Ed Kissel

My role…

As the founder of Mobilesource, this business is my creation.  I’m proud of it, and even more proud of my team.  Without them I would not be half as successful.  Together we deliver quality service and products to our customers.

I started in 1997, when I was about to lose my job in Miami.   My South American customers pledged their support and told me to start my own company rather than look for a new employer.   They wanted to buy from me exclusively, and that was the start of this journey.  I've enjoyed every step along the way.

After starting my business, which sold exclusively to Latin America, I started doing business domestically.  This started when my entrepreneurial instincts noticed an unfulfilled need in the US market:  businesses wanted to order phone accessories directly. 
Customers were weary of automatic menus at 1-800 numbers, and frustrated with inexperienced representatives who would tell them the product was out of stock or knew much less about the product than the customers themselves!  Since then, we have adapted to the needs in the market by adding services such as international phone rentals, and discontinuing unprofitable products and services.

Why I like my job…

I’m a customer in this world too.  I pay serious attention to what I like, what is convenient, and I know the value of knowledgeable, courteous employees.  And I favor doing business with companies where the employees, at any level, are empowered to make the right decisions for the customers on the spot. 

I trust and empower my team to decide in the customer’s best interest.  This in turn creates satisfied customers, and fosters a supportive and productive atmosphere for my team.  Customers love our old-fashioned ways, and we give everyone personal, real-time service that helps us know our customers and their unique needs.  We follow the fundamentals of business the good old-fashioned way, and we grow one customer at a time, through referrals.

I believe in supporting our community.  The company’s exposure helps us learn of needs, and we respond to good causes whenever we can.

Finally, I work in my t-shirt and shorts most of the time.  This encourages a relaxed atmosphere for my employees and customers.  Plus, no need to change clothes for my afternoon run!

My professional qualifications…

I earned a Bachelor of Arts from PACE University in 1987 and a Masters in Teaching English as a Second Language from LIU (Long Island University) in Westchester, NY in 1994. 

In 1995, I started in the telecom industry in Rockland County, NY selling accessories to the Latin American market.  Speaking 3 languages helps!  Boca Raton became home in 1997, and the international scene in South Florida allows me to speak Spanish, French and some German every day.

Something personal…

Born in Manhattan and raised in Rockland City, NY, I’ve had the entrepreneurial gene since the start.  Even as a young boy I noticed how to earn my spending money and satisfy a customer!  I started selling bubble gum in Jr. High School, and students would line up outside my classes and my locker to buy from me.  The Principal asked me to stop because of all the gum stuck under the desks!   Aside from that, I’m a basketball-aholic. I play regularly, and enjoy daily runs and bicycle trips with my young daughter in tow.  I’m also fascinated with world travel and studying maps.  Having traveled to more than 75 countries has helped to shape my daily philosophy, outlook on life, as well as my respect for other cultures.

My personal joy is my family:  a fabulous wife, a baby girl and another one due in early 2006. 

Amalia Lesmes

My responsibilities are unique so the best description for my role is Special Projects Manager.  I have been working with Mobilesource since September 2003. 
One very special, important project is our website.  I work with a Webmaster on the graphics design and structure.  The website is a living, breathing project that requires daily attention.

I unlock phones for customers across the USA, and manage the phone rentals and pre-paid SIM cards.  Customers appreciate this service and information because it makes their time away from home more convenient.  It helps them plan their trip because they are aware of costs and processes ahead of time.  So, I determine the prices and manage the billing for phone rentals, continuously stock our rental selection, and add countries to our long list of covered destinations.

As the mother of 2 young children, I appreciate the flexibility and understanding this job affords me.  It goes a very long way with my daugthers!  And the industry is truly interesting.  I like helping people conduct business, and stay in touch with family and friends.  A mobile phone is one of our most visible and valuable tools in modern life.

Before joining Mobilesource, I worked in Bogotá, Colombia for Alcatel, a French telecom company.  Prior to that, I worked for Lucent Technologies.  At both companies, I coordinated all the events in Latin America.  I earned my Business Communications degree from Universidad San Martin in Bogotá. 

I enjoy , playing with my daugthers, listening to music, and cooking my favorite Colombian dishes.   I was born and raised in Bogotá, Colombia, and I treasure every chance I get to visit friends and family there.

Pilar Chaves

My role…
I’m an Account Manager, and have been working at Mobilesource since July 2004.
My responsibilities include programming Bluetooth settings, troubleshooting phones and accessories, setting up new business accounts, and taking orders via phone, Internet & walk-ins.  I also program new and used phones, and act as liaison between customers and their cell phone carriers.  My special talent is putting a smile on customers’ faces!

