Advisory Board
Laura Bernstein
Laura Bernstein is the president and co-founder of CRA Inc., a Massachusetts-based national network telecom management company formed in 1999. The firm originally was developed to provide full outsourcing support for the SMB customer, including monthly proactive auditing, provisioning, repair resolution, etc. Within the last few years, CRA has modified its model by adding transparent back-office support to the subagent community. Its agent customers can sell these support services to their customers thereby generating a new, secure revenue stream without doing any additional work or hiring extra staff. CRA was recently elected Small Business of the Year; has been featured on the cover of PHONE+ magazine and highlighted on the cover of Business West. A member of the telecommunications industry for more than 20 years, Bernstein is a graduate of Springfield College.
Laura Bernstein is the president and co-founder of CRA Inc., a Massachusetts-based national network telecom management company formed in 1999. The firm originally was developed to provide full outsourcing support for the SMB customer, including monthly proactive auditing, provisioning, repair resolution, etc. Within the last few years, CRA has modified its model by adding transparent back-office support to the subagent community. Its agent customers can sell these support services to their customers thereby generating a new, secure revenue stream without doing any additional work or hiring extra staff. CRA was recently elected Small Business of the Year; has been featured on the cover of PHONE+ magazine and highlighted on the cover of Business West. A member of the telecommunications industry for more than 20 years, Bernstein is a graduate of Springfield College.
Dany M. Bouchedid
Dany M. Bouchedid currently serves as president of the board of trustees of the Technology Channel Association (TCA), the indirect channel industry's first trade association. Bouchedid also is the CEO of Interaqt Corp. (dba COLOTRAQ), a company he founded in 1999 with a vision of creating the premier sourcing management consulting firm for telecom and IT services. Today, COLOTRAQ brings buyers and sellers together in more than 1,300 markets across 221 countries and territories. Bouchedid also has taught a number of senior-level undergraduate business school courses, including strategic management, patterns of entrepreneurship and e-commerce. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in finance and management from Montclair State University and a Master of Business Administration degree in finance and international business from New York University's Stern School of Business.
Dany M. Bouchedid currently serves as president of the board of trustees of the Technology Channel Association (TCA), the indirect channel industry's first trade association. Bouchedid also is the CEO of Interaqt Corp. (dba COLOTRAQ), a company he founded in 1999 with a vision of creating the premier sourcing management consulting firm for telecom and IT services. Today, COLOTRAQ brings buyers and sellers together in more than 1,300 markets across 221 countries and territories. Bouchedid also has taught a number of senior-level undergraduate business school courses, including strategic management, patterns of entrepreneurship and e-commerce. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in finance and management from Montclair State University and a Master of Business Administration degree in finance and international business from New York University's Stern School of Business.
J.R. Cook
J.R. Cook is the vice president of alternate channels for EarthLink Business. Cook Joined EarthLink Business in 2009, when it was known as New Edge Networks, as the first vice president with sole responsibility for the company’s agent channel. With more than 13 years of experience managing channel partner relationships, Cook leads the formation of a dedicated agent channel by fostering powerful relationships and placing importance on growth from agent partnerships. Prior to joining New Edge Networks, Cook was vice president of premier accounts for TelePacific Communications after working as a director in its Telepartner channel. He was also key in building the agent channel for Mpower Communications, which was acquired by TelePacific in 2006.
J.R. Cook is the vice president of alternate channels for EarthLink Business. Cook Joined EarthLink Business in 2009, when it was known as New Edge Networks, as the first vice president with sole responsibility for the company’s agent channel. With more than 13 years of experience managing channel partner relationships, Cook leads the formation of a dedicated agent channel by fostering powerful relationships and placing importance on growth from agent partnerships. Prior to joining New Edge Networks, Cook was vice president of premier accounts for TelePacific Communications after working as a director in its Telepartner channel. He was also key in building the agent channel for Mpower Communications, which was acquired by TelePacific in 2006.
Thomas K. Crowe
A 25-year veteran of communications legal practice, Thomas K. Crowe represents varied providers of communications services, including VoIP providers, prepaid calling card providers, MVNOs and resellers, as well as communications agents and distributors. Crowe is a former partner with a major national law firm and before that worked for the legal department of ITT Communications Services Inc. He received his doctorate in law from George Washington University Law School in 1982 and his bachelor's degree from New York University in 1979 where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. Crowe is an AV-rated attorney (martindale.com).
