Introducing Gareth Long: Our New Channel Sales Director Driving Growth and Innovation
It’s time to unveil our exciting news: We're thrilled to reveal a significant addition to the Gentium Tech family! As our global footprint expands, particularly within the UK, we've been strategically enhancing our team to align with our ambitious growth trajectory. Amidst our forward-looking vision lies a pivotal need for seasoned expertise in sales and marketing. Can you sense the anticipation building?
No more dancing around the details – it's time to introduce Gareth Long, our new Channel Sales Director! His arrival heralds a new chapter in our journey, marked by strategic innovation and a renewed focus on excellence. From groundbreaking campaigns to visionary strategies, Gareth is poised to lead the charge at Gentium Tech, igniting momentum and pedalling success.
Curious about Gareth? Fear not – we've prepared an exclusive glimpse into his background, passions, and aspirations. Dive into our in-depth interview to uncover the essence of Gareth Long and his vision for Gentium Tech International. Welcome aboard!
What did you want to be when you were younger? Have you always had a passion for IT?
‘When I was younger I always wanted to be a rugby player or in the Military Police, unfortunately, I was not of the required standard to follow my Rugby dream and as I grew older I found a passion for technology and how it can improve the world.’
What roles did you have before this, and how did they prepare you for this position? Can you describe what you did in your past jobs and what you're particularly good at? How do you think your skills will help GTI's sales and marketing plans?
‘Before joining Gentium, my roles were varied, however my professional career was primarily centered around the channel. Fifteen years ago, I ventured into the realm of mobile sales within the channel, later transitioning into Unified Communications and Hosted Voice. Back in the early days, I distinctly remember saying that these technologies would "never catch on." However, it was during this period that my personal evolution truly took shape. Initially grappling with the intricacies of selling these solutions, I eventually found myself in a position to educate others on effective sales techniques and how to maximise the value for our partners, thus fostering mutually beneficial relationships. In my most recent role, I led the UK&I division of DrayTek, a prominent B2B networking enterprise. What sets me apart is my unwavering commitment to encouraging growth, whether it's within the teams I lead or in supporting our valued partners. I firmly believe that by nurturing individual growth, we inevitably contribute to the overall success of the business.’
What do you enjoy doing in your time off?
‘In my spare time, spending time with the family is what is most important to me. My son is 11 and growing fast, so making the most of that time is crucial. If I am not spending time with my family, I like to read. I am currently reading Shoe Dog, which is a memoir of Phil Knight, the co founder of Nike (if you know me personally, you’ll be shocked I am only just reading this!). I like to watch most sports and play golf (not very well) on occasion. A fun fact about me is that I currently own 108 pairs of trainers…’
What attracted you to GTI? What qualities made you apply for the role?
‘I have known Nick Barlow, the founder of Gentium Tech International, for some time now and his passion to deliver capability and resource to support the Channel really resonated with me. I love the Channel and its community. At Gentium, we operate exclusively within the Channel, dedicated to empowering its members to achieve greater success. Our primary objective is to facilitate the Channel's growth, empowering it to secure more victories and drive greater success. When speaking with Nick, it was clear that we both shared a vision around how we could grow the business with a focus on developing people to be successful. I know it’s a bit cliched but I truly believe in the mentality of "Teach people so they can leave but treat them so they want to stay.".’
What do you plan to work on in the coming weeks/ what do we have to look forward to?
‘As a huge advocate for the Channel, my foremost priority lies in ensuring that we effectively communicate Gentium's array of services to our Channel partners. I am dedicated to equipping them with the tools and support necessary to enhance their success by leveraging our offerings. This involves not only facilitating the delivery of their existing services but also empowering them with the knowledge and resources to expand into new areas where they may lack expertise. For me, there's nothing more rewarding than engaging directly with individuals, collaborating to address challenges, and delivering innovative solutions that drive positive outcomes for our partners.’