Getting to Know Cellular Sales: Rick Pastorek
Posted on 13. Feb, 2012 by Jay Witherspoon in Uncategorized
Rick Pastorek and Family with LSU Santa
What position(s) do you hold at Cellular Sales?
Wireless Sales Professional
How long have you worked with the company?
5 months
What is your role within Cellular Sales?
Drive revenue by providing outstanding customer service. To me, it is all about making a connection with the customer and finding out what brings them to our location. I want to exceed their expectations in dealing with Verizon Wireless, Cellular Sales and myself as their Customer Service Rep. Sales reps ask me all the time, how do you know so many people? I don’t. My goal is for when the customer leaves the store that I know them and they know me. I try to find a common bond and a way to connect with our customers through church, schools, work, common industry, people they may know, their children or any way that I can relate to them. I tell them stories about my experiences and most importantly I listen to them. Find out their needs and what is most important to them. I need to develop a level of trust that they know I am going to take care of them and their wireless needs.
Please tell me about your most rewarding or satisfying experience — your proudest moment — since you joined the company.
My most rewarding or satisfying experience is being on top of the leader board in the Baton Rouge (Gulf Coast) market. Also, being the number two sales rep in GC for the month of December. I enjoy the friendly competition in our market and region. My job is to provide fierce competition for my fellow sales reps. We keep each other on our toes. This month the entire Gulf Coast market is trying to exceed our Market Manager’s sales numbers.
What makes Cellular Sales such a special company to work for?
Cellular Sales is an outstanding company that represents the number one brand in the wireless industry. I am proud to tell people that we have 500 locations that represent a significant portion of Verizon’s market share. I really enjoy the group of professionals and back office personnel that our Regional Directors have assembled as part of our team. Team GC is a force to be reckoned with as we grow the Verizon brand from Lafayette, LA to Pensacola, FL.
What do you like best about working for Cellular Sales?
I like the freedom to pursue customers anywhere I can find them. I love that our Regional Directors treat us as partners in the business. We are given the tools to succeed. I also want to give a shout out to the Back Office, Inventory Closet and CSOKI support. I tell people all the time that you don’t know how awesome the support is that we are provided!
Are there any obstacles you face at work?
None that we can’t overcome. I tell my customers that I am a problem solver. We will go out of our way to make sure they are a satisfied customer. And look at the facilities that Alec Rankine, Chad Maxedon and Cellular Sales provide for us to work our magic in. They are outstanding and second to no one!!!
Do you have a funny story about working at Cellular Sales?
Well, let’s just say I had to help a customer change her child’s diaper while I was selling her a RAZR. Sherri Logan in Abbeville can tell you the rest of the story!!! Remember, we provide outstanding customer service. The carpet fresh came in handy!
Before working here, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?
Before working for Cellular Sales, I was the Franchise Owner for Bennigan’s Grill and Tavern in Louisiana, Alabama, and Tennessee operating 13 locations for the last 27 years. The movie, Waiting, was filmed at one of my locations. It was a comedy, not reality!
What are your hobbies?
Chasing my three older sons, Mason, Taylor, and Chandler around a dirt bike track. They are racing the Outdoor Winter series in Southern Louisiana and Mississippi. My wife, Heather, and I are their Sponsor, Chief Mechanic, Promoter, Caterer and Travel Managers. My youngest son Noah is our rider in training. He is 22 months old and already knows where the kick start is.
If you were stuck on a desert island, what three things would you have to have with you?
A large container of Tony Chachere’s Creole Seasoning for all of the fish and coconut’s that I am going to cook, along with everything else I can find to eat. Remember, Cajuns eat anything! Also, I would have pictures of my wife and sons and a Satellite Phone.
If a phone was named after you, what would it be called?
Why don’t we just call it the Rockin’ Roll Motorola Rickola.
And finally…DROID or iPhone?
DROID, they are far superior devices to the iPhone. With that being said, we strive to exceed the customers expectation. If they want an iPhone, we will be happy to oblige!
