Welcome to The Wireless Way with Chris Whitaker! In this episode, Chris interviews Joel Douglas, the channel chief at Pure Talk Business. They discuss Pure Talk's offerings, which focus on providing affordable, reliable wireless solutions for small and medium-sized businesses. Joel shares insights from his career journey, including his leadership roles and expertise in the channel. Discover the unique value propositions of Pure Talk Business, such as their 100% US-based customer service and support for veteran-owned businesses. Tune in to learn how Pure Talk can help trusted advisors offer better mobility solutions to their clients and get tips for pivoting into the mobility market.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:09 Joel Douglas' Career Journey
01:39 Insights on Pure Talk Business
07:01 Advice for Trusted Advisors
13:12 Pure Talk's Unique Value Proposition
25:18 Veteran Support and Personal Plug
27:28 Conclusion and Call to Action
More on PureTalk and PureTalk Business
Check out my website https://thewirelessway.net/ use the contact button to send request and feedback.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
chris_3_03-19-2025_1510 (00:00):
Welcome to another episode of The
(00:01):
Wireless Way.
I'm your host, Chris Whitaker,and I'm very grateful that
you're here today.
I know you've got a lot youcould be doing.
Hopefully you're either enjoyingyour time, driving down the
road, listening to this,traveling, or just taking a
break, having some backgroundnoise, whatever it is.
I'm glad you're listening andI'm equally grateful for Joel
Douglas.
He's our guest today.
And a little bit about Joel.
He's the channel chief at PureTalk Business.
(00:24):
You may have heard of Pure Talk,but this is a pure talk
business.
We'll get into that differencelater.
But it's a premium wirelessprovider dedicated to helping
small and medium sizedbusinesses stay connected with
reliable and affordablesolutions with the career
spanning over a decade in thechannel, including the
leadership roles to scan sourceand in intelysis.
If you're on camera, if you'rewatching the video got my teller
(00:46):
shirt on.
Joel brings deep expertise inbuilding teams, driving business
growth, in creating impactfulpartnerships.
I can attest to that.
Building his professionalachievements.
Joel is a dedicated family manand active community leader, and
even a real estate investor.
Maybe we could get into that.
So get ready for a discipleconversation with a leader who
knows how to turn vision.
(01:07):
Into action.
Joel welcome to the show.
Glad we were able to get this
joel_1_03-19-2025_151038 (01:11):
Yeah.
Thank you, Chris.
I appreciate it.
I've enjoyed getting to know youover the last few months and so
I'm excited to do this with you.
I appreciate you having me.
chris_3_03-19-2025_151038 (01:20):
If you haven't been keeping up
probably week six here atIntelisys for me, wireless with
new home long-term home is theplan.
And yeah, it's been amazing.
So one of the highlights, likeon week one was meeting you, and
getting to know you.
And we've done a few, two eventsnow.
I guess three if you wanna counta boat ride, but, um.
It's been a pleasure.
And of course, I love themission that Pure Talk business
(01:42):
is on.
I love what you're doing.
I love what you stand for.
I love your background.
Yeah.
So there, there's a lot here.
We we should have a lot of steamhere to push forward.
And as always, the firstquestion I love to ask is,
what's not in the bio?
How did you
joel_1_03-19-2025_151038 (01:56):
Yeah.
Great question.
My career started in sales rightout of college, and people close
to me know this, but my firstjob right outta school was
selling high-end customclothing.
Which is a unique offering, veryniche.
I learned a ton in that role.
And the reason that I bring thatup is I had a great mentor in
(02:16):
that role, a guy who taught mehow to sell, a guy who taught me
how to ask the right questions.
And a lot of that has spilledover to the way that I operate
as a leader today and how Iengage potential customers and
our partners by.
Trying to ask questions firstand then trying to understand
what solutions we can bring tothe table to, to solve whatever
(02:37):
problems they have.
Started in custom clothing.
I did that for a couple years.
Then I was a financial advisorfor a few years, which I.
It was great skills to learn howto build out programs and unique
offerings, exclusive or customofferings for people around
their financial needs.
Learned a ton there and then oneday decided to leave that
(03:00):
industry.
I.
Started looking for a new joband had several friends that
worked at Synex.
I thought for sure I could getin the door at Synex, which
those of you in the channelprobably know that Synex
competes a little bit withScanSource and was on a job
site, applied to ScanSource.
Didn't really think a whole lotof it, and got a call back and
(03:21):
ended up having three interviewsin one day with ScanSource.
And I thought, oh man, maybethere's something here.
And so fast forward.
14 years, I had the opportunityto start at ScanSource in their
security practice and hold anumber of different roles, as
you mentioned throughout my timethere a couple leadership roles
(03:43):
in sales, several on the,supplier side, getting to know a
lot of the suppliers.
So as you mentioned, mostrecently, about two and a half
years, out of that 14 was spentwith Intelisys.
And I think that was a hugeopportunity for me to learn a
different side of the business,more the services side of the
business.
And through that, had theopportunity to meet the team at
(04:06):
Pure Talk.
I was fortunate enough toonboard them at Intelisys and
got to know them really well.
And they started they're ahundred percent channel.
I think that is something that Ido want to point out that's
unique about Pure Talk is we area hundred percent channel.
Our Pure Talk consumer brand isdirect to consumer, but our Pure
(04:27):
talk business brand, 100%channel.
So I think that's important forthe advisor community to know.
And I'll also throw in a plugthere for Intelysis.
Today, our only route to marketthrough the TSD or technology
solution distributor channel isthrough Intelysis, which has
been a great partnership for us.
Had the opportunity to engagewith you, a lot of the business
(04:50):
development reps bringingopportunities to us.
So I want to say thank you toIntelisys for the engagement.
To the BDM team there forbringing us quite a few
opportunities.
That was how I started my careerin the channel and had the
opportunity to move over to PureTalk to help them build out
their channel program about ninemonths ago.
(05:11):
And I've just learned a ton.
I went from being in a placewhere suppliers were chasing
intelysis, trying to engage.
Now move over to, I'm the onedoing the chasing.
So it is a, it's a differentseat that I sit in, but I have
learned a ton.
Very thankful for the Pure talkteam.
They've taught me a lot aboutmobility, which I did not have a
(05:31):
background in mobility, so Ifeel like that was a little bit
unique, stepping into this role.
But the whole goal is to buildout the channel program for
them, and I feel like we'remaking strides every day as we
do that.
chris_3_03-19-2025_151038 (05:42):
No, you absolutely are making
strides every day.
I've just, in the short timeI've known you I could see it.
I feel it.
And what a great story, man.
I, maybe this is why we getalong so well.
We're cut from the same cloth.
I call it
joel_1_03-19-2025_151038 (05:55):
Yep.
chris_3_03-19-2025_151038 (05:55):
I, if you know my background, 10 years
in the Army, I thought I wasgonna be GI Joe for 30 years,
but somehow or another, I wokeup one morning after 10 years
going, you know what?
I think I've ridden this as longas I can.
