Cameron Riggs, Vice President of Information Technology
How long have you been with TechTele?
I've been with the company since 1995. Before that, I spent almost 11 years at Northern Telecom. I started as an entry-level cable installer and worked my way up to the position of senior technical support engineer. I then left the company to pursue other opportunities in the industry.
What's a typical day like for you at TechTele?
As one of the principals, I focus primarily on technical issues within the company. I'm typically the ‘go-to guy' on a daily basis for our customers and technicians in order to resolve product-specific problems and provide solutions in a timely manner. I'm also active in selling, designing, and deploying technologies such as contact centers, interactive voice response solutions, and unified communications.
What do you like best about your job?
The job is never mundane. In fact, it gets pretty exciting at times! When a hospital calls in the middle of the night and says that more than half of their system is down due to a lightning strike, you'd better be prepared to pull out all of the stops. The way you respond could be a matter of life and death--literally. If that doesn't get the adrenaline flowing, nothing will!
What career accomplishment are you most proud of?
I take a tremendous amount of pride in the level of commitment to our customers that we sustain at TechTele. Some of our competitors talk about how important their customers are. But we don't just talk about it--we actually bend over backwards for customers. If not for their loyalty, TechTele wouldn't be here for over 15 years. And this has been achievable because of the dedication of our employees; they are the face of TechTele. Every one of our employees is highly dedicated to the customer, the company, and each other.
Tell us about your education.
I'm a 1978 graduate of Peru Central High School in upstate New York and I have 29 years of industry-related education and certifications. And I've earned a few Masters and Ph.D.s in the school of life!
What is your favorite leisure activity?
My personal life is defined by my relationships with my wife, Marie, a speech language pathologist in Fairfield, Conn., and my daughter, Katie, who is a junior this year at the University of Missouri. They are the two most important people in my life. At the top of my list as far as favorite things to do is spending a lazy Sunday at home with my family.
What famous figure would you most like to have lunch with?
I would have to say John Adams, because he is truly a heroic figure for his significant role in the framing of the Declaration of Independence. I've always admired people who have the ability to command and captivate an audience with their words. John Adams was an eloquent speaker and one of the great orators of his time.
If you weren't VP of Information Technology, you'd be ...
A deli owner--I'm a master sandwich maker. I've often thought after eating one of my sandwiches, "I would have paid money for that!" I love the idea of opening a New York-style deli. Maybe someday!