A 25-year veteran of communications legal practice, Thomas K. Crowe represents varied providers of communications services, including VoIP providers, prepaid calling card providers, MVNOs and resellers, as well as communications agents and distributors. Crowe is a former partner with a major national law firm and before that worked for the legal department of ITT Communications Services Inc. He received his doctorate in law from George Washington University Law School in 1982 and his bachelor's degree from New York University in 1979 where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. Crowe is an AV-rated attorney (martindale.com).
Travis Graff
Travis Graff is managing partner of an interconnect company, Tehama County Telephone, and co-founder and CEO of TC Telephone LLC, a CLEC in California. As the leader of two small businesses, Graff wears many hats. He oversees day-to-day operations, contract negotiations, marketing and IT as both companies expand geographically and morph to meet the current markets. His management and telecommunications skills have allowed him to serve on several advisory boards for small businesses and a local school. Graff has a degree in computer science and numerous industry certifications. He has more than 20 years of telecommunications experience.
Travis Graff is managing partner of an interconnect company, Tehama County Telephone, and co-founder and CEO of TC Telephone LLC, a CLEC in California. As the leader of two small businesses, Graff wears many hats. He oversees day-to-day operations, contract negotiations, marketing and IT as both companies expand geographically and morph to meet the current markets. His management and telecommunications skills have allowed him to serve on several advisory boards for small businesses and a local school. Graff has a degree in computer science and numerous industry certifications. He has more than 20 years of telecommunications experience.
Paul Hayes
Paul Hayes is director of strategic initiatives for value-added distributor SYNNEX Corp. His focus is on cloud-based SaaS and unified communications solutions. He joined SYNNEX's Integrated Communications Group in 2007 to develop a consultative data and communications solutions sales model and later became director of production management for the same group and recruited and launched more than 20 product lines. Previously he spent eight years in various roles, including president, of Express Systems Integration, a regional data solutions provider. Prior to that, he spent four years at Inacom Information systems and got into the IT business in 1994 when he opened and managed the first Sears Business Systems Center reseller.
Paul Hayes is director of strategic initiatives for value-added distributor SYNNEX Corp. His focus is on cloud-based SaaS and unified communications solutions. He joined SYNNEX's Integrated Communications Group in 2007 to develop a consultative data and communications solutions sales model and later became director of production management for the same group and recruited and launched more than 20 product lines. Previously he spent eight years in various roles, including president, of Express Systems Integration, a regional data solutions provider. Prior to that, he spent four years at Inacom Information systems and got into the IT business in 1994 when he opened and managed the first Sears Business Systems Center reseller.
Lance Honea
Lance Hones is a partner in business development at EcoMotion LLC where he directs the company’s channel partner program. EcoMotion has ten years of experience in providing smart energy management and cost saving renewable energy solutions to corporations, cities, and schools and recently launched its nationwide ‘Solar Works’ program to the channel. Honea is a former telecom executive, and 18 year industry veteran.
Lance Hones is a partner in business development at EcoMotion LLC where he directs the company’s channel partner program. EcoMotion has ten years of experience in providing smart energy management and cost saving renewable energy solutions to corporations, cities, and schools and recently launched its nationwide ‘Solar Works’ program to the channel. Honea is a former telecom executive, and 18 year industry veteran.
Mike Jerich
Mike Jerich, vice president of indirect channels at Global Crossing Ltd., has more than 12 years of indirect sales experience, and strives to provide partners with tools and resources to help them extend their business reach and build a profitable solutions-based business. Jerich manages the indirect sales team consisting of general managers, partner support managers, marketing and sales engineers, all dedicated resources for the partner channel. The team focuses on enabling our partners' business through development of growth opportunities such as promotions, SPIFs, joint sales calls, MDF and training.
Mike Jerich, vice president of indirect channels at Global Crossing Ltd., has more than 12 years of indirect sales experience, and strives to provide partners with tools and resources to help them extend their business reach and build a profitable solutions-based business. Jerich manages the indirect sales team consisting of general managers, partner support managers, marketing and sales engineers, all dedicated resources for the partner channel. The team focuses on enabling our partners' business through development of growth opportunities such as promotions, SPIFs, joint sales calls, MDF and training.
