TTI recently had an opportunity to sit down with our longest tenured employee and National Service Manager, Chris Krehel. Chris has been with the company since its inception in 1991 so if there’s anything that you’d like to find out about TTI he’s your go to guy. For myself, this was a great learning experience.
In this interview, Chris explains why TTI has maintained their customer first approach and how it has paid dividends throughout the years. Although we’d spent much time talking TTI. Take a look below to view the interview in its entirety.
– First off, let’s talk a little bit about your background and how you got started in the industry.
Sure, I’ve been the wireless communications industry for over 25 years getting my start in wireless paging (beepers) as a repair technician. Over time, I had decided to go back to school to pursue a history and communications degree which put me in the position of a supervisory role within the company. About 8 years ago my responsibilities grew and I was named TTI’s National Service Manager.
– Walk us through the day in a life of TTI’s National Service Manager and share with everyone what you like most about your job.
Much like anyone else, I’ll fire up my laptop and check my e-mails to see if there are any issues that may need to be attended to. Afterwards, I’ll go through the customer base to check in with our clients to see how things are going. Then I’ll usually spend the majority of the day focused on updating contracts and reaching out to customer to acquire new ones. Some additional duties include the scheduling of new paging equipment delivery dates for new and existing customers. At times, I’ll also engage with the sales team to identify the customers that may need upgrades. As for what I like most, I definitely enjoy the occasion of when a customer sends an email or letter of satisfaction. I also find it rewarding when our service staff can resolve any technical issues that our clients may have.
– OK here’s another two part question. How long have you been with TTI and in which ways have you seen the company grow over this time?
I’ve been with TTI since its inception in 1991. TTI at that time solely provided in-house paging solutions primarily to hospitals and large warehouse facilities. We were a paging company of 12 employees but in the early-mid 2000’s we diversified our product line and implemented wired/wireless divisions which provided employee growth. As a result, today we are up to 35 employees. I’ve seen an expansion of an inside sales team dedicated to expanding our customer base. As for me, my role will continue to be providing a MOM & POP approach with our customers even as our business continues to grow. This company has always had a large focus on being service oriented. It’s been a great to see TTI transform from just a paging company in the 90’s to one of the premier leaders in wireless solutions that it is today.
– In today’s world it has become a rarity to see an employee’s tenure last as long as yours. What are some of the reasons why you have stayed with TTI for as long as you have?
It may sound a bit cliche’ but my primary reason for working 24 years with TTI is the extended family environment that they’ve instilled. Even as the company has grown significantly, TTI has never lost its “mom and pop” business philosophy to our clients. Customers are never just a number and we strive to build long term relationships with them. Another thing that I love about our team is that we are allowed to grow to be our best without being micromanaged. TTI truly provides confidence, faith and patience with all of their employees.
– Can you expand upon TTI’s company culture?
Surely. As I’ve stated earlier, TTI is one big extended family. As in big families there are disagreements but the clients best interest is never debated. Everyone’s ideas and opinions are heard. TTI is an open forum and I love being a part of it.
– Share with us your career highlights during your tenure at TTI.
For me it’s about the incredible relationship and loyalty of our customer base. Many clients have been with TTI since its inception in 1991 helping us to grow our contract revenue by 600%.
– What are your goals for 2015 as TTI’s National Service Manager?
It’s all about increasing our Service Contract customer base. We can achieve this by continuing our focus on providing the best customer support possible. As a result, we anticipate that our clients chose to extend TTI’s warranty services once their initial contract is up.
We’d like to take this moment to thank Chris for taking time out of his busy schedule to sit down with me to discuss these topics. If you have any questions on finding your network solution contact a TTI team member today!
