Al Scaletta, center, with TDS Telecom's Group President of Marketing Sales and Customer Operations, Jim Butman, right, and Vice President of Sales, Matt Loch, left, on the night Al was awarded the 2015 President's Club Award for outstanding sales achievement.

Meet your Local TDS Team: Al Scaletta in Vernon Hills, Illinois

Al Scaletta, center, with TDS Telecom’s Group President of Marketing Sales and Customer Operations, Jim Butman, right, and Vice President of Sales, Matt Loch, left, on the night Al was awarded the 2015 President’s Club Award for outstanding sales achievement.

Al Scaletta has been with TDS Telecom for more than 13 years. Part of his job as a strategic account executive consists of analyzing customer and prospect needs. With that understanding, he then aligns their needs with products offered by TDS. This process encourages Al and other account executives to work side-by-side with their customers to determine how TDS’ products can improve their businesses’ performance.

“They must act like partners rather than vendors,” said Judd Blau, strategic sales manager and Al’s supervisor. “Strategic account executives are always looking for ways they can help a customer better serve their customers.”

Al considers his role very much a consultative role.

“I am able to update customers and prospects on the latest technologies that TDS has to offer, which can make their business more productive while reducing costs,” he said.

There are plenty of tools for account executives to learn and develop new ways to better serve customers, no matter how long they’ve been with TDS. Al mentions sales trainings and product trainings are especially helpful, even after years with the company. In addition to the many trainings offered by TDS, Al is also a member of Toastmasters, a public speaking and leadership club. He highly recommends the club to anyone looking to enhance their public speaking skills and grow their network.

Mentorship has also played a role in Al’s career. He has found that by mentoring and helping others on the team, he also benefits. He encourages his new colleagues to schedule their own client appointments and then accompanies them to their meeting as opposed to just bringing them to his own scheduled meetings.

“Learn by doing, learn by teaching, that’s my philosophy,” said Al.

In addition to ongoing learning and teaching, Al recognizes the importance of giving back. In fact, he says he’s grown his business relationships through his work in the community. He is actively involved in his community serving on the Wheeling/Prospect Heights Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, is president of the Stevenson High School Foundation, and is a board member for the Special Education District of Lake County (SEDOL) Foundation.

Not only does Al enjoy working for TDS because it encourages him to be active in his community, but also because the company does a great job of taking feedback and making adjustments that better suit his customers.

“TDS is a great company. We’re not here to make a quick buck and be gone. We’re looking long-term,” said Al.

by Joan Lawlor

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