Jeremy Kerth
Jeremy Kerth is managing partner for Wired Networks, a telecom agency he founded in 2008. Wired Networks offers multicarrier telecom services, network optimization, project and inventory management, cabling and installation. Before striking out on his own, Kerth worked with agencies Liquid Networx and RealCom Solutions. Prior to entering the channel, he spent five years in sales with Qwest. He started his telecom career in 1999 with Nettel.
Jeremy Kerth is managing partner for Wired Networks, a telecom agency he founded in 2008. Wired Networks offers multicarrier telecom services, network optimization, project and inventory management, cabling and installation. Before striking out on his own, Kerth worked with agencies Liquid Networx and RealCom Solutions. Prior to entering the channel, he spent five years in sales with Qwest. He started his telecom career in 1999 with Nettel.
Mark Landiak
Mark Landiak heads up the Wireless Business Owners Consortium (WIBOC), a trade organization aimed at providing wireless dealers with access to the products, services and strategies to help them increase sales and operate more efficiently and profitably. He also is president of Corporate Dynamics Inc., a Chicago-based training and consulting firm that specializes in helping wireless carriers, master agents, dealers and manufacturers grow sales, keep customers and more profitably manage their operations. He is a frequent speaker at industry events and contributor to magazines on sales, management and wireless technologies. Landiak also is a graduate of Penn State University.
Mark Landiak heads up the Wireless Business Owners Consortium (WIBOC), a trade organization aimed at providing wireless dealers with access to the products, services and strategies to help them increase sales and operate more efficiently and profitably. He also is president of Corporate Dynamics Inc., a Chicago-based training and consulting firm that specializes in helping wireless carriers, master agents, dealers and manufacturers grow sales, keep customers and more profitably manage their operations. He is a frequent speaker at industry events and contributor to magazines on sales, management and wireless technologies. Landiak also is a graduate of Penn State University.
Jeff Leshin
Jeff Leshin has more than 23 years of telecommunication background in both the direct and indirect sales channels. He is currently vice president of sales and marketing for Ernest Communications, a privately held national provider that specializes in multilocation consolidation. Leshin started on the channel side in the mid-1990s with Cable & Wireless and managed key partnerships in the western region. He also spent several years at Acceris in San Diego as the vice president of sales, developing its national agent program.
Jeff Leshin has more than 23 years of telecommunication background in both the direct and indirect sales channels. He is currently vice president of sales and marketing for Ernest Communications, a privately held national provider that specializes in multilocation consolidation. Leshin started on the channel side in the mid-1990s with Cable & Wireless and managed key partnerships in the western region. He also spent several years at Acceris in San Diego as the vice president of sales, developing its national agent program.
Justin McLain
As Endeavor Telecom's CEO, Justin McLain is responsible for overseeing company operations. He is focused on the development of new service products and strategic relationships assuring the company's continued growth and success within the telecommunications industry and is involved in managing Endeavor's relationships with its largest customers. McLain has been in executive management with Endeavor since its divestiture in 2002. Prior to that, he worked for HealthSource and Shin-Etsu Polymer Corp. McLain earned a bachelor's degree in business administration and a bachelor's degree in biology from the College of Charleston.
As Endeavor Telecom's CEO, Justin McLain is responsible for overseeing company operations. He is focused on the development of new service products and strategic relationships assuring the company's continued growth and success within the telecommunications industry and is involved in managing Endeavor's relationships with its largest customers. McLain has been in executive management with Endeavor since its divestiture in 2002. Prior to that, he worked for HealthSource and Shin-Etsu Polymer Corp. McLain earned a bachelor's degree in business administration and a bachelor's degree in biology from the College of Charleston.
Edward O'Connor
Edward O'Connor is the vice president of network services and sales at Total Communications Inc., which has more than 30 years operating experience in the voice, data, network management, and structured cabling arenas as a large interconnect solution provider, representing the Cisco and Mitel/Inter-Tel product lines. Total Communications Inc. also is a master agency representing multiple carriers. O'Connor has more than 25 years experience as a leader in telecommunications firms, with expertise in PBX and network sales, marketing, engineering and operations. Over the past 15 years of his career he has held senior sales management positions with SBC, MFS, Brooks Fiber Communications, and MCI, with responsibilities during those assignments handling SMB, wholesale, enterprise and global markets.