I need to do somethingdifferent.
Got into cable and
joel_1_03-19-2025_151038 (06:10):
Yeah.
chris_3_03-19-2025_151038 (06:11):
17 year career.
Yeah.
You start adding it up and yes,I'm that old.
But 17 years I was a circuitslinger, and then, I don't know,
about nine years ago, and I'mgetting another call and I pivot
maybe.
Okay.
It was eight, maybe He's eight.
I pivoted again from.
cable and fiber to all thingswireless and IOT.
And people know me as wireless wand I have this great show that
(06:32):
I'm so thankful for going onfive years called The Wireless
Way, but life is a series ofpivots and that's how you keep
an interesting, that's how youkeep growing.
And I don't know.
I got friends and family membersthat have been doing the same
job, same company, 10, 20, 30years, whatever.
Nothing wrong with that, ifthat's your thing.
I'm telling you, man, it isreally, it is fun and exciting
(06:53):
when you pivot, you make newchanges, you expand your
horizons.
So good, great job there.
joel_1_03-19-2025_151038 (06:58):
You.
chris_3_03-19-2025_151038 (06:59):
I can relate to that.
So with all, with thatexperience, like you said you've
been on the other side, thefence, you've been on the TSD
side.
You've talked to partners andunderstand their needs, and even
the last nine months or so,you've been, talking to partners
from the Pure talk perspective.
What are some of your keytakeaways that a partner
listening might benefit from?
Any advice.
(07:19):
For a partner, a trust advisorthat is predominantly selling
landline connectivity and dialtone and they're like, you know
what?
I need to pivot, I need to getinto mobility.
What advice do you have for
joel_1_03-19-2025_151038 (07:32):
Yeah, that's a great question, Chris.
I think the biggest advice Iwould give them, and then I'll
expand on it a little bit, issomebody is selling your
customer mobility or they'reconsuming it somewhere.
Why shouldn't it be through you?
And I think one of the biggestpieces of feedback that I get
from trusted advisors,especially with a Pure talk
(07:53):
offering, which we tend to focuson the SMB market, which we
call, five to a hundred users,somewhere in that space, we can
move upstream.
But really where we focus, and Ican explain why we got into this
niche.
A little bit later.
But the SMB market, a lot oftrusted advisors look at that
(08:13):
and say that's a small dollaramount for what they consider to
be a potentially big headache.
And I would agree with them ifthey're getting into the
consumer side of mobility, Iwould, steer clear of it, that
has the potential to be a lot ofheadache.
What I really appreciate aboutPure Talk business and something
that we continue to improve onevery day, I.
(08:35):
How do we make it easy for thattrusted advisor to go into their
current customer base and havethe opportunity to provide value
to their customer?
On something that theircustomer's already consuming,
probably from someone else.
So the way that we do that intrying to make it easy is we
(08:55):
really, all we need from thetrusted advisor is to get a copy
of their customer's bill.
And I'll share a quick storywith you.
We had a trusted advisor get acopy of a customer's bill.
This was for about 70 lines.
And this this customer had notdone a bill audit in quite a
long time, so they sent the billover to us.
(09:17):
We did a review.
The customer was paying about$3,800 a month with a large
national carrier.
We did a bill review and ourquote came in just over$2,000.
So we were able to save themabout$1,800 a month on their
current mobility plan.
(09:38):
Keep them on a major carriernetwork so we have no
deprioritization in ouroffering.
So still great service.
And then provide them with adedicated customer service rep
and make it really easy for themto move over to pure talk
business.
So really if you can get a copyof the bill, bring it to us, let
(10:01):
us do the heavy lifting then youget to go back and present that
savings to your customer.
And then we handle theonboarding, we handle the
transition of the migration ofthose SIM cards and all of that
sort of stuff for you.
And a really cool thing about usis we have a hundred percent
US-based customer service.
And so I find that is huge inthis marketplace.
(10:25):
We really try to take theguesswork out of you presenting
an offering or a solution toyour customer, and oftentimes.
They're not thinking about it.
It's typically a headache.
They don't know how to read thebill.
They don't wanna mess with it.
And when you, as a trustedadvisor can come in and say,
Hey, look, I can potentiallysave you money and make this
(10:46):
really easy on you, I think itcreates a compelling story.
chris_3_03-19-2025_151038 (10:50):
No, absolutely it does.
And I lo I love that approach.
So you we opened theconversation up a little bit
about, the ideal client profileand.
I like your answer'cause Ialready know it, but you, I want
you to share it with us.
Tell us about that and then I'llcomment.
joel_1_03-19-2025_151038 (11:05):
Yeah, so the ideal client profile for
the trusted advisor that isthinking, okay, let me dip my
toe into this world of mobilitywith Pure talk business.
Who do I even start talking to?
So some of the areas as Imentioned before, small to
medium business is really whereour focus is.
If you wanna break that downeven more anybody that is a
(11:25):
veteran-owned business, and Ican touch on that, we're a
veteran-owned business.
Our founder is a Vietnam veteranand then blue collar.
So blue collar companies, likeyour HVAC companies, lawn care
companies, constructioncompanies, those companies tend
to be really great customers forus.
They have the same valueproposition that we have and
(11:48):
tend to be, great customers forus.
And then, from a seat count or ahand count, handheld count,
you're talking anywhere fromfive to a hundred lines.
We've done some, we've come intosome opportunities in the 250,
300 line range, and we can stillwork with those customers.
And in fact, we still tend tosee a 20% or more savings even
(12:12):
as you move upstream in.
The number of of handhelds thatyou would need.
So really the ideal customerbeing five to a hundred, small
to medium business blue collarveteran owned.
If you know of some customers ofyours that fit into that
profile, that's exactly whereI'd start.
chris_3_03-19-2025_151038 (12:31):
Man.
And fortunately I feel likethat's a much bigger group of
prospects than, most people wantthe Fortune five hundreds.
And I tell suppliers all thetime, and even, my reminding my
team when I was on that supplierside, the problem with the
Fortune 500, there's only 500 of'em, and everybody wants'em, and
they have very unique,customized needs and all that.
(12:51):
So it's great to hear.
finally for the SMB, the smallentrepreneurial solopreneur
shops.
There's a lot, a lot ofbusinesses are starting up and
to have a level of service thatyou guys give at the rates you
charge is, it's just unheard ofalmost.
So it's a really, a greatsituation to be in.
(13:12):
Tell me a little bit more about,how would you say Pure Talks
different?
Then the big three, any otherthings that make it unique?
joel_1_03-19-2025_151038 (13:18):
Yeah, I think some of the value add
that we bring is being 100%channel.
I'll mention that again.
I mentioned it earlier, but.
You're never gonna compete withus on a deal.
We do not have a direct salesforce at all.
I know that the big three are inthe channel, and I often get
asked, okay what's the rules ofengagement?
This from the trusted advisors.
(13:40):
What's the rules of engagementfrom a direct sales standpoint?
And thankfully, I get to say wedon't have one.
