJosh and I have worked together for several years. He is in the small class of technologist that fires on all cylinders.  Smart, funny, humble and confident.  Could not be a better leader for our sales engineering team. Check out Josh's own Podcast- Next Level Biz Tech. Telarus Spotify Channel: http://ow.ly/OtFv50KWmEATelarus Apple Podcast Channel: http://ow.ly/IuI450KWmECJosh Lupresto was born and raised in South Bend, IN, where he began his professional career in the automotive field. Upon relocating to Utah, Josh completed his bachelor’s degree in Communications and Engineering Technology and transitioned his career into a system engineer with Telecom Recovery. Within his role, Josh began working with customers and managing a prod/devAWS environment.   Josh currently holds the position of SVP of sales engineering for Telarus, where he leads a growing group of 15 sales engineers & solution architects, including outside and inside teams who are responsible for driving solution-based sales for partners nationwide. Josh and his team help architect and design solutions such as cloud, network, contact center, security, and unified communications, along with helping partners ask the right questions to help their customers make a digital transformation. Under his leadership, the broader team has led the industry and attained 200+ technical certifications in the last 24 months.  Josh has been involved in engineering and cloud technologies for over a decade. He currently holds multiple certifications, including Solutions Architect certification from AWS, CompTIA Network +, and a CISSP. Additionally, after obtaining his CISSP, he was accepted into the Utah division of FBI InfraGard as a private sector liaison for communications and information technology. Most recently, he was elected President of the Utah Chapter of ISC.Support the show

We have a good conversation discussing how businesses are leveraging wifi to gain more insights. Most peip Learn more about DataValet here.https://datavalet.com/Learn more about Brianhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/briandonner/Learn more about becoming a Telarus Partnerhttps://www.telarus.com/become-a-partner/Support the show

Who do you look at as someone that has helped form who you are?  Well, other than my Dad and family, Col James Bowers comes to mind first for me. As a sophomore in high school I meet Col Bowers, he amazed me with his career and high expectations. I was a little surprised how I reacted when I heard the news of his passing.  Mad at myself for not staying in touch with him. However very grateful to have known him and learned from him.  RIP Col. Colonel (Airborne Ranger) James M. BowersU.S. Army RetiredJim Bowers, also known as "Ranger Jim" and "Cowboy Jim", was born in a coal mining camp named Cassville, in West Virginia on August 14, 1930. The Angels recruited Jim for their “Ranger Patrol” on October 1, 2022 at his home in Spring Harbor, Columbus, Georgia. He was 92.Jim was a strong and dedicated family man who was blessed with a sweet, beautiful and totally dedicated Army wife, Kathryn Gee Bowers, affectionately known as "Kacky". Jim and Kacky were married at Fort Riley, Kansas in 1956, and together they raised two exemplary sons, Jim Junior and Clarke.After graduating from the University of West Virginia where he received a regular Army commission from ROTC, Jim served thirty proud years on active duty and commanded at each level from Platoon through Brigade. He served with the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam. He was immensely proud of his Airborne Wings and Ranger Tab, and his favorite and most rewarding assignment was Director of the Ranger Department from 1973-1977.During his military career Jim received many service awards to include the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal "V" with 24 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star, the Ranger Tab, the Combat Infantryman Badge and Master Parachutist Badge. Jim also attended numerous military schools during his career to include the Army War College.Upon retiring from active duty, he taught JR ROTC at Hardaway High School in Columbus, Georgia for ten years and then moved to Florida in 1993. He returned to Columbus in 2006.In addition to his love for his family and country, Jim had a passion for the great outdoors and had a special adoration for animals. Some of his favorite hobbies were hunting, fishing, playing and hunting with his dogs, riding and driving his horses, water skiing and flying small airplanes.Jim is survived by his two sons James Bowers, Jr. of Henderson, Nevada and Clarke Bowers of Dawsonville, Georgia.Jim Junior and Clarke are planning a wonderful, uplifting Celebration of Life, for both Jim and their mother Kacky, which will be announced in the near future. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to Paws Humane, 4900 Milgen Road, P.O. Box 8964, Columbus, Georgia 31908. Online condolences may be made at www.vancebrooksfuneralhome.net.Support the show

A great conversation with Megan, we learn about her background and two things she prefers not to eat again, and I agree with her.  Its always refreshing to have a down to earth friendly voice to work with on complex enterprise deals as a channel partner. Learn more about Megan here https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-parks-5237a622/Access the Telarus Mobility team here for Verizon quotes and support.https://www.telarus.com/verizon-wireless-forms/She is currently a Verizon Wireless Business Channel Manager based in Chandler, Arizona.  A 16 year veteran in the wireless business, she has held multiple positions in Indirect/Channel Sales, operations and retail sales. She is committed to the partners in the Verizon wireless program and ensures her partners and customers have a great Verizon experience.  She focuses not only on driving sales, but tackling operational challenges as well.  She has a B.S. in Public Health from the University of Arizona #BearDown. Support the show