Edward O'Connor is the vice president of network services and sales at Total Communications Inc., which has more than 30 years operating experience in the voice, data, network management, and structured cabling arenas as a large interconnect solution provider, representing the Cisco and Mitel/Inter-Tel product lines. Total Communications Inc. also is a master agency representing multiple carriers. O'Connor has more than 25 years experience as a leader in telecommunications firms, with expertise in PBX and network sales, marketing, engineering and operations. Over the past 15 years of his career he has held senior sales management positions with SBC, MFS, Brooks Fiber Communications, and MCI, with responsibilities during those assignments handling SMB, wholesale, enterprise and global markets.
Bill Power
Bill Power is CEO of the Agent Alliance, a consortium of master agencies, direct sales teams and individual agents. The Alliance was formed in the late 1990’s and brings value to its shareholders by leveraging its collective distribution power, providing peer-to-peer benchmarking, sharing industry knowledge and through the consolidation of internal resources. Power previously was president and co-founder of ARG, a founding member of the Agent Alliance and a full-service telecom agency based in Washington, D.C. Power sold his interest in ARG in early 2010.
Bill Power is CEO of the Agent Alliance, a consortium of master agencies, direct sales teams and individual agents. The Alliance was formed in the late 1990’s and brings value to its shareholders by leveraging its collective distribution power, providing peer-to-peer benchmarking, sharing industry knowledge and through the consolidation of internal resources. Power previously was president and co-founder of ARG, a founding member of the Agent Alliance and a full-service telecom agency based in Washington, D.C. Power sold his interest in ARG in early 2010.
Andrew Pryfogle
Andrew Pryfogle is the founder, president and CEO of Terrapin Solutions, a master agency headquartered in San Francisco's East Bay. Pryfogle started Terrapin to address the growing demand for cloud services such as hosted VoIP, cloud computing and cloud infrastructure. He has been in the telecommunications industry for 22 years and has held senior sales leadership positions with carriers such as AT&T, MCI and WorldCom. In 2001 Pryfogle helped start GoBeam Communications, a pioneer in hosted IP telephony that was sold in 2004 to Covad Communications where Pryfogle spent three years running the channel.
Andrew Pryfogle is the founder, president and CEO of Terrapin Solutions, a master agency headquartered in San Francisco's East Bay. Pryfogle started Terrapin to address the growing demand for cloud services such as hosted VoIP, cloud computing and cloud infrastructure. He has been in the telecommunications industry for 22 years and has held senior sales leadership positions with carriers such as AT&T, MCI and WorldCom. In 2001 Pryfogle helped start GoBeam Communications, a pioneer in hosted IP telephony that was sold in 2004 to Covad Communications where Pryfogle spent three years running the channel.
Nancy Ridge
Since 2005, Nancy Ridge has been vice president for master agency Telcombrokers where she has focused on relationship building and process automation to drive growth of more than 300 percent. Previously Nancy was vice president of sales for ATI, where she was responsible for creating and managing the indirect sales channel. Prior to that Ridge was a vice president for a consulting firm that pioneered the TEM concept and also was a a principal in a demand-side energy service company for 10 years.
Since 2005, Nancy Ridge has been vice president for master agency Telcombrokers where she has focused on relationship building and process automation to drive growth of more than 300 percent. Previously Nancy was vice president of sales for ATI, where she was responsible for creating and managing the indirect sales channel. Prior to that Ridge was a vice president for a consulting firm that pioneered the TEM concept and also was a a principal in a demand-side energy service company for 10 years.
Michael Saxby
Michael Saxby joined Telecom Brokerage Inc. (TBI) as its chief strategy officer in September 2010. He is responsible for business development, strategy, process improvements and marketing initiatives. Before coming to TBI, Saxby worked for Virgo Publishing, a business-to-business media company. During his 14 years at Virgo he served many roles including the group publisher of the service provider and channel segments of the Telecom Division as well as the Lifestyle and Light Industrial groups. Mike was responsible for overseeing the strategy for the division's print, digital and event products, which include PHONE+, VON/xchange and Billing & OSS World (B/OSS) brands and the Channel Partners Conference & Expo and Billing & OSS World Conference & Expo.