So you don't have to worry aboutthat piece of a direct
Salesforce competing with you.
Another thing I would add that Itouched on earlier is the 100%
US-based customer service.
I think I'll probably mentionthat again at some point in time
because I really feel likethat's a unique value add for
(14:02):
us, especially in that SMBspace.
You think about, to your earlierpoint, people really want to
focus on those largeopportunities.
Hey, I'm gonna chase the bigdeals and.
Yes, if you land a big deal, youcan put a lot of money in your
pocket on that one deal.
But if you're looking to build abusiness over time, that's where
(14:24):
I feel like Pure Talk is aunique offering because we
really do focus on that SMBmarket and our plan is or our
goal is to provide a high levelof customer service to a
forgotten or misrepresentedmarket, which is the s and b
market.
If you look at a lot of theproviders today, they will tell
(14:44):
you, bring us the 500 linedeals, bring us the thousand
line deals, and we specificallysay, bring us the 10 line deal.
Bring us the 25 line deal.
We'll execute at, at a highlevel of proficiency, and we
will give them a dedicatedcustomer service rep, which is
again, almost unheard of in thisindustry.
(15:05):
Again, 100% US based.
That they can connect with on aregular basis.
Again, that's anotheropportunity for the trusted
advisor to be engaged but notfeel like they have to be that
first line of defense.
If there is a question we givethat dedicated customer service
rep to each end user customer sothat we can help that trusted
(15:27):
advisor take some of thatpotential follow up questions or
whatever off their plate.
chris_3_03-19-2025_1 (15:34):
Fantastic.
So I guess, and just obviouslycheck out pure talk.com for all
the details and the rates.
And then there's a business tagyou can click on for business
joel_1_03-19-2025_151038 (15:45):
Yep.
Correct.
Yeah.
So there's, pure talk.com is ourconsumer side Pure talk business
being the business side.
And so I'll put a plugin for theconsumer side if you're
listening to this and you think,Hey, I don't have a business,
but I'm still intrigued by Puretalk.
Please go visit pure talk.com.
You can see all the rates andofferings there.
And I would, was gonna touch onit a little bit later, but I'll
(16:07):
throw it in here for anyone thatis an active.
Active military member orretired military member, we do
offer a 15% discount both onPure Talk consumer and the Pure
Talk business brand.
We would love for you asmilitary veterans and to take
advantage of that offering thatwe have.
chris_3_03-19-2025_15103 (16:26):
That's excellent.
That's that's very nice of youto do.
I support that a hundredpercent.
And, going back to.
The profile and for sellingpartners, if you're listening,
yeah, you might think, I'm not,you're not gonna, you're not
gonna retire off a 50 phonedeal, but you're for one, it
adds up.
You're gonna sell multiple ofthem, more than likely.
And not only that you're helpingyour client, your client is,
(16:47):
they need your help.
A lot of them they don't audittheir phone bills.
You can ask the question, Hey,when's the last time you audited
your phone bill?
I, I ask that question a lot topartners and prospects and
they're like, man, forget thebusiness.
I'm having a hard time with myfamily for plan.
It's 50 pages long, there's onlyfour phones on.
I don't even know what I'm beingcharged for.
So there's a lot of reasons toask the question.
(17:08):
How often audit your phone bill.
Are you happy with your carrier?
Are you getting the support you
joel_1_03-19-2025_151038 (17:13):
Yep.
chris_3_03-19-2025_151038 (17:14):
Would you like to save some money and
repurpose that money into other
joel_1_03-19-2025_1510 (17:17):
Correct.
chris_3_03-19-2025_151038 (17:18):
Or put it in the bottom line.
It could go to, it could go tothe profit margin.
Now if you're spending$1,800less for, that
joel_1_03-19-2025_151038 (17:24):
Yep.
Chris Made a good point, andit's something I meant to bring
up is, we try to find theintersection of cost savings and
then also providing value toprovide a total solution.
And typically what I recommendto trusted advisors is, Hey,
let's at least do a bill auditfor your customer.
And then you'll have theopportunity to say, Hey, look, I
(17:44):
saved you X amount of dollarshere, and that's great, but on
top of the cost savings, you getto then come in and say, Hey,
look, there's another componentof your business I've been
meaning to talk to you about,and it is cybersecurity or a
ucas or CCA solution.
I just provided X amount ofdollars of 40% savings.
(18:05):
Why don't we utilize a portionof that savings to help you
update, whatever it is, and somesort of technology solution that
you've been wanting to talk tothem about, but maybe scared to
say, Hey, they've already spenta lot of money with me.
I know they're budget conscious.
Working with Pure Talk allowsyou to go back and say, I just
saved you 40% on your mobilitybill.
(18:27):
Why don't we repurpose some ofthat into another technology
solution that is ultimatelygonna help them drive revenue
for their business?
And so that's something that Itry to remind trusted advisors
is, you can look at it twodifferent ways.
Take it to the bottom line,which people always appreciate.
Or utilize the savings toupgrade another component of
(18:48):
their technology that maybethey've been neglecting just due
to costs.
chris_3_03-19-2025_151038 (18:52):
And this is service that's on,
America's, cellular network.
Five G's
joel_1_03-19-2025_151038 (18:56):
Yep.
chris_3_03-19-2025_15103 (18:57):
still, uh.
Everywhere you'd expect,domestic
joel_1_03-19-2025_1510 (19:00):
Correct.
chris_3_03-19-2025_151038 (19:00):
be.
How about I think we talkedbriefly once.
Not that everybody not many ofus are lucky enough to do
international travel, but ifthey, go to Europe or, leave the
country are there internationalroaming plans that they can, pay
separately
joel_1_03-19-2025_151038 (19:13):
Yeah.
So we operate a little bitdifferent.
We offer a credit back on yourbill for usage internationally,
but.
Yes, we have a internationalthat's tied into your plan just
like other carriers provide,again, the offering's a little
bit different, but coverageinternationally as well.
And so a lot of the.
Offerings that you're gonna findfrom the major carriers.
(19:34):
We're gonna offer something verysimilar, maybe our little spin
on it, but something verysimilar.
We also are partnered with appleand Samsung to provide devices
and we do run promotions anddifferent subsidies to be able
to offset some of the expense onthose devices.
So again, our goal is to proprovide that same.
(19:55):
Level of offerings and sellcoverages you would get from a
major carrier, but make it a loteasier.
And really, when you get yourbill, you're gonna be able to
read your bill, see exactly whatit is.
There's no hidden charges in it.
I think that's one of the thingsthat, that after people start
working with us, they reallyappreciate it and tends to be a
(20:18):
reason why people avoid theconversation.
Altogether is, Hey, I don't evenwant to talk about this'cause I
can't read my bill.
We'll, let us solve that foryou.
We'll read it for you, give youa quote, and then moving forward
that Pure Talk Bill will be veryeasy to read.
You know exactly what you have.
We don't charge overages, whichthink is a unique offering that
(20:40):
we have.
If you look at our base plantypically where we win is people
are overpaying for things thatthey aren't using.