Microsoft Throws Down $8.5 Billion for Acquisition of Skype
Posted on 10. May, 2011 by Scott Sutton in Uncategorized
In a press release Microsoft has announced that it will purchase Skype for $8.5 billion in cold hard cash. With around $55 billion (pre-purchase) in cash, Microsoft can easily afford to part ways with that kind of dough. Microsoft sought out the acquisition to use Skype’s technology for their Xbox, Kinect and Windows Phone offerings.
Where does this leave Skype users that don’t use Microsoft products? Under the direction of Steve Ballmer, Microsoft promises that they will, “Continue to invest in and support Skype clients on non-Microsoft platforms.” Of course that means taking this guy’s (Steve Ballmer) word for it: YouTube video of Ballmer (Notice ankle twist and subsequent attempt to walk it off at the 21 second mark).
Smartphone producers aren’t exactly shaking in their boots due to the fact that Skype lacks video calls on mobile devices. This void has already been filled with FaceTime on iPhones and Tango on Android devices. As far as cheap international calls go Google Voice, found on Android and elsewhere, has stepped up to challenge Skype in the VoIP category.
Read on here.
Phyllis Blay – Getting to Know Cellular Sales – Georgia
Posted on 09. May, 2011 by Scott Sutton in Uncategorized
Phyllis Blay of Cellular Sales South Georgia sits down with the Cellular Sales Blog.
What is your title?
Lead Sales Support, I work in the back of the house supporting the reps on the sales floor.
How long have you worked with Cellular Sales?
3 years
What is it your role within Cellular Sales?
I am in charge of processing sales transactions. I also support the sales contractors, help them problem solve on sales and customer service issues.
Please tell me about your most satisfying experience since you joined the company.
Knowing early on during my time at Cellular Sales in the South Georgia, that I am a part of a great work environment!
What makes Cellular Sales such a special company to work with?
The people make it a great place to be. It does not hurt that we have an awesome product to back us up.
What do you enjoy most about working with Cellular Sales?
I enjoy helping others. Knowing I can be there for the contractors means a lot to me. I enjoy the fact that this is not a place where you “ punch the clock” and go home. We seem to have a family environment. We take care of one another. That is what I like to see.
Are there any obstacles you face at work?
Absolutely ! That is what keeps it interesting!
Before working here, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?
Eastlawn Memorial. It was a cemetery and I did telesales on site. Fun times!
Do you have a funny story about working at Cellular Sales?
The question itself brings a smile to my face. I have actually been a part of Verizon for 8 years now. Knowing that all walks of life have cell phones allows a person to see a lot. If I had to tell a story ,my first experience would include a customer handing a sales representative a phone that had gone into the toilet. The look on the reps face was priceless when she realized what she was holding in her hand. I understood quite quickly to troubleshoot from afar when a customer tries to hand over a cell phone. Please take note for yourself!!
Do you have any kids?
Yes , Aiden. He is 8.
What are your hobbies?
Anything outdoors. Going to the beach and getting plenty of exercise.
If a cell phone was named after you, what would it be called?
The Rockstar.
If you were stuck on a desert island, what three things would you have to have with you?
Hair conditioner, my son, and a hunter man to bring us food…lol!
And finally… Droid or iPhone?
DROID…….DOES
Getting To Know Cellular Sales – Alfred Millikan – Knoxville, TN
Posted on 28. Feb, 2011 by Jay Witherspoon in Company News, Getting to Know Cellular Sales, Uncategorized
ALFRED MILLIKAN – KNOXVILLE, TN
What is your title?
I call myself a Wireless Lifestyle Consultant.
How long have you worked with the company?
I started August 24th, 2010.
What is it your role within Cellular Sales?
I want to make sure that everyone’s wireless is set up for their needs and lifestyle. Whether it is a wireless handset, mobile broadband connection, personalized price plans or general all around customer service, I will find exactly what the customer needs. From businesses to friends and family, I want to make sure everyone’s needs are met.
Please tell me about your most rewarding or satisfying experience, your proudest moment, since you joined the company.
My most rewarding experience to date was when my team leader called me up as being #6 on the leader-board across the market and that was my third month of working with Cellular Sales.
What makes Cellular Sales such a special company to work for?
One of the things I really like is meeting customers. Everyone is different and each day is different. Internally, the team I work with is outstanding. Everyone is motivated to do their best and make a good living. The job is a lot more complicated than people give us credit for and we all do our best to find solutions to our customer’s needs.
