Star City Six – Kathy Carstenson
ALLO Communications (www.allocommunications.com/business) specializes in providing world-class communications services by creating gigabit communities, offering solutions to businesses, residents, and government entities. Kathy Carstenson is the Business Sales Director at ALLO.
Tell us a little about your business.
For 13 years, ALLO has managed an all-fiber network that delivers feature-rich phone services, internet speeds to fit your needs, and crystal-clear TV. ALLO’s all-fiber data network allows you to connect your multi-site businesses, helping companies of all sizes become more efficient and productive. ALLO GIG Cities include Lincoln, Scottsbluff, Gering, North Platte, Ogallala, Bridgeport and Alliance. Fort Morgan will be built in 2018 and we recently announced the purchase of Glenwood Telecommunication’s fiber infrastructure and customers in Hastings, NE.
How did you get started in the business?
My sister’s friend Ron Ferry, General Manager at LinTel (Lincoln Telephone), hired me as a sales engineer in 1988 and introduced me to trunks, POTS lines, and fiber. It’s one of the best things that ever happened to me.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?
Changing professions from programmer to sales engineer for a telecom company. I had to learn a whole new set of acronyms.
What has been your most important achievement professionally?
I have several, but the most important to me is building a successful team that makes a difference for the customers we bring to ALLO.
Tell us a little about your family.
I am married to my loving husband Eric and have 2 beautiful children. My daughter Gera lives in Florida, which is a great place to visit in the cold months. My son Ryan is attending UNL double-majoring in Economics and Management.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
I like to golf with my husband and read.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?
I used to compete in triathlons. My longest race was a 500-yard swim, 80-mile bike ride, and a 10K run. I was very hungry after that race!
What are you the most proud of?
My family; they are my rock.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Change is good, embrace it. Change keeps you growing and adapting as a person.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be?
Determined.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be?
A college professor teaching physics.
What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?
JDRF. My son is diabetic and a cure can’t come fast enough.
What is your favorite movie?
Mamma Mia!, especially because of the Dancing Queen number…it makes me want to dance every time!
What is your favorite TV show?
Nashville! I wish they would sing more because I like country music.
What is your favorite local restaurant?
MoMo Pizzeria & Ristorante. I love the wine and pizza combination!
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?
Eleanor Roosevelt. She was able to make some important changes in the world, and I’d like know what motivated her to step outside her comfort zone among other things.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
Phone: (402) 261-0932; Email: kcarstenson@allophone.net; Website: www.allocommunications.com/business.