And I often find people ask howcan you provide cost savings?
Most people are on unlimitedplans and they think I need an
unlimited plan.
Unlimited doesn't necessarilymean what it used to five or six
years ago.
(21:01):
Wifi is prevalent, pretty muchanywhere you go into a coffee
shop, you go in the airport,you're at your house.
There's a lot of people workingfrom home.
That is where we come in andsay, Hey, look, the data that
you're actually using isextremely minimal, and our base
plan, which is 30 bucks a month.
Gives you 20 gigs.
The average consumer is usingsub 10 gigs.
(21:22):
And so you get the opportunityto save money and you and spend
money on what you're actuallyusing versus just signing up for
an unlimited plan because.
That's what the carrier wantsyou to do.
So that's typically where wewin.
We do provide a portal both forthe end user and for the agent,
for the trusted advisor tomanage their business and manage
(21:45):
their plans.
They can move up and down theirplans if they need to based on
usage.
So we make it really easy forthem should they need to move
their plan up'cause they needmore data.
chris_3_03-19-2025_15103 (21:54):
That's great.
That's great.
Pivoting one more time, changinggears.
BYOD bring your own device, it'sa pretty popular, that a lot,
especially in that, that SMBsector.
Maybe the company goes, Hey,we'll give you 30 bucks, 40
bucks, to pay for your phone andall.
But there's one, one problemwith that, that, there's a few
problems with that actually.
But the biggest problem that Isee with that, especially for
(22:17):
sales organizations.
You have your top dog sales guyor gal using their own phone, a
number they own, they build abig book of business.
They learn all your processes,they know your pricing.
Then one day they get mad andquit and go work for the
competitor.
Now all your customers arecalling your former employee
working at your competitor.
(22:39):
and that's a problem, so if I'ma business owner with, with 10
salespeople, or forget Yeah.
Even if you're an insurance orsome kind of regulated industry
where you want to show yourcustomers that you're
safeguarding information andwhatnot.
You can do a sim only, right?
And do a maybe over thereprovisioning and provisioning a
second line.
Own your BYOD phone.
(22:59):
So that's the card, that's thephone number, that's put on the
business card.
That's the phone number thatthey're required to give out or
whatnot.
Yeah, come on, EV.
Every sales guy or gal probablystill says that, by the way,
here's my personal number incase you ever, you get ahold of
me.
But but don't make it easy onthem.
At least make'em where it's acompany number.
And by the way.
If you're giving them thatsecond line, you don't have to
pay the stipends or the over orthe t and e.
(23:23):
You're just saying, okay, Iprovided a sim for your personal
phone, and when you leave theorganization, we'll just turn it
off and you keep your phone andI keep my number.
And the next note, this nextsales person takes that phone
number and guess what that nextsales person's.
Get the calls probably anyway,it's just interesting that
companies have no problem withthat concept,
joel_1_03-19-2025_151038 (23:42):
Yeah, I.
chris_3_03-19-2025_151038 (23:43):
it's good to know you guys can work.
You can provide only
joel_1_03-19-2025_151038 (23:45):
So SIM only, we do physical sim and
eim.
So we can provide either one.
And to your point, a lot ofcompanies will pay a stipend
that it just, Hey, I don't wannamanage that.
The great thing about.
Working with us is over time,it's probably gonna be less
expensive for you to actuallygive them a cell phone or give
them a sim card.
(24:06):
Again, all that information isnow tied to that sim and that
phone number.
And then because we do providesignificant cost savings.
A lot of times you can justincorporate an MDM solution over
the top.
Again, that's where that trustedadvisor comes into play to say,
Hey, look, let's keep your datasecure.
Let's make sure all this staysin-house and oftentimes do it
(24:29):
cheaper, providing an MDMsolution with a pure talk
solution and do it cheaper thanwhat they're providing from a
subsidy standpoint.
While most of our business isbusiness that migrates from a
carrier, we have severalinstances where people are
starting up new opportunities ornew engagement saying, I wanna
(24:50):
protect my data.
I want to be in control of it.
I don't want to pay that stipendanymore.
So that is another opportunity,even if somebody says, oh, we
just pay a stipend.
There's a further conversationto be had there around security
and different things like that.
That I think is really importantto have in today's society.
chris_3_03-19-2025_1 (25:08):
absolutely it is.
Yeah, we wrap it up.
Been a great conversation.
We've covered a lot of ground.
Any last words or anything wehaven't talked about yet that
you wanted to get out?
I.
joel_1_03-19-2025_151038 (25:18):
Yeah, I think I'll talk about
something pure talk related andthen I'll throw a personal
plugin at the end.
But one thing I did want tomention specifically around
being a veteran-owned businessis I'm active in my local
community as far as charitygoes.
And one thing I wanna point outis, I used the term put your
money where your mouth is and Ido want to call out the fact
(25:41):
that Pure Talk parent companytell Right has contributed over
$330,000 to help veterans inneed through America's Warriors
partnership.
And then in 20 23, I believe.
We gave over$10 million to theForgive co organization to help
(26:01):
white out, wipe out veterandebt.
So just some things, when Ithink about a company that I
work for and want to be proudof, the company that I work for
and I'm associated with, thoseare some things that I'm proud,
that I'm proud of.
Again, we do offer that discountto veterans, so please take us
up on that.
And so I'm very thankful that Iwork for a company that.
(26:22):
That also finds a way to giveback to local communities.
That's something about Puretalk.
And then, a plug I'll put in formyself.
You mentioned real estateearlier.
If you're ever looking for anopportunity to visit a great
property, we run an Airbnb up ina place called Mountain Rest
South Carolina, which is aboutan hour and a half from
Greenville, where I live.
And so it is called the retreat.
(26:45):
You can find it on Airbnb, butsits right on a lake.
Great little property.
That's a personal plug that I'llput in.
If you're interested, feel freeto reach out to me.
But we would love to host you,my family, and I love going up
there when we get the chance,but just thought I would share
that as well.
chris_3_03-19-2025_151038 (27:01):
It's called the retreat on
joel_1_03-19-2025_151038 (27:02):
Yep, yep.
So the retreat, if you just lookup
chris_3_03-19-2025_151038 (27:04):
man.
joel_1_03-19-2025_151038 (27:05):
South Carolina, not many people have
heard of it, but it's a.
Great little sleeper town, righton the lake in the mountains.
So we are quite peaceful.
chris_3_03-19-2025_151038 (27:13):
And where say the name of the city
joel_1_03-19-2025_1510 (27:15):
Mountain rest.
So outside Clemson about
chris_3_03-19-2025_151038 (27:19):
Oh, mountain
joel_1_03-19-2025_151038 (27:20):
rest, about 20, 30 miles outside of
Clemson.
chris_3_03-19-2025_1 (27:23):
Fantastic.
I will be
joel_1_03-19-2025_151038 (27:24):
Yeah,
chris_3_03-19-2025_151038 (27:25):
out, that I might, I may have to take
you up on
joel_1_03-19-2025_151038 (27:27):
sounds good.
chris_3_03-19-2025_151038 (27:28):
Joel, it's been a pleasure, man.