Why I like my job…
I find this job exciting because the cell phone industry never stops changing.  I am diligent in absorbing the latest details about new phones, technologies, access, and features so that I can offer our customers the best guidance.  Our customers rely on us to know the access and functionality, and to explain how to best use the phones for maximum performance.

Since we don’t sell phone service or activation, we aren’t partial to any service provider! Customers actually prefer to call us rather than their carriers.  We know the entire spectrum of carriers and manufacturers, and pride ourselves on providing objective information.  Customers appreciate that we are small enough to deliver individual attention and have the expertise to understand and anticipate customers’ needs.  They don’t have to describe their needs to 5 different customer service reps before getting an answer.

Mobilesource is a small company, and we’re treated with respect and given true responsibility.  We are empowered to make the right decision on the spot in the customer’s favor without having to say “let me check with the manager.”  This really makes working at Mobilesource special!

My professional qualifications…

I studied Political Science and International Relations at Universidad del Rosario in Colombia.  My previous work experience in restaurants and a Kindergarten school helped me learn about the patience that everyone deserves and that circumstances dictate the needs each person has.  This is valuable knowledge in providing good customer service.

Something personal …

I grew up in Bogotá, Colombia.  My brothers, sisters and mother live still there.  In 2001 I moved to America.  I am very grateful to be in the USA where people help me grow and offer me so many opportunities like this job that I love.

My hobbies and interests are spending time with my wonderful family and photography.

Miguel Tellez

My role…

I'm a Customer Service Representative and I have been working for MobileSource since june 2006. My roll is to help the customer at at more direct level. Meeting the customer's needs is my main responsibility so I try my best to make sure the customer walks out with the right phone!, for example: Flip, Bar, Bluetooth , speaker, camera , quadband , used for e-mails, or simply for text messaging, these are all important specifications that meets the customer's need.I'm also able to trobuleshoot, and program internet setting on phones, My motto is to never let a customer leave unsatisfied!

Why I like my job…

I highly enjoy my position here at mobilesource because it allows me to make my own reasonable decision wihtout having to say "let me see what I can do". Customers love the fact that we can help them without making them wait for somebody else's decisions. I also love working at MobileSource because I love watching the customer's face as I explain all the features of a certain phone with such enthusiasm! Customer feel comfortable when they realize that we really know what we are talking about,so they feel safe coming back to us if they encounter any problems.

My professional qualifications…

I graduated from Spanish River Highschool in 2002. now I am currently attending Palm Beach Community College working towards my Film Degree. Directing has always been my passion and I am looking forward to Graduate with my Masters from NYU.
I've been working in Retail bussiness since I was 16 years old. My 1st job was working at
Blockbuster as a CSR, then I moved on to several others which required people skills. I
would say my best quality is my ability to communicate with customers, no matter the
situation I always turn a frown upside down!

Something personal…

I was born in Queens,NY and raised in Bogota, Colombia. I lived there for 10 years and
moved to Florida in 1996, I love it here in Florida, but I also like traveling back to
Colombia for my vacations.
My interests are Soccer, Drawing , Film and videogames.

Harold J. Ehrman

My role…

I’ve been with Mobilesource since 1998 as the company’s Bookkeeper and Comptroller.  But I have known Ed, Mobilesource’s founder, since he was a young boy in New York!  His parents and I are very close friends. 

My many responsibilities keep me busy.  I perform all the accounting duties, deal with the credit card companies, and manage the hardware and software requirements necessary for proper accounting. I perform all tasks related to sales and payroll taxes, and coordinate the reports necessary to keep our CPA organization advised.  And, as Ed always likes to say, I am the glue that keeps the company together!

Why I like my job…

The job is challenging; a small business provides a variety of interesting scenarios to manage.  I am always on the spot with correct figures and maintain a proper accounting structure so the business can build on its fine reputation and credibility!  For me, the prize benefit is the flexible schedule that I can fulfill from home.  Most of all, I enjoy providing Ed a clear picture of the “State of the Business” so he can conduct sales and growth with confidence.

My professional qualifications…

I have a degree in Chemical Product Management, and was the Vice president of Seaboard Sales Corp. of Paterson, New Jersey for 25 years, running all aspects of a small chemical company distributor, with annual sales exceeding $5 million per year on average.

Something personal…

I was born in Cleveland, OH, moved to New York in 1961, and moved to south Florida in 1995.  South Florida offers wonderful venues for recreational activity, and allows me to follow my avid interest in ballroom dancing.