What do you like best about working for Cellular Sales?
The location change is one the best things. I love going to different stores each day. There is no monotony and every day isn’t cookie cutter. There is nothing that is standard and no day is ever typical.
Are there any obstacles you face at work?
Not that I’ve seen so far. The only obstacle I see is keeping the drive alive and that is not a problem for me.
Do you have a funny story about working at Cellular Sales?
Having lived out West for so many years, I’ve forgotten about the local dialect in East Tennessee. For example, I had a customer come in the store and say “Hey, youins got any of them free cell phones youins got advertised on your website”? It’s great to be home and I love East, TN but the dialect brings me back to reality.
Before working here, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?
I’ve worked in the Alpine ski industry in the past. I was everything from a ski tech at a shop to a sales exec from American Ski Company.
What are your hobbies?
I build, repair and play electric guitars and I love live music. I also used to travel around following the Dead and other live bands. I’m also an ex-pro Alpine snow skier and mountain biker.
If you were stuck on a desert island, what three things would you have to have with you?
I would have my laptop with satellite wifi, an acoustic guitar and a big supply of mouthwash.
If a phone was named after you, what would it be called?
Phatty Phone
And finally….Droid or iPhone?
Droid X, all the way!
Happy New Year, From Cellular Sales!!
Posted on 03. Jan, 2011 by Jay Witherspoon in Uncategorized
Cellular Sales looks forward to one of the most exciting years ever to sell Verizon Wireless products and services. 2011, here we come.
In December, Cellular Sales added the following locations to its roster of Verizon retail locations:
Bartow
110 E. Van Fleet Drive Unit 1A
Bartow, FL 33830
863-533-6902
Six Guns
4955 East Silver Springs Boulevard
Ocala, FL 34470
352-390-8292
James Island
861 Folly Road Suite 101
James Island, SC 29412
843-789-4140
Brookhaven
5005 Edgemont Avenue
Brookhaven, PA 19015
484-816-0187
Chambersburg Mall
3055 Black Gap Rd
Chambersburg, PA 17202
717-261-0149
Waynesboro
12785 Washington Boulevard Suite 118
Waynesboro, PA 17268
717-765-6928
Moffett Road
7880 Moffett Road
Semmes, AL 36575
Cedar Bluff
1027 N Cedar Bluff Rd
Knoxville, TN 37923
865-247-4139
Sequatchie County
320 Rankin Road
Dunlap, TN 37327
Elberton
800 Heard Drive
Elberton, GA 30635
706-283-5303
Arbor Place
6700 Douglas Boulevard #1550
Douglasville, GA 30135
770-489-0364
Copperas Cove
2726 E. Hwy 190 Suite
Copperas Cove, TX 76522
254-577-5125
Taylor
1903 N Main Street
Taylor, TX 76754
For a location near you, visit CellularSales.com.
CNN: Apple preparing Verizon-compatible iPad?
Posted on 29. Dec, 2010 by Jay Witherspoon in Uncategorized
I am very much looking forward to hearing announcements in the very near future about upcoming devices. It’s going to be an exciting year for Verizon and for Cellular Sales!
CNN.com: Apple preparing Verizon-compatible iPad?
Verizon Weighs In On Massive Increase In Wireless Taxes
Posted on 23. Nov, 2010 by Jay Witherspoon in Uncategorized
From Verizon Wireless:
Over the past 10 years, the average monthly bill for wireless services has decreased nearly 40 percent, and the average cost consumers pay for a minute of wireless service has dropped to just a dime from 47 cents over the same time.
But the taxes, fees and surcharges that appear on your bill each month continue to rise. During the 15 months beginning in January 2003 and ending in April 2004, taxes specifically on wireless services increased nine times faster than taxes on other goods and services that fall under a general sales and use tax. Nineteen states – from New York to Arkansas – now tax wireless services at double-digit rates.
Depending on where you live, fully 20 percent of your monthly wireless bill – no matter which service provider you choose – could go to taxes, fees and the costs of government mandates, instead of for the innovative, valuable and reliable wireless services you really want.