Bob Hoke- https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbyhoke/Learn more about Disruptive Innovations.- https://www.disruptiveinnovations.net/Great conversation about Bob's early days and how he became the managing partner at Disruptive Innovations. The question is, have you ever stepped foot on Staten Island? He shares how he leverages the total business health into his financial and technology consulting. He shares how AI and ML are having a positive effect on Contact Center solutions. Love his favorite quote:The will to win is not as important as the will to prepare to win- Vince LombardiBob is Managing Partner and co-heads the consultative effort at Disruptive Innovations, an independent digital business and technology consulting firm. He increases his clients’ return on working capital through enhancement, optimization and cost reduction of IT, telecommunications, and cloud technologies. Prior to becoming Managing Partner at Disruptive Innovations, Bob was Director of Strategic Partnerships at Resourcive, responsible for creating partnerships in Private Equity to enable transformation of IT across multiple verticals within their portfolios. Bob also spent considerable time there as an Account Leader, spearheading two dozen engagements that enabled his clients to capitalize on much better technologies and realize millions in savings. His work has also expanded into the realm of data analytics, AI and ML. In addition to his experience in technology, Bob has spent 15+ years in financial services including investment banking, trading, and financial/risk advisory. Bob holds a Bachelor of Science Degree (B.S.) from Cornell University, majoring in Applied Economics and Business Management. Bob is also a graduate of the Business Analytics Program at Harvard Business School. He is married and they have two sons. Support the show

In this episode Todd and I go way back in time when you could actually go door to door selling services. He shares how MDU operaratos/Owners are leveraging and how wifi is now an amenity.  MDU- Multi Dwelling Unit- AKA apartments, student housing or condos.. Todd is a well-respected multifamily & technology veteran with over 30 years of industry experience. For almost 20 years, he held various executive leadership positions with Charter Communications where he grew multifamily sales in the Midwest and Southeast markets by 30%. Todd joined DojoNetworks in early 2021 as Vice President of Sales with responsibility for developing and executing sales strategies that drive revenue for the company.More about Todd and Dojohttps://www.linkedin.com/in/toddpthorpe/https://www.dojonetworks.com/about-usSupport the show

I have several episodes on IoT and technology, even one other on recruiting top talent. This one combines recruiting top talent in IoT specifically. Jack is an award winning recruiter, despite being new in the space and brings unique perspective and has had early success as a technical recruiter.  Event though based in the UK, he focuses on the US market.  So if you are looking for your next opp in IoT or you need an IoT rockstar, reach out to Edison Search and Jack. Learn more about Jack- https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-matravers/Learn more about Edison Search- https://edison-search.io/Support the show

This is a short conversation, but we hit on a lot.  Tina Franchi is a rock star in the NY/NJ/CT, she is the Director of Partner Development. A title the covers A LOT of areas.  If you are in the greater NY, NJ or Connecticut area and in the tech channel, you need to know Tina. Learn more about Tinahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-franchi/Want to become a Telarus selling partner?- Click here: https://www.telarus.com/become-a-partner/Support the show

In this episode, we get to know more about Tim, hear some advice and have some fun. Telarus continues to invest in resources and support for our global partners. Tim is the SVP Sales for Telarus and shares his background and real life experiences that led him to where he is todayl An entrepreneurial, results-driven executive leader, Basa has a superior track record for empowering high-performance teams to consistently achieve growth, profit, and strategic objectives and key results that exceed the expectations of clients and investors.   An award-winning thought-leader with more than 28 years of experience in the technology industry, Basa was named a Telecom Master Mind by PHONE+ magazine, recognized as a Power Seller in Crain's Business, and was a recurring selection by Channel Partners Magazine readers as a Channel Executive of The Year.   Basa is known as a high-energy, hands-on leader, that empowers individuals and teams to conquer challenges and achieve ambitious goals in the most competitive market conditions.  A reputation for collaboration, alliance building, masterminding solutions to difficult problems, sharing lessons learned, and teaching real-world techniques that create results, make him a popular choice for advisory boards, media appearances, and participation in sales, marketing, and personal development training.   Basa has served as a strategic advisor, board member, consultant, and business coach to a variety of business and non-profit organizations.Learn more about Tim herehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/timbasa/Support the show