We've covered a lot.
I, again, there's more todiscuss, I imagine.
But if you're listening and youhave questions, check the show
notes.
I'll have some links there foryou.
Of course, pure talk.com isalways a great place to get
information.
And Joel Douglas on LinkedIn.
I'll include your contact thereas well.
I really appreciate your time
joel_1_03-19-2025_151038 (27:46):
Yep.
chris_3_03-19-2025_15103 (27:47):
Thanks for
joel_1_03-19-2025_1 (27:47):
Absolutely.
Thank you, Chris.
It's been great to get to knowyou.
I look forward to our continuedsuccess together, and so thank
you for putting together.
chris_3_03-19-2025_151038 (27:55):
You bet, Matt.
My pleasure.
And there you go.
Another episode of The WirelessSway.
And as always, Surely, you werelistening along and at some
point.
Something jumped out at you,something that made you think of
somebody.
Share this episode with acolleague, a friend, a family
member, maybe a prospect.
Love, love it when you can sharethe information.
Always, make sure you arefollowing and subscribing it at
(28:18):
your favorite podcast platform.
And check out the wirelessway.net.
It's my website, the wirelessway.net.
And there's a contact us buttonon there if you have a question
about a former guest.
You wanna be a guest?
I just wanna know moreinformation about the work we're
doing here and Itals love tohave that kind of a dialogue
with you.
So again, thanks so much forchecking out this episode and
(28:39):
we'll see you next time on theWireless way.
Welcome to another episode of The
(00:01):
Wireless Way.
I'm your host, Chris Whitaker,and I'm very grateful that
you're here today.
I know you've got a lot youcould be doing.
Hopefully you're either enjoyingyour time, driving down the
road, listening to this,traveling, or just taking a
break, having some backgroundnoise, whatever it is.
I'm glad you're listening andI'm equally grateful for Joel
Douglas.
He's our guest today.
And a little bit about Joel.
He's the channel chief at PureTalk Business.
(00:24):
You may have heard of Pure Talk,but this is a pure talk
business.
We'll get into that differencelater.
But it's a premium wirelessprovider dedicated to helping
small and medium sizedbusinesses stay connected with
reliable and affordablesolutions with the career
spanning over a decade in thechannel, including the
leadership roles to scan sourceand in intelysis.
If you're on camera, if you'rewatching the video got my teller
(00:46):
shirt on.
Joel brings deep expertise inbuilding teams, driving business
growth, in creating impactfulpartnerships.
I can attest to that.
Building his professionalachievements.
Joel is a dedicated family manand active community leader, and
even a real estate investor.
Maybe we could get into that.
So get ready for a discipleconversation with a leader who
knows how to turn vision.
(01:07):
Into action.
Joel welcome to the show.
Glad we were able to get this
joel_1_03-19-2025_151038 (01:11):
Yeah.
Thank you, Chris.
I appreciate it.
I've enjoyed getting to know youover the last few months and so
I'm excited to do this with you.
I appreciate you having me.
chris_3_03-19-2025_151038 (01:20):
If you haven't been keeping up
probably week six here atIntelisys for me, wireless with
new home long-term home is theplan.
And yeah, it's been amazing.
So one of the highlights, likeon week one was meeting you, and
getting to know you.
And we've done a few, two eventsnow.
I guess three if you wanna counta boat ride, but, um.
It's been a pleasure.
And of course, I love themission that Pure Talk business
(01:42):
is on.
I love what you're doing.
I love what you stand for.
I love your background.
Yeah.
So there, there's a lot here.
We we should have a lot of steamhere to push forward.
And as always, the firstquestion I love to ask is,
what's not in the bio?
How did you
joel_1_03-19-2025_151038 (01:56):
Yeah.
Great question.
My career started in sales rightout of college, and people close
to me know this, but my firstjob right outta school was
selling high-end customclothing.
Which is a unique offering, veryniche.
I learned a ton in that role.
And the reason that I bring thatup is I had a great mentor in
(02:16):
that role, a guy who taught mehow to sell, a guy who taught me
how to ask the right questions.
And a lot of that has spilledover to the way that I operate
as a leader today and how Iengage potential customers and
our partners by.
Trying to ask questions firstand then trying to understand
what solutions we can bring tothe table to, to solve whatever
(02:37):
problems they have.
Started in custom clothing.
I did that for a couple years.
Then I was a financial advisorfor a few years, which I.
It was great skills to learn howto build out programs and unique
offerings, exclusive or customofferings for people around
their financial needs.
Learned a ton there and then oneday decided to leave that
(03:00):
industry.
I.
Started looking for a new joband had several friends that
worked at Synex.
I thought for sure I could getin the door at Synex, which
those of you in the channelprobably know that Synex
competes a little bit withScanSource and was on a job
site, applied to ScanSource.
Didn't really think a whole lotof it, and got a call back and
(03:21):
ended up having three interviewsin one day with ScanSource.
And I thought, oh man, maybethere's something here.
And so fast forward.
14 years, I had the opportunityto start at ScanSource in their
security practice and hold anumber of different roles, as
you mentioned throughout my timethere a couple leadership roles
(03:43):
in sales, several on the,supplier side, getting to know a
lot of the suppliers.
So as you mentioned, mostrecently, about two and a half
years, out of that 14 was spentwith Intelisys.
And I think that was a hugeopportunity for me to learn a
different side of the business,more the services side of the
business.
And through that, had theopportunity to meet the team at
(04:06):
Pure Talk.
I was fortunate enough toonboard them at Intelisys and
got to know them really well.
And they started they're ahundred percent channel.
I think that is something that Ido want to point out that's
unique about Pure Talk is we area hundred percent channel.
Our Pure Talk consumer brand isdirect to consumer, but our Pure
(04:27):
talk business brand, 100%channel.
So I think that's important forthe advisor community to know.
And I'll also throw in a plugthere for Intelysis.
Today, our only route to marketthrough the TSD or technology
solution distributor channel isthrough Intelysis, which has
been a great partnership for us.
Had the opportunity to engagewith you, a lot of the business
(04:50):
development reps bringingopportunities to us.
So I want to say thank you toIntelisys for the engagement.
To the BDM team there forbringing us quite a few
opportunities.
That was how I started my careerin the channel and had the
opportunity to move over to PureTalk to help them build out
their channel program about ninemonths ago.
(05:11):
And I've just learned a ton.
I went from being in a placewhere suppliers were chasing
intelysis, trying to engage.
Now move over to, I'm the onedoing the chasing.
So it is a, it's a differentseat that I sit in, but I have
learned a ton.
Very thankful for the Pure talkteam.
They've taught me a lot aboutmobility, which I did not have a
(05:31):
background in mobility, so Ifeel like that was a little bit
unique, stepping into this role.
But the whole goal is to buildout the channel program for
them, and I feel like we'remaking strides every day as we
do that.
chris_3_03-19-2025_151038 (05:42):
No, you absolutely are making
strides every day.