Verizon Wireless believes it’s time for that to change. On behalf of our customers, Verizon Wireless is fighting these tax increases in Congress and state legislatures.
More taxes imposed by state and local governments means there’s less money available to keep building, upgrading and enhancing wireless networks across the country. That means it might take longer to introduce more cool services for wireless phones – the things that consumers have come to expect such as text messaging, downloading ringtones, music, videos and wallpaper for phones, and access to the Internet, and even newer innovations that take advantage of high-speed mobile data applications.
Verizon Wireless works every day with local, state and federal officials across the country to prevent the imposition of new taxes and surcharges on wireless services, and to eliminate such taxes wherever possible. Fewer taxes and fees will lead to more demand for wireless services, which will encourage companies, including Verizon Wireless, to keep improving their networks and offering more exciting new services to their customers.
Visit www.mywireless.org to find out more about the taxes you pay on your wireless service, which states have the highest tax rates, and how you can contact your elected representatives to make your voice heard on an issue that directly impacts your pocketbook.
Or, if you’d like to learn more about wireless taxes and fees, visit CTIA – the Wireless Association™ at www.ctia.org or email them at wirelesstax@ctia.org. CTIA is the international trade association that represents the wireless industry.
Coming in 2011: HTC Android World Phone?
Posted on 09. Aug, 2010 by Jay Witherspoon in Uncategorized
Everyone should take all wireless hardware leaks with a grain of salt. But this recently leaked information will likely make some business travelers happy. This phone means folks will be able to take their Verizon/Android phone with them overseas and still be able to talk on wireless voice networks (assuming this handset comes to fruition).
Check out this new HTC device and see what you think about it. The launch date is a ways off, so specs are likely to change.
-Jay Witherspoon, Director of Advertising, Cellular Sales
Sprint, T-Mobile Circling and Sniffing
Posted on 14. Jul, 2010 by Jay Witherspoon in Uncategorized
Sprint is now talking about moving to LTE, the same technology Verizon and AT&T are using for their next generation of networks. They don’t plan to abandon WiMax, but they’re definitely making eyes at someone other than their original date to the dance. They’ve been advertising their 4G network for months, and now they’re talking about changing their plans. Sprint is also talking about merging with T-Mobile. Here’s an article on the topic that is worth the click just to see the picture they ran to complement the story.
And a small pssst!: this summer equipment advertising was just leaked to BoyGeniusReport by someone at Verizon. Take all leaks with a grain or two of salt. They are not always what they seem.
-Jay Witherspoon, Director of Advertising, Cellular Sales
Motorola Droid X “Scavenger Hunt”
Posted on 12. Jul, 2010 by Jay Witherspoon in Uncategorized
Pretty cool, from @DroidLanding:
Justin Schauer, a grand old theater and a brand new smart phone. Nice find!
My understanding is that supply is limited for the new Motorola Droid X, coming out this week. So the folks who are smart enough to find one in this Twitter-based contest are lucky indeed. There are only a few left! Here’s a video of a guy finding one of them at a Pier in NYC:
-Jay Witherspoon, Director of Advertising, Cellular Sales
Look, Ma, No Wires.
Posted on 23. Jun, 2010 by Jay Witherspoon in Uncategorized
Today when Google and Verizon announced the new Motorola Droid X, they whipped out an interesting statistics (without citing a source):
29% of homes have no landlines at all. They are mobile only.
With even faster Internet connections coming down the pike from all the wireless carriers, the question of whether we need wires in our homes at all is becoming legitimate (for telecommunications, at least — electricity will still need wires for years[?] to come). Will wireless bandwidth ever outpace most consumers’ needs for wired Internet/television? It’s sure looking like it will. Yes, I’m predicting that some day that WIRELESS companies will also bundle home Internet and even television services. They already do to some extent, with broadband Internet modems and Mobile TV.
So enjoy your tiny little wireless bill now, while it only has 4 phones and a wireless modem on it.
