Profile: Mike Beegle

Meet Mike Beegle.
Business Sales Director at Verizon.

Name: Mike Beegle

Job: Business Sales Director, Verizon

City: Columbus, OH

Q: Tell us about your work...

As a Director of Business Sales, my job is to help small and midsize businesses across Ohio and other states solve the challenges they’re facing, from how to best keep employees on the move connected to delivering cybersecurity solutions for peace of mind. Ultimately, I get to help business owners grow their businesses by leveraging technology solutions that are powered by America’s most reliable network.

Q: What’s a challenge you're working to solve?

There are many reasons I’m proud to work at Verizon, from our investment in local communities to our support for small and midsize businesses. But one challenge we’re tackling head on that I’m really passionate about is the digital divide. At Verizon, we believe in equal and affordable access to the internet for everyone, and we are working hard to close the digital divide by providing access to high-speed internet at an affordable rate to more communities through the ongoing rollout of our 5G network.

Q: What’s a lesson you’ve learned that's shaped your work?

Treat others the way you want to be treated. I love this one because it applies to all aspects of my life and my work, from employees, coworkers, customers and any other person that I interact with.

Q: What’s a trend in technology or innovation that doesn’t get enough attention?

Fixed Wireless Access. This technology is rapidly replacing wired fixed-line broadband connections for internet connectivity with wireless communications. This allows for faster deployments, broader ranges of availability, location flexibility and still provides fast speeds.

Q: What’s one moonshot idea that could help make Ohio a world leader in technology and innovation?

I truly feel that Ohio is already well on its way to being viewed as a technology capital of America. But if I had to pick a moonshot idea, I would say that if we were the first in the world to have all deliveries made by drones, that would certainly draw the world’s attention and showcase Ohio’s tech-first mindset.

Q: What’s a recent book, podcast or news story that you found interesting?

One of the last books I read was Mindset by Carol Dweck. I love this book because I buy into the concept that your “mindset” (the way you think) about decisions and opportunities has an incredible impact on the final outcome.

Q: What's your favorite place in Ohio?

My home. I travel a lot and there's nothing like coming home to a family that still runs to the door after I get in from a few days away.

Q: What makes Ohio special to you?

The people of Ohio and the loyalty that they have to Ohio is incredible to me. I also think the fact that Ohio has major cities with several more large and growing cities is unique and part of what makes Ohio special. Most states hinge on one or two major cities but in Ohio, there is such growth and potential everywhere.

Q: What do you do for fun when you’re not working?

I enjoy time with my family. That can be anything from the excitement of traveling to tournaments for sports games to the opposite end of the spectrum when we do nothing but stay in, order food and watch a movie together.

Q: Why do you and Verizon feel it’s important to be involved with the Ohio Tech Summit?

Verizon and OhioX have been partners for many years, as both companies want to see Ohio succeed through technology, and this event brings together key leaders from around the state to keep driving this agenda forward.

Q: What’s a particular tech-related topic that you hope to share or learn more about at the Ohio Tech Summit on May 18?
I’m excited to be giving a welcome address at the event about Verizon’s wider involvement in the local community. But we’ll also have information about our Private 5G Networks which I feel will bring some new conversations to the event.

—

Learn more about Mike’s work by connecting with him on LinkedIn.