Years of telecom experience
Blake Irwin
Denton,TX
Summary
Accomplished Sales Leader with a demonstrated ability to boost revenue growth and foster robust client partnerships. Possessing over two decades of expertise in the telecom and sales sectors, and offering a vast wealth of knowledge in the full lifecycle of advanced IP and telecom solutions. Proficient in strategic planning, team management, and consultative selling. Motivated by an unwavering commitment to surpass targets and consistently achieve outstanding outcomes.
Overview
25
25
6
6
Certifications
Work History
Director of Sales, Regional Enterprise
Lumen Technologies
06.2023 - 04.2024
- Developed high-performing sales teams through targeted recruitment, training, mentoring, and coaching activities.
- Collaborated with cross-functional departments to align sales efforts with company goals
- Developed and executed sales strategies to penetrate new markets and expand existing accounts
- Fostered strong client relationships, resulting in high customer satisfaction and repeat business.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction levels by addressing concerns promptly and providing tailored solutions.
- Achieved regional sales targets through effective territory management and relationship building with key clients
Account Director
Lumen Technologies
01.2017 - 05.2023
- Responsible for relationship management and growth of National and Global accounts based in Texas and Oklahoma
- Team Lead and backup for Management
- Consulting on larger or complex deals
- Mentoring and assisting with training of new hires
- Team calls, reporting, escalations, etc… Consistently performed at or above plan each year (over 200% to plan for the last 5 years)
- Delivered measurable success by consistently meeting or exceeding client expectations, solidifying reputation as a reliable account partner.
- Maintained deep understanding of company services and products in order to offer most knowledgeable customer support.
- Contracting and sale of MPLS, IP, Frame Relay, SIP/TDM Voice, Collaboration, Security, Cloud-based services, Consulting Services and Colocation/Data Center services
- Developed comprehensive account plans to align client objectives with actionable strategies for success.
- 2019 President’s Club, 2018 & 2020 #1 in Region
Sr. Solutions Architect
Lumen Technologies
01.2006 - 12.2016
- Responsible for taking meeting with customers and their stated desires and goals and turning those into Lumen product and technical recommendations
- Implemented creative solutions for complex client challenges, resulting in increased customer satisfaction ratings.
- Collaborated with product development teams to identify and address customer needs, leading to improved product offerings.
- Maintained positive relationships with customers from frontline engineering to the CIO and CISO
- Established credibility with clients by demonstrating deep industry expertise and technical knowledge during engagements.
- Design and sale of MPLS, IP, Frame Relay, SIP/TDM Voice, Collaboration, Security, Cloud-based services, Consulting Services and Colocation/Data Center services
- Consistently over 125% to plan every year
- Promoted from SE I to SE IV / Sr Solutions Architect during my career.
- 2015 & 2016 Circle of Excellence Nominee
Senior Project Manager
Lumen Technologies
07.2003 - 12.2006
- Managed complex technical projects from initiation to completion, ensuring timely delivery and client satisfaction.
- Maintained schedules to meet key milestones at every project phase.
- Directed changes to project scope and cost and implemented appropriate change management processes to keep project on track.
- Mentored junior project managers and team members to enhance their skills and career growth.
- Provided outstanding service to clients through effective communication and prompt issue resolution to facilitate future business opportunities.
- Communicated project plans and progress to key stakeholders and project contributors.
Multi-Unit District Manager
Dominos Pizza Inc.
05.2001 - 07.2003
- Responsible for 10 locations across the Austin, TX Market and over $15m in annual sales.
- Took this position to begin the process of purchasing multiple Domino's franchise units.
- Supervised various locations, enforcing high-quality standards of operation.
- Oversaw successful store openings, coordinating logistics, staffing, training, and promotional efforts to ensure smooth transitions for new locations.
Director of Project Engineering
XO Communications
04.1997 - 04.2001
- Managed a team of 40 IP, Frame Relay and ATM Engineers
- Responsible for all aspects of the delivery of dedicated services for XO (formerly Concentric Network)
- (LEC ordering, Hardware procurement, Customer communications, IP Engineering and Configuration, Activation and testing, handoff to Customer and Operations for ongoing support)
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
- Strengthened internal controls by reviewing existing policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Key member of the pre- and post-merger. transition team combining Concentric Network and Nextlink Communications’ service delivery teams into XO Communications
Director of Operations
Lasertainment, LLC
01.1994 - 04.1997
- Oversaw all aspects of business for a multi-unit family entertainment center.
Unit Manager
Dominos Pizza Inc.
01.1989 - 01.1994
- Responsible for various units across multiple states (TX, FL, CO).
Education
Business Administration & Communications -
Oakland Community College
SouthfieldSkills
- Decision Making
- Team Leadership
- Client Relationship
- Solutions Design
- Sales training and leadership
- Sales funnel management
- Sales Presentations
- Solution selling
- Routing Protocols Expertise
- Data Center Networking
- Network architecture design
- IP Address Management
- Disaster Recovery Planning
- Cloud Networking Solutions
Certification
- CCNA, CCDA, CCNP, CCDP
- SSCA - SIP School Certified Associate
- MEF 2.0
Accomplishments
2019 Circle of Excellence Winner
2015, 2016, 2018, 2020 President's Club Nominee
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeWork Location
On-SiteRemoteHybridImportant To Me
Career advancementCompany CultureTimeline
Director of Sales, Regional Enterprise
Lumen Technologies
06.2023 - 04.2024
Account Director
Lumen Technologies
01.2017 - 05.2023
Sr. Solutions Architect
Lumen Technologies
01.2006 - 12.2016
Senior Project Manager
Lumen Technologies
07.2003 - 12.2006
Multi-Unit District Manager
Dominos Pizza Inc.
05.2001 - 07.2003
Director of Project Engineering
XO Communications
04.1997 - 04.2001
Director of Operations
Lasertainment, LLC
01.1994 - 04.1997
Unit Manager
Dominos Pizza Inc.
01.1989 - 01.1994
Business Administration & Communications -
Oakland Community College
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