I've just, in the short timeI've known you I could see it.
I feel it.
And what a great story, man.
I, maybe this is why we getalong so well.
We're cut from the same cloth.
I call it
joel_1_03-19-2025_151038 (05:55):
Yep.
chris_3_03-19-2025_151038 (05:55):
I, if you know my background, 10 years
in the Army, I thought I wasgonna be GI Joe for 30 years,
but somehow or another, I wokeup one morning after 10 years
going, you know what?
I think I've ridden this as longas I can.
I need to do somethingdifferent.
Got into cable and
joel_1_03-19-2025_151038 (06:10):
Yeah.
chris_3_03-19-2025_151038 (06:11):
17 year career.
Yeah.
You start adding it up and yes,I'm that old.
But 17 years I was a circuitslinger, and then, I don't know,
about nine years ago, and I'mgetting another call and I pivot
maybe.
Okay.
It was eight, maybe He's eight.
I pivoted again from.
cable and fiber to all thingswireless and IOT.
And people know me as wireless wand I have this great show that
(06:32):
I'm so thankful for going onfive years called The Wireless
Way, but life is a series ofpivots and that's how you keep
an interesting, that's how youkeep growing.
And I don't know.
I got friends and family membersthat have been doing the same
job, same company, 10, 20, 30years, whatever.
Nothing wrong with that, ifthat's your thing.
I'm telling you, man, it isreally, it is fun and exciting
(06:53):
when you pivot, you make newchanges, you expand your
horizons.
So good, great job there.
joel_1_03-19-2025_151038 (06:58):
You.
chris_3_03-19-2025_151038 (06:59):
I can relate to that.
So with all, with thatexperience, like you said you've
been on the other side, thefence, you've been on the TSD
side.
You've talked to partners andunderstand their needs, and even
the last nine months or so,you've been, talking to partners
from the Pure talk perspective.
What are some of your keytakeaways that a partner
listening might benefit from?
Any advice.
(07:19):
For a partner, a trust advisorthat is predominantly selling
landline connectivity and dialtone and they're like, you know
what?
I need to pivot, I need to getinto mobility.
What advice do you have for
joel_1_03-19-2025_151038 (07:32):
Yeah, that's a great question, Chris.
I think the biggest advice Iwould give them, and then I'll
expand on it a little bit, issomebody is selling your
customer mobility or they'reconsuming it somewhere.
Why shouldn't it be through you?
And I think one of the biggestpieces of feedback that I get
from trusted advisors,especially with a Pure talk
(07:53):
offering, which we tend to focuson the SMB market, which we
call, five to a hundred users,somewhere in that space, we can
move upstream.
But really where we focus, and Ican explain why we got into this
niche.
A little bit later.
But the SMB market, a lot oftrusted advisors look at that
(08:13):
and say that's a small dollaramount for what they consider to
be a potentially big headache.
And I would agree with them ifthey're getting into the
consumer side of mobility, Iwould, steer clear of it, that
has the potential to be a lot ofheadache.
What I really appreciate aboutPure Talk business and something
that we continue to improve onevery day, I.
(08:35):
How do we make it easy for thattrusted advisor to go into their
current customer base and havethe opportunity to provide value
to their customer?
On something that theircustomer's already consuming,
probably from someone else.
So the way that we do that intrying to make it easy is we
(08:55):
really, all we need from thetrusted advisor is to get a copy
of their customer's bill.
And I'll share a quick storywith you.
We had a trusted advisor get acopy of a customer's bill.
This was for about 70 lines.
And this this customer had notdone a bill audit in quite a
long time, so they sent the billover to us.
(09:17):
We did a review.
The customer was paying about$3,800 a month with a large
national carrier.
We did a bill review and ourquote came in just over$2,000.
So we were able to save themabout$1,800 a month on their
current mobility plan.
(09:38):
Keep them on a major carriernetwork so we have no
deprioritization in ouroffering.
So still great service.
And then provide them with adedicated customer service rep
and make it really easy for themto move over to pure talk
business.
So really if you can get a copyof the bill, bring it to us, let
(10:01):
us do the heavy lifting then youget to go back and present that
savings to your customer.
And then we handle theonboarding, we handle the
transition of the migration ofthose SIM cards and all of that
sort of stuff for you.
And a really cool thing about usis we have a hundred percent
US-based customer service.
And so I find that is huge inthis marketplace.
(10:25):
We really try to take theguesswork out of you presenting
an offering or a solution toyour customer, and oftentimes.
They're not thinking about it.
It's typically a headache.
They don't know how to read thebill.
They don't wanna mess with it.
And when you, as a trustedadvisor can come in and say,
Hey, look, I can potentiallysave you money and make this
(10:46):
really easy on you, I think itcreates a compelling story.
chris_3_03-19-2025_151038 (10:50):
No, absolutely it does.
And I lo I love that approach.
So you we opened theconversation up a little bit
about, the ideal client profileand.
I like your answer'cause Ialready know it, but you, I want
you to share it with us.
Tell us about that and then I'llcomment.
joel_1_03-19-2025_151038 (11:05):
Yeah, so the ideal client profile for
the trusted advisor that isthinking, okay, let me dip my
toe into this world of mobilitywith Pure talk business.
Who do I even start talking to?
So some of the areas as Imentioned before, small to
medium business is really whereour focus is.
If you wanna break that downeven more anybody that is a
(11:25):
veteran-owned business, and Ican touch on that, we're a
veteran-owned business.
Our founder is a Vietnam veteranand then blue collar.
So blue collar companies, likeyour HVAC companies, lawn care
companies, constructioncompanies, those companies tend
to be really great customers forus.
They have the same valueproposition that we have and
(11:48):
tend to be, great customers forus.
And then, from a seat count or ahand count, handheld count,
you're talking anywhere fromfive to a hundred lines.
We've done some, we've come intosome opportunities in the 250,
300 line range, and we can stillwork with those customers.
And in fact, we still tend tosee a 20% or more savings even
(12:12):
as you move upstream in.
The number of of handhelds thatyou would need.
So really the ideal customerbeing five to a hundred, small
to medium business blue collarveteran owned.
If you know of some customers ofyours that fit into that
profile, that's exactly whereI'd start.
chris_3_03-19-2025_151038 (12:31):
Man.
And fortunately I feel likethat's a much bigger group of
prospects than, most people wantthe Fortune five hundreds.
And I tell suppliers all thetime, and even, my reminding my
team when I was on that supplierside, the problem with the
Fortune 500, there's only 500 of'em, and everybody wants'em, and
they have very unique,customized needs and all that.
(12:51):
So it's great to hear.
finally for the SMB, the smallentrepreneurial solopreneur
shops.
There's a lot, a lot ofbusinesses are starting up and
to have a level of service thatyou guys give at the rates you
charge is, it's just unheard ofalmost.
So it's a really, a greatsituation to be in.
(13:12):
Tell me a little bit more about,how would you say Pure Talks
different?