Michael Saxby joined Telecom Brokerage Inc. (TBI) as its chief strategy officer in September 2010. He is responsible for business development, strategy, process improvements and marketing initiatives. Before coming to TBI, Saxby worked for Virgo Publishing, a business-to-business media company. During his 14 years at Virgo he served many roles including the group publisher of the service provider and channel segments of the Telecom Division as well as the Lifestyle and Light Industrial groups. Mike was responsible for overseeing the strategy for the division's print, digital and event products, which include PHONE+, VON/xchange and Billing & OSS World (B/OSS) brands and the Channel Partners Conference & Expo and Billing & OSS World Conference & Expo.
Janet Schijns
Janet Schijns is vice president for the Business Solutions Group (BSG) at Verizon Wireless, where she is responsible for delivering global business and government solution strategies across M2M, enterprise, SMB, developer and vertical markets. Prior to joining Verizon Wireless in late 2010, Schijns was a vice president in the enterprise and government business at Motorola where she developed an ISV solutions ecosystem, designed Motorola EMS’ channel strategy and PartnerEmpower program. Prior to joining Motorola in 2008, Schijns was founder and CEO of The JS Group, an international consultancy firm. Schijns received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business from Montclair State University. She is a founding member of the Vanguard Council and a CompTIA board member.
Janet Schijns is vice president for the Business Solutions Group (BSG) at Verizon Wireless, where she is responsible for delivering global business and government solution strategies across M2M, enterprise, SMB, developer and vertical markets. Prior to joining Verizon Wireless in late 2010, Schijns was a vice president in the enterprise and government business at Motorola where she developed an ISV solutions ecosystem, designed Motorola EMS’ channel strategy and PartnerEmpower program. Prior to joining Motorola in 2008, Schijns was founder and CEO of The JS Group, an international consultancy firm. Schijns received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business from Montclair State University. She is a founding member of the Vanguard Council and a CompTIA board member.
Dale Stein
Dale Stein co-founded Technology Assurance Group (TAG ), an association of 118 independent integrators providing $385 million of voice and data services to small to medium businesses throughout North America. He is responsible for developing TAG's strategic planning and guiding its business development. Stein developed TAG's proprietary Seven Step Sales Solution. He brings 30 years of entrepreneurial, sales and marketing experience to TAG. Stein also is CEO of IPx Connect, a provider of Web conferencing and e-learning solutions. The company is an authorized training center for the Converged Technologies Professional (CTP) certification. Previously, Stein served as CEO of INET Inc., a distributor of business telephony systems that was acquired by a CLEC in 2000. Stein also founded Westec Security Corp. and served as its CEO. Stein received a bachelor's degree in electronic engineering technology from DeVry University in Chicago and certification from Harvard University's Small Company Management Program.
Dale Stein co-founded Technology Assurance Group (TAG ), an association of 118 independent integrators providing $385 million of voice and data services to small to medium businesses throughout North America. He is responsible for developing TAG's strategic planning and guiding its business development. Stein developed TAG's proprietary Seven Step Sales Solution. He brings 30 years of entrepreneurial, sales and marketing experience to TAG. Stein also is CEO of IPx Connect, a provider of Web conferencing and e-learning solutions. The company is an authorized training center for the Converged Technologies Professional (CTP) certification. Previously, Stein served as CEO of INET Inc., a distributor of business telephony systems that was acquired by a CLEC in 2000. Stein also founded Westec Security Corp. and served as its CEO. Stein received a bachelor's degree in electronic engineering technology from DeVry University in Chicago and certification from Harvard University's Small Company Management Program.
Rick Stern
Rick Stern is the founder and CEO of Nitel Inc., which has evolved from an agency to a master agent to a nationwide reseller. Prior to building Nitel, now listed in the Inc. 500 and recognized by Crain's Chicago Business as the 5th fastest growing company in Chicago for two consecutive years, Stern cut his teeth in the telecom business as a direct salesperson for Sprint and later as an agent manager at WorldCom. Stern earned a bachelor's degree in telecommunications from the University of Florida and is a graduate of Harvard Business School's Executive Education Program.
Rick Stern is the founder and CEO of Nitel Inc., which has evolved from an agency to a master agent to a nationwide reseller. Prior to building Nitel, now listed in the Inc. 500 and recognized by Crain's Chicago Business as the 5th fastest growing company in Chicago for two consecutive years, Stern cut his teeth in the telecom business as a direct salesperson for Sprint and later as an agent manager at WorldCom. Stern earned a bachelor's degree in telecommunications from the University of Florida and is a graduate of Harvard Business School's Executive Education Program.
