It’s a widely accepted fact that team building in an ongoing work in progress, which is the philosophy behind one master agent telecom company’s annual ski trip for its channel managers and agents.

 

TBI President Geoffrey Shepstone (News - Alert) and Senior Vice President Ken Mercer were joined by agents and vendors alike last month for TBI’s annual ski trip. This year’s event took place in Breckenridge, Colo. at a luxurious retreat with views of the Rocky Mountains.

 

The Chicago-based company represents more than 60 industry providers and over 800 independent channel partner agencies.

 

Sponsored by CDW, Global Crossing, Lightyear, Level3, One Communications, Qwest (News - Alert) and XO, the long weekend was both fun and constructive, according to TBI officials. 

 

In his TBI blog, Mercer wrote, “I like the fact that the channel managers bonded with the agents, and earned trust. I told most of the channel managers after this weekend, every one of these sub agents will take your call. That is the biggest step forward. ... One of the best parts about the excursion was the productivity that emerged from like-minded professionals in a comfortable atmosphere.”

 

TBI represents a broad base of carriers, including: Major IX’s such as Qwest, ATT, Verizon, and Level 3; R-BOC’s such as Qwest, AT&T (News - Alert) and Verizon; C-LEC’s Access One, ACC, McLeod, Paetec, TelePacific and XO; IP Telephony’s Geckotech and Netlogic; conference calling carrier Intercall; wireless carriers Sprint (News - Alert) PCS, XO and Covad; and Internet access/hosting carriers Eyezon, XO, New Edge Networks, Savvis and Level 3.