Then the big three, any otherthings that make it unique?
joel_1_03-19-2025_151038 (13:18):
Yeah, I think some of the value add
that we bring is being 100%channel.
I'll mention that again.
I mentioned it earlier, but.
You're never gonna compete withus on a deal.
We do not have a direct salesforce at all.
I know that the big three are inthe channel, and I often get
asked, okay what's the rules ofengagement?
This from the trusted advisors.
(13:40):
What's the rules of engagementfrom a direct sales standpoint?
And thankfully, I get to say wedon't have one.
So you don't have to worry aboutthat piece of a direct
Salesforce competing with you.
Another thing I would add that Itouched on earlier is the 100%
US-based customer service.
I think I'll probably mentionthat again at some point in time
because I really feel likethat's a unique value add for
(14:02):
us, especially in that SMBspace.
You think about, to your earlierpoint, people really want to
focus on those largeopportunities.
Hey, I'm gonna chase the bigdeals and.
Yes, if you land a big deal, youcan put a lot of money in your
pocket on that one deal.
But if you're looking to build abusiness over time, that's where
(14:24):
I feel like Pure Talk is aunique offering because we
really do focus on that SMBmarket and our plan is or our
goal is to provide a high levelof customer service to a
forgotten or misrepresentedmarket, which is the s and b
market.
If you look at a lot of theproviders today, they will tell
(14:44):
you, bring us the 500 linedeals, bring us the thousand
line deals, and we specificallysay, bring us the 10 line deal.
Bring us the 25 line deal.
We'll execute at, at a highlevel of proficiency, and we
will give them a dedicatedcustomer service rep, which is
again, almost unheard of in thisindustry.
(15:05):
Again, 100% US based.
That they can connect with on aregular basis.
Again, that's anotheropportunity for the trusted
advisor to be engaged but notfeel like they have to be that
first line of defense.
If there is a question we givethat dedicated customer service
rep to each end user customer sothat we can help that trusted
(15:27):
advisor take some of thatpotential follow up questions or
whatever off their plate.
chris_3_03-19-2025_1 (15:34):
Fantastic.
So I guess, and just obviouslycheck out pure talk.com for all
the details and the rates.
And then there's a business tagyou can click on for business
joel_1_03-19-2025_151038 (15:45):
Yep.
Correct.
Yeah.
So there's, pure talk.com is ourconsumer side Pure talk business
being the business side.
And so I'll put a plugin for theconsumer side if you're
listening to this and you think,Hey, I don't have a business,
but I'm still intrigued by Puretalk.
Please go visit pure talk.com.
You can see all the rates andofferings there.
And I would, was gonna touch onit a little bit later, but I'll
(16:07):
throw it in here for anyone thatis an active.
Active military member orretired military member, we do
offer a 15% discount both onPure Talk consumer and the Pure
Talk business brand.
We would love for you asmilitary veterans and to take
advantage of that offering thatwe have.
chris_3_03-19-2025_15103 (16:26):
That's excellent.
That's that's very nice of youto do.
I support that a hundredpercent.
And, going back to.
The profile and for sellingpartners, if you're listening,
yeah, you might think, I'm not,you're not gonna, you're not
gonna retire off a 50 phonedeal, but you're for one, it
adds up.
You're gonna sell multiple ofthem, more than likely.
And not only that you're helpingyour client, your client is,
(16:47):
they need your help.
A lot of them they don't audittheir phone bills.
You can ask the question, Hey,when's the last time you audited
your phone bill?
I, I ask that question a lot topartners and prospects and
they're like, man, forget thebusiness.
I'm having a hard time with myfamily for plan.
It's 50 pages long, there's onlyfour phones on.
I don't even know what I'm beingcharged for.
So there's a lot of reasons toask the question.
(17:08):
How often audit your phone bill.
Are you happy with your carrier?
Are you getting the support you
joel_1_03-19-2025_151038 (17:13):
Yep.
chris_3_03-19-2025_151038 (17:14):
Would you like to save some money and
repurpose that money into other
joel_1_03-19-2025_1510 (17:17):
Correct.
chris_3_03-19-2025_151038 (17:18):
Or put it in the bottom line.
It could go to, it could go tothe profit margin.
Now if you're spending$1,800less for, that
joel_1_03-19-2025_151038 (17:24):
Yep.
Chris Made a good point, andit's something I meant to bring
up is, we try to find theintersection of cost savings and
then also providing value toprovide a total solution.
And typically what I recommendto trusted advisors is, Hey,
let's at least do a bill auditfor your customer.
And then you'll have theopportunity to say, Hey, look, I
(17:44):
saved you X amount of dollarshere, and that's great, but on
top of the cost savings, you getto then come in and say, Hey,
look, there's another componentof your business I've been
meaning to talk to you about,and it is cybersecurity or a
ucas or CCA solution.
I just provided X amount ofdollars of 40% savings.
(18:05):
Why don't we utilize a portionof that savings to help you
update, whatever it is, and somesort of technology solution that
you've been wanting to talk tothem about, but maybe scared to
say, Hey, they've already spenta lot of money with me.
I know they're budget conscious.
Working with Pure Talk allowsyou to go back and say, I just
saved you 40% on your mobilitybill.
(18:27):
Why don't we repurpose some ofthat into another technology
solution that is ultimatelygonna help them drive revenue
for their business?
And so that's something that Itry to remind trusted advisors
is, you can look at it twodifferent ways.
Take it to the bottom line,which people always appreciate.
Or utilize the savings toupgrade another component of
(18:48):
their technology that maybethey've been neglecting just due
to costs.
chris_3_03-19-2025_151038 (18:52):
And this is service that's on,
America's, cellular network.
Five G's
joel_1_03-19-2025_151038 (18:56):
Yep.
chris_3_03-19-2025_15103 (18:57):
still, uh.
Everywhere you'd expect,domestic
joel_1_03-19-2025_1510 (19:00):
Correct.
chris_3_03-19-2025_151038 (19:00):
be.
How about I think we talkedbriefly once.
Not that everybody not many ofus are lucky enough to do
international travel, but ifthey, go to Europe or, leave the
country are there internationalroaming plans that they can, pay
separately
joel_1_03-19-2025_151038 (19:13):
Yeah.
So we operate a little bitdifferent.
We offer a credit back on yourbill for usage internationally,
but.
Yes, we have a internationalthat's tied into your plan just
like other carriers provide,again, the offering's a little
bit different, but coverageinternationally as well.
And so a lot of the.
Offerings that you're gonna findfrom the major carriers.
(19:34):
We're gonna offer something verysimilar, maybe our little spin
on it, but something verysimilar.
We also are partnered with appleand Samsung to provide devices
and we do run promotions anddifferent subsidies to be able
to offset some of the expense onthose devices.
So again, our goal is to proprovide that same.
(19:55):
Level of offerings and sellcoverages you would get from a
major carrier, but make it a loteasier.
And really, when you get yourbill, you're gonna be able to
read your bill, see exactly whatit is.
