At Comtel Communications, we take anniversaries very seriously. Just as we pride ourselves on long-standing relationships with our client base, we know that this is made possible because of our dedicated and loyal team of employees. Our employees are family and we look forward to celebrating every year but especially major milestones.
Mike Martin has crossed one such milestone as he celebrates 10 years with our companies. Mike began as an intern with roles that have included a technician, installation manager, sales, and his current role as operations manager. To commemorate his anniversary, we held a dinner at Buckhead’s in his honor and featured him for this month’s blog.
Q: How long have you been with Comtel/Simplicity?
A: On July 27th, I have been with Comtel and Simplicity for 10 years.
Q: How long have you been in the telecom industry?
A: I have been in the telecom industry for 10 years as well.
Q: What did you do before arriving at Comtel?
A: Prior to Comtel, I was in a variety of positions. I worked in sales as well as in the restaurant business serving customers and managing staff.
Q: How did this impact your view of customer service?
A: It made a huge impact. I learned a lot from interacting with people. I also saw the value of excellent service on a customer’s experience. Great service was key to success.
Q: Why did you decide to be with the same company for a decade?
A: It just kind of happened that way. I am busy and learning, so I have found no reason to leave.
Q: What has changed in the industry since you started?
A: Almost everything has changed - it seems like every day things change. Technology constantly evolves, and the same goes with telecom.
Q: What is your role at Comtel and Simplicity?
A: My role at Simplicity is the Operations Manager over Simplicity and the primary sales engineer for Simplicity products. I serve as a sales engineer for Comtel.
Q: Have you had any other roles? If so, what was your favorite?
A: I started out in client services, and then I sold for a while. I was the first technician with Simplicity and then moved into more of operational/sales engineer role. My favorite role has been that of a sales engineer because it gives me the ability to visit customers and discuss solutions.
Q: What do you think is the most important part about customer service?
A: I think the most important part of customer service is customer interaction - being able to actually talk to somebody and to solve their problems faster. Another important aspect is being able to resolve a situation yourself or walking a customer through how to solve it themselves, or a combination of both.
Q: What’s your favorite Comtel tradition?
A: My favorite Comtel tradition is the Christmas party. This is because the majority of people in the company attend and are in the same room - that doesn’t happen as often as we would like to.
Q: So, as you reflect on 10 years, what stands out about your experience been at Comtel?
A: My experience at Comtel has allowed me to always learn - there is never a dull day and the technology is constantly evolving.
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About Simplicity
Simplicity VoIP, based in Richmond, VA, provides hosted PBX, VoIP and business telephone solutions nationally to small, medium, and enterprise-level businesses for a comprehensive unified communications experience. Two distinct Class 5 geo-redundant VoIP platforms are offered in addition to fax-to-email, phones and equipment, and managed services. Named as Richmond’s 11th fastest growing company by Richmond BizSense, Simplicity VoIP’s key to success is its on-site service, installation and training supported 24/7/365 by a world-class client services team.