As the Director for our Technical Account Managers (TAMs), I see the work they do for our customers every day. I think of our TAMs as the “lighthouses” for our customers. They alert the ABS team when something hits their radar. They light the way proactively about future issues and creative strategies.
How does Chris Hollis embody aspects of your vision for the TAMs department?
Chris has a rare combination of technical skill and friendly personality. He is very detail-oriented. This trait allows him to excel at following up on issues with his customers and driving to the correct solution. At the same time, he understands the customer’s business needs and how technology may be able to help fulfill those needs. He has substantial customers that have very complicated, intricate projects. Making sure things are not missed is no easy task. Chris is excellent at this kind of work.
Which of the 14 ABS Way principles does the person exemplify the most?
“Do what you say you are going to do” because Chris ensures it’s done and done on time, every time.
What is your favorite memory working with Chris Hollis? Tell us about a time that they went above and beyond.
Chris has approximately 15 AT&T bills lined up on the vacant desk next to his. He has a customer, James Graham Brown, who has been unable to cancel an internet circuit for months. AT&T is notorious for bad service. No one at our customer or AT&T has been able to figure out what is going on with their account. In short, a new internet circuit was installed, but the old one was never disconnected. The customer has been getting past due invoices on something that shouldn’t exist. Chris has screamed, yelled, e-mail and escalated to as many people that he could find at AT&T. ABS does not make any money nor is involved in this service at all. Chris hates that the customer has to deal with it. It’s not just above and beyond, it’s now his mission to get this straightened out. I feel sorry for AT&T; look out for Chris Hollis.
MEET CHRIS HOLLIS
We sat down with Chris to ask him more about his role as a Technical Account Manager at Advanced Business Solutions.
Tell us about how you got started.
In 2012, I met a few members of the ABS team and heard of an opportunity that might be a good fit for me. I took the opportunity and have been part of the team since then! I’ve had a few different roles over the years but really enjoy my new role as a TAM. I see the Technical Account Manager position as less about IT and more about being able to service a company and their customers and taking things off their plates to make their jobs easier.
What do you enjoy most about your role as a TAM at ABS?
I think one of the things I’ve liked the most since moving over to the TAM department is being able to make a more lasting and meaningful change in the customer’s environment. We get things done quickly in the Service Department but I get to take a more strategic approach now and get to be part of the business strategy conversations with my customers in my new role.
How do you take a proactive approach to IT management with your customers?
We review technology as a whole and understand our customer’s initiatives, we hold meetings with them regularly, and we stay ahead FOR the customer so they don’t have to work on “what’s next” in IT. We are able to meet the customer where they are in their budget by working as they go and not waiting last minute to need to fix a multitude of problems at once. I keep big issues from happening by watching ahead for the customer.
When and why did you become interested in IT?
I have always liked computers. Even in high school, I enjoyed the time spent in the computer lab. I actually majored in Psychology and never had thought about IT career. But as fate had it, I met up with some ABS team members and was offered a position on the team. It wasn’t anything like what I’m doing now, but I evolved into the team member I am today and am excited about my new role as a TAM.
When you’re not working, what can you be found doing?
I have a 17-month old son who keeps me busy. I enjoy craft beer. I also enjoy fishing and playing video games.
What video game is your favorite?
Oh man, there’s no way I could pick just one. That’s too hard. I guess my favorite video games are all online multi-player ones.
What is the ultimate tech device or equipment you wish you personally owned? Or What is a fictional technology that you wish existed?
The ultimate device already exists; the iPhone. I would love to have some sort of teleportation technology because I hate flying but I love to travel. My wife hates driving, so this one would be a real lifesaver.
If you want to learn more about what ABS and Chris are doing for the city of Louisville, click here. Also, check out our blog to learn more about all things ABS and industry news and updates!
