Star City Six – Mike Grubbs
ALLO Communications (www.allocommunications.com) specializes in providing world-class communications services by creating gigabit communities, offering solutions to businesses, residents, and government entities. Mike Grubbs is the business sales leader at ALLO.
Tell us a little about your business.
Other than being 100% fiber for Internet, TV and phone, what makes us stand out is our customer service. We have a local call center in each of the markets we do business, including Lincoln. That means a faster response and dedication to making sure our customers are happy.
How did you get started in the business?
My path began in CAD engineering. Life has a funny way of redirecting us, though. I got into a career in nutrition for a while, and then pursued yet another very different opportunity working for Aliant Communications. Now 20 years later I am still in the telecommunications field. It’s something I know and like.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?
Finding my calling. After all of the different paths I took to get here, I’m so fortunate that I landed in sales where I was meant to be, with such a great company and a team I enjoy working with tremendously.
What has been your most important achievement professionally?
My advancement in sales has been the biggest one to date. Starting out new in sales, you’re at the bottom of the totem pole. You need to prove yourself to get anywhere, and with that the advancement will come. I did so enough that when the opportunity to work for ALLO came to me, it was an easy choice. I have to thank my Director Kathy Carstensen for thinking of me for this position.
Tell us a little about your family.
I am originally from Fairbury, NE and the third child of four kids. I have a young son, Aiden, who just turned 11 years old. My longtime girlfriend Abby and I both work for ALLO. With her being here, and me knowing the team I work with for so long, it feels like a family here too.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?
The birth of my son. You don’t realize the dedication it takes to raise a child. We all think we know, but it’s a different story once you are holding your baby in your arms. I can probably say he has directed my life. I just want to give him everything he needs.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
I am a gym junkie, so that’s usually where you will find me. I also like to spend time with my family.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?
I used to play in a band when I was in high school. We actually wrote a song and recorded it in a professional studio.
What are you the most proud of?
My son. No matter what happens, I am always going to be proud of his accomplishments.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be?
Joker.
If you could have a super power, what would it be?
Flight!
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be?
Dietician.
What is your favorite TV show?
Friends.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?
Marilyn Monroe.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
Phone: (402) 261-7343; Email: mgrubbs@allophone.net; Website: www.allocommunications.com.