Professional Summary
Rob Rodier is currently the Vice President of Sales at Lightyear, a company that builds software to optimize the telecom lifecycle—from procurement to renewal. His role began in October 2019. Rob's extensive background in sales and technology positions him as a pivotal figure within Lightyear, leveraging years of industry experience to drive company growth.
Career History
- VP of Sales, Lightyear: Since October 2019, Rob has spearheaded the sales initiatives at Lightyear, focusing on enhancing the way businesses procure and manage IT infrastructure.
- Sr Director of Global Channel Sales and Alliances, Arkose Labs: From 2018 to 2019, he was responsible for global channel sales, solidifying alliances that propelled company outreach.
- Director of Channel Sales, Distil Networks (Part of Imperva): Between 2015 and 2018, Rob directed channel sales, leveraging partnerships to expand market reach.
- Channel Manager, Windstream Communications: Managed channel operations in Miami, FL from 2008 to 2015, developing key strategies for customer acquisition and retention.
- Network Architect, TeleSwitch: Held this position in 2006, contributing to network architecture and optimizing telecommunications solutions.
- Senior Account Executive, BayRing Communications: From 2005 to 2006, he focused on major account acquisitions and client management.
- Account Executive, CTC Communications: Began his career here in 2003, focusing on sales operations and customer engagements.
Educational Background
Rob Rodier earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Florida International University, completing his studies between 2000 and 2003. His educational grounding in philosophy has likely contributed to his analytical and strategic thinking capabilities, valuable in his sales roles.
Professional Contributions and Insights
Leadership at Lightyear
Under Rob's leadership, Lightyear has:
- Raised $3.7 million to simplify how enterprises buy and manage network infrastructure, as reported in October 2020.
- Implemented software advancements for services such as dedicated internet access, SD-WAN, MPLS, and VoIP.
- Innovated in simplifying network infrastructure procurement processes, attracting significant attention in the tech and telecom sectors.
Media Appearances and Publications
- Podcast: Featured on a TelecomReseller podcast in February 2021, where he discussed how Lightyear simplifies network infrastructure procurement.
- YouTube Interview: Appeared on a June 2021 interview where he elaborated on Lightyear's mission to streamline telecom lifecycle management.
- Blog Contributions: Active contributor to Lightyear’s blog, providing insights on topics such as SD-WAN transition best practices and telecom trends.
Recruitment Initiatives
Rob has also driven recruitment efforts, highlighting Lightyear's search for experienced telecom and software Account Executives as of March 2022. His involvement in expanding the team underscores his commitment to strength and growth through strategic hires.
Notable Projects and Achievements
- Lightyear Series A Funding: In July 2021, Lightyear secured a $13.1 million Series A funding round. Rob's strategic sales vision and implementation played a crucial role in achieving this significant milestone.
- Industry Events and Webinars: Participated in events discussing advances in telecom, including a session on MPLS to SD-WAN transitions, reflecting his thought leadership in the industry.
Professional Network and Influence
Rob's professional network includes high-level executives and industry peers such as:
- Aaron Gerlach – Enterprise Account Executive
- James Gagne – SDR Team Lead
- Jessica Bush – Enterprise Account Executive
- Thomas Moore – Sales Manager
His affiliations with these key personnel suggest a collaborative leadership style, fostering a cohesive and agile sales team at Lightyear.
Conclusion
Rob Rodier's distinguished career in telecom sales, combined with his strategic leadership at Lightyear, emphasizes his capacity to drive significant industry advancements. His initiatives in optimizing IT infrastructure procurement and his active engagement in media and recruitment highlight his impactful role in the company's evolution and market positioning.
