16 October 2024 | News

Employee Spotlight: Don Krause, Channel Manager, North America

As Genexis continues its expansion in North America, I had the chance to speak with one of our new team members. Today, I’m excited to introduce Don Krause, our new Channel Manager for North America. We’ll be learning more about Don, his experience, and what he brings to Genexis during this exciting time of growth.

 

Don Krause, Channel Manager, North America

Can you share a bit about your background and the experience you’re bringing to Genexis?

I’ve spent the past 25 years in the telecom industry, primarily focusing on the Tier 2/3 service provider space. My roles have spanned sales, channel management, and working with distribution partners. Over the years, I’ve worked with companies like Harmonic, Adtran, and SmartRG, and I’ve always concentrated on helping Tier 2/3 carriers across various regions in the US. My experience with these markets has given me a deep understanding of their unique challenges and needs, which I’m excited to apply at Genexis.

Has your career always focused on fiber, or have you worked in other areas like mobile?

I’ve always been involved in access technologies, and I’ve seen the market evolve from dial-up internet to DSL and now to fiber. Fiber is where the future is, and it’s an exciting time to be part of this industry, especially with the rapid growth we’re seeing.

How did you get started in the telecom industry?

I started in IT, but after a relocation, I found myself in product marketing for a DSL manufacturer. That’s where my telecom journey began, and it eventually led to working in sales and channel management. My focus has always been on helping rural markets and Tier 3 carriers, which has involved working closely with small telephone companies across the country. It’s been a rewarding journey, and now, I’m excited to continue my focus on fiber with Genexis.

Where do you see the telecom industry heading in the next few years?

Fiber is definitely the growth area. Once it’s in the ground, I expect to see more consolidation in the Tier 2/3 markets, as we’re already seeing. Beyond that, the focus will increasingly be on customer experience—moving away from simply selling products to offering complete, customer-centric solutions. That’s where Genexis stands out, especially with our focus on delivering high-quality solutions for the home.

What trends in the US fiber and telecom market should we be watching?

BEAD and state-level funding are driving a lot of fiber growth, especially in underserved rural areas. We’re also seeing new players, like utilities and municipalities, entering the market, which is increasing competition. At the same time, mergers and acquisitions are becoming more common as carriers expand their networks. As networks grow more complex, there’s a need for streamlined, interoperable solutions—something Genexis is well-positioned to provide.

What excites you about working at Genexis?

What really attracted me was Genexis’ OLT-agnostic approach. Customers are tired of being locked into specific vendors, and our universal ONT solutions provide flexibility, reducing operational costs and complexity. This approach is especially valuable as more carriers deal with multiple vendors and technologies. I was also impressed by Genexis’ commitment to sustainability, which is starting to gain traction in the US. It’s great to be part of a company that’s forward-thinking both technically and environmentally.

What does success look like for you in this role?

For me, success means seeing real growth in the North American market. A big part of that will be enabling our partners to confidently sell Genexis products on their own. If they can position and sell our solutions independently, without needing our support, I’ll know we’ve done it right. That kind of empowerment is key to driving growth.

Do you have any advice for someone looking to get into the telecom industry?

Stay curious and embrace the changes. Technology evolves quickly, and you need to be ready to adapt. Also, find a company that values personal growth and mentorship—those are the keys to building a successful career in any industry.

Welcome to the team, Don! We’re excited to have you on board and look forward to achieving great things together.

Author: Aicha Mekki, Marketing Manager @ Genexis