-Jay Witherspoon, Director of Advertising, Cellular Sales
Motorola Droid X
Posted on 14. Jun, 2010 by Jay Witherspoon in Uncategorized
Motorola Droid X, courtesy GadgetUniversity.net
Cellular Sales generally doesn’t advertise handsets ahead of their launch, because we find it encourages customers to WAIT to buy a phone. And we believe it’s ALWAYS a good time to buy a phone!!! But I’m going to break that rule on this blog and share some unofficial info about the new Motorola Droid X (the precise name of the device is not yet clear), which is supposed to be coming to Verizon in July. It’ll run Android 2.1, just like the current Motorola Droid and HTC Droid Incredible.
I’ll keep you posted as I hear more about specific dates, pricing, and availability. It’s a really beautiful-looking phone. The review touts MotoBlur, which is Motorola’s attempt at putting social media at people’s fingertips through special software that interfaces with the big social hubs like Facebook and Twitter. The way I see it, social media is already at people’s fingertips, and trying to sell a phone based on that feature is like selling a house based on the fact that it has doors and bathrooms. Maybe I’m an old coot who doesn’t understand the allure of their cutting-edge interface, but I’d say what’s more likely is the old coots at Motorola are trying to tap into a younger audience via boardroom ideas. Hard to make that work.
-Jay Witherspoon, Director of Advertising
Cell Phones On A Stick. Cellular Sales Does Events.
Posted on 30. Apr, 2010 by Jay Witherspoon in Uncategorized
I think I’ll take a moment and toot our events horn. We have the wireless industry’s most beautiful mobile showrooms. See one for yourself in the picture below. We use these showrooms to take special deals and that trademark Cellular Sales customer service to State Fairs and all types of other events. Our marketing data suggests that individuals who have eaten two or more items “on a stick” are statistically more likely to buy a new phone than those who have a low “on a stick” intake. And funnel cake never hurt a phone sale, either.
Here are a handful of the larger events we’re participating in soon:
Mayfest
April 30 – May 2
Houston, TX
GA State Fair
April 29 – May 9
Macon, GA
Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival
April 23 – May 2
Winchester – Frederick County, VA
Drift Atlanta
May 7-8
Braselton, GA
Got To Be NC Festival
May 21-23
Raleigh, NC
Taste of Addison
May 21-23
Addison, TX
Cellular Sales Mobile Showroom
-Jay Witherspoon, Director of Advertising
Foursquare: Over-Communication or Over-Awesome?
Posted on 14. Apr, 2010 by Cellular Sales in Uncategorized
If you haven’t heard of Foursquare, you are not alone, but your crowd is thinning. It’s another social application, focused mainly on usage through mobile devices. With Foursquare, users “check in” when they go someplace, notifying their peeps where they are while also encouraging advice on what to do/buy there. This also builds an affiliation with the business that just might get the user some free stuff if the business owners are progressive enough to offer rewards for their loyal Foursquare-using customers.
So Foursquare is a way for friends to keep up with each other, and it sounds like a dream for marketers who want to tap into certain social networks. On the site’s homepage, an ever-updated list of user “posts” flow past. A lot of them are people unlocking “badges” for certain behaviors, like posting a certain number of stops per night. Many more posts are for users becoming the “mayor” of a place they visit more than any other Foursquare users.
“Unlocking badges” and becoming the “mayor” of a place smell a bit like Pokemon for adults, methinks, but I see some potential for the overall concept. There are benefits like having the ability to quickly research a business based on what your friends/colleagues think about it. And of course there are the coupons and rewards you could get from businesses who appreciate Foursquare patronage.
The jury is still out as to whether Foursquare will get the critical mass of users to fulfill its potential, but if you’ve never thought about tweeting your GPS coordinates or unlocking your “crunked” badge on Foursquare, remember that you carry a very sophisticated device in your pocket or purse and weigh your options.
Cellular Sales is joining the Foursquare party here in Knoxville, and I’ll let you know what comes of it.
-Jay Witherspoon, Director of Advertising
Cellular Sales Makes Inc.com's Fastest Growing Companies List for the Second Year in a Row
Posted on 25. Aug, 2009 by Cellular Sales in Uncategorized
Cellular Sales is proud to be placed on Inc.com’s 5000 list for the second consecutive year. Two years ago, Inc. launched an ambitious tenfold expansion of its venerable Inc. 500 list, which dates back to 1982. Cellular Sales experienced an impressive 153.9% growth this past year.
To see the full Inc.com 5000 list, click here.
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