Q&A with Kevin

Kevin Larsen is a Business Development Manager and an expert in telecom solutions.

Q.What did you do when you first started at Radiall?

A.My first job with Radiall was to assume the role of Global Account Manager for Motorola, my former company. In that role, I focused on growing Radiall’s overall footprint within Motorola worldwide. The role entailed coordinating all sales activity for Motorola in North America, Europe and Asia, and building a strong supplier position with its management. I held that role until Motorola sold off its networks business to Nokia Siemens Networks in 2011.

Q.Can you tell us more about your current role?

A.Today I essentially manage the telecommunications business in North America for Radiall. That includes keeping up with the day-to-day activities of the major accounts like Nokia, Commscope and North American Interconnect, developing new accounts across the continent and maintaining relationships with the wireless carriers. I also spend a lot of time trying to follow the industry trends, competitor activity, key players and decision makers. This helps enable Radiall to best position ourselves for long term success.

Q.What do you like most about your work?

A.I realized a while ago that the Telecom Industry is a small world. In my years of chasing business, I’ve met numerous great people. I still run into those same people today, whether they’ve changed jobs, been promoted, or moved across the country. I enjoy building relationships, and this industry really is relationship based.

Q.What is a typical day like for you at Radiall?

A.A typical day is atypical. No two days are the same. Some days I’m on the phone all day, some I’m out visiting customers and others are administrative days, logging opportunities, visit reports, etc. If you try to picture a blend of business travel balanced with flexible at-home work, that’s kind of how it goes.

Q.What is your perspective on the future of telecom and any emerging trends you see in the near future?

A.Telecom is always changing, though it sometimes seems things always stay the same. Issues like thermal and power management, harsh environments and high density are nothing new, but continue to present new challenges. With the need for higher speeds and low latency, system architecture is changing; software too. And localization trends are also shaping the future. It’s all driven by the consumer, and the consumer demands more and more from their communications devices. While telecom will have its ups and downs, it’s not going anywhere, and we must be vigilant about offering solutions that continue to give us a competitive advantage.

Q.What's the best advice you have for people wanting to pursue a career in your field?

A.To learn to swim, you must first get your feet wet. Look for that opportunity to get started and be patient. Pay attention to industry trends and network with others. You may be surprised what opportunities open up for you when you really listen to others. Put out to the universe what you want to achieve, and then do it.

Q.What’s been your proudest moment in your career?

A.Penetrating the carriers. Prior to my taking the role of Business Development Manager for telecommunications, Radiall’s USA telecom business was focused on a few OEM accounts. I set a long-term goal to establish a Radiall presence in each of the major U.S. wireless carriers. It took a bit of time, plenty of frustration and a lot of persistence, but I am proud to say that now we are well known by Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and Dish Network. These relationships will help pave the way to sustained long term success.