Employee Spotlight: Jon Schlee, Channel Director – West

“There’s never been a better time to partner with Arelion. Now, we must ensure people understand why.”

Although we’re in the telecommunications industry, our work is really defined by human relationships. We’ve recently taken steps to strengthen our relationships in the Channel community, with our new Channel Director – West, Jon Schlee, joining us in May 2024. We sat down with Jon to learn about his background, his perspective on Arelion’s culture and his vision of our continued Channel expansion.

Q: Can you tell us about your background?

I’ve always been fascinated with how technology helps people share their unique experiences with each other. I learned to code at an early age and worked in manufacturing, maintaining a small network while developing a Microsoft Access database. After an entrepreneurial stint with a motorsports company, I worked as an Account Executive, Director of Business Development and Channel Director at various telecommunications companies. While my career path has been circuitous, that initial fascination with how technology fosters interpersonal relationships still drives my work in the Channel.

Q: What does Arelion’s culture look like on the inside?

When a former colleague first approached me to work at Arelion, I wasn’t looking for a new position. However, he told me about this massive opportunity to build Arelion’s Channel with many of the Technology Service Distributors (TSDs) I already had relationships with. Culture is the most important aspect in switching companies, so I researched Arelion extensively before joining. We don’t have a ‘me against you’ culture; our culture is based on teamwork. This value is vital for ensuring long-term productivity through symbiotic relationships within the company and the broader Channel community.

Fortunately, it’s not a culture of constantly telling our employees “No” whenever they have an idea. Our culture is based on understanding, sharing and connecting, where we evaluate ideas comprehensively before making a decision. These cultural values make me extremely hopeful for my professional growth and Arelion’s long-term business strategy.

Q: What is your day-to-day experience?

I always enjoyed the marketing and business development aspects of telecommunications. Arelion is currently focused on leveraging these functions to improve brand recognition, making my day-to-day experience fulfilling. We have a smaller team, meaning my colleagues are always accessible and willing to lend their expertise to solve problems collaboratively. Everybody here wants to win and is willing to do whatever it takes (within reason) to succeed. There’s a sense of community here that goes beyond the corporate structure, where people take genuine pride in connecting the world on a daily basis.

Q: What are the Channel team’s goals? How will you achieve those goals?

Our main goals are to enhance brand recognition and develop channel partner relationships. We want channel partners to think of Arelion when they have a sales opportunity necessitating global connectivity or huge data capacities. Education is critical to achieving this goal and enhancing awareness of our value. We have the resources and willingness to work hand-in-hand with Channel partners through our specialization in connectivity and world-class customer service. We just have to increase awareness and execute with the expertise we’re known for.

Q: Anything else?

Even during my early experiences in the Channel community, I recognized its power and potential impact. Companies love working with Channel partners because these partners create value quickly and simplify the procurement process for best-of-breed solutions. As businesses continue their global expansion amid the advent of Artificial Intelligence, Arelion is poised to provide immense bandwidth and reliable connectivity through our #1 ranked network, simplified product set and exemplary customer service. There’s never been a better time to partner with Arelion. Now, we must ensure people understand why.