There's no hidden charges in it.
I think that's one of the thingsthat, that after people start
working with us, they reallyappreciate it and tends to be a
(20:18):
reason why people avoid theconversation.
Altogether is, Hey, I don't evenwant to talk about this'cause I
can't read my bill.
We'll, let us solve that foryou.
We'll read it for you, give youa quote, and then moving forward
that Pure Talk Bill will be veryeasy to read.
You know exactly what you have.
We don't charge overages, whichthink is a unique offering that
(20:40):
we have.
If you look at our base plantypically where we win is people
are overpaying for things thatthey aren't using.
And I often find people ask howcan you provide cost savings?
Most people are on unlimitedplans and they think I need an
unlimited plan.
Unlimited doesn't necessarilymean what it used to five or six
years ago.
(21:01):
Wifi is prevalent, pretty muchanywhere you go into a coffee
shop, you go in the airport,you're at your house.
There's a lot of people workingfrom home.
That is where we come in andsay, Hey, look, the data that
you're actually using isextremely minimal, and our base
plan, which is 30 bucks a month.
Gives you 20 gigs.
The average consumer is usingsub 10 gigs.
(21:22):
And so you get the opportunityto save money and you and spend
money on what you're actuallyusing versus just signing up for
an unlimited plan because.
That's what the carrier wantsyou to do.
So that's typically where wewin.
We do provide a portal both forthe end user and for the agent,
for the trusted advisor tomanage their business and manage
(21:45):
their plans.
They can move up and down theirplans if they need to based on
usage.
So we make it really easy forthem should they need to move
their plan up'cause they needmore data.
chris_3_03-19-2025_15103 (21:54):
That's great.
That's great.
Pivoting one more time, changinggears.
BYOD bring your own device, it'sa pretty popular, that a lot,
especially in that, that SMBsector.
Maybe the company goes, Hey,we'll give you 30 bucks, 40
bucks, to pay for your phone andall.
But there's one, one problemwith that, that, there's a few
problems with that actually.
But the biggest problem that Isee with that, especially for
(22:17):
sales organizations.
You have your top dog sales guyor gal using their own phone, a
number they own, they build abig book of business.
They learn all your processes,they know your pricing.
Then one day they get mad andquit and go work for the
competitor.
Now all your customers arecalling your former employee
working at your competitor.
(22:39):
and that's a problem, so if I'ma business owner with, with 10
salespeople, or forget Yeah.
Even if you're an insurance orsome kind of regulated industry
where you want to show yourcustomers that you're
safeguarding information andwhatnot.
You can do a sim only, right?
And do a maybe over thereprovisioning and provisioning a
second line.
Own your BYOD phone.
(22:59):
So that's the card, that's thephone number, that's put on the
business card.
That's the phone number thatthey're required to give out or
whatnot.
Yeah, come on, EV.
Every sales guy or gal probablystill says that, by the way,
here's my personal number incase you ever, you get ahold of
me.
But but don't make it easy onthem.
At least make'em where it's acompany number.
And by the way.
If you're giving them thatsecond line, you don't have to
pay the stipends or the over orthe t and e.
(23:23):
You're just saying, okay, Iprovided a sim for your personal
phone, and when you leave theorganization, we'll just turn it
off and you keep your phone andI keep my number.
And the next note, this nextsales person takes that phone
number and guess what that nextsales person's.
Get the calls probably anyway,it's just interesting that
companies have no problem withthat concept,
joel_1_03-19-2025_151038 (23:42):
Yeah, I.
chris_3_03-19-2025_151038 (23:43):
it's good to know you guys can work.
You can provide only
joel_1_03-19-2025_151038 (23:45):
So SIM only, we do physical sim and
eim.
So we can provide either one.
And to your point, a lot ofcompanies will pay a stipend
that it just, Hey, I don't wannamanage that.
The great thing about.
Working with us is over time,it's probably gonna be less
expensive for you to actuallygive them a cell phone or give
them a sim card.
(24:06):
Again, all that information isnow tied to that sim and that
phone number.
And then because we do providesignificant cost savings.
A lot of times you can justincorporate an MDM solution over
the top.
Again, that's where that trustedadvisor comes into play to say,
Hey, look, let's keep your datasecure.
Let's make sure all this staysin-house and oftentimes do it
(24:29):
cheaper, providing an MDMsolution with a pure talk
solution and do it cheaper thanwhat they're providing from a
subsidy standpoint.
While most of our business isbusiness that migrates from a
carrier, we have severalinstances where people are
starting up new opportunities ornew engagement saying, I wanna
(24:50):
protect my data.
I want to be in control of it.
I don't want to pay that stipendanymore.
So that is another opportunity,even if somebody says, oh, we
just pay a stipend.
There's a further conversationto be had there around security
and different things like that.
That I think is really importantto have in today's society.
chris_3_03-19-2025_1 (25:08):
absolutely it is.
Yeah, we wrap it up.
Been a great conversation.
We've covered a lot of ground.
Any last words or anything wehaven't talked about yet that
you wanted to get out?
I.
joel_1_03-19-2025_151038 (25:18):
Yeah, I think I'll talk about
something pure talk related andthen I'll throw a personal
plugin at the end.
But one thing I did want tomention specifically around
being a veteran-owned businessis I'm active in my local
community as far as charitygoes.
And one thing I wanna point outis, I used the term put your
money where your mouth is and Ido want to call out the fact
(25:41):
that Pure Talk parent companytell Right has contributed over
$330,000 to help veterans inneed through America's Warriors
partnership.
And then in 20 23, I believe.
We gave over$10 million to theForgive co organization to help
(26:01):
white out, wipe out veterandebt.
So just some things, when Ithink about a company that I
work for and want to be proudof, the company that I work for
and I'm associated with, thoseare some things that I'm proud,
that I'm proud of.
Again, we do offer that discountto veterans, so please take us
up on that.
And so I'm very thankful that Iwork for a company that.
(26:22):
That also finds a way to giveback to local communities.
That's something about Puretalk.
And then, a plug I'll put in formyself.
You mentioned real estateearlier.
If you're ever looking for anopportunity to visit a great
property, we run an Airbnb up ina place called Mountain Rest
South Carolina, which is aboutan hour and a half from
Greenville, where I live.
And so it is called the retreat.
(26:45):
You can find it on Airbnb, butsits right on a lake.
Great little property.
That's a personal plug that I'llput in.
If you're interested, feel freeto reach out to me.
But we would love to host you,my family, and I love going up
there when we get the chance,but just thought I would share
that as well.
chris_3_03-19-2025_151038 (27:01):
It's called the retreat on
joel_1_03-19-2025_151038 (27:02):
Yep, yep.
So the retreat, if you just lookup
chris_3_03-19-2025_151038 (27:04):
man.
joel_1_03-19-2025_151038 (27:05):
South Carolina, not many people have
heard of it, but it's a.
Great little sleeper town, righton the lake in the mountains.
So we are quite peaceful.
chris_3_03-19-2025_151038 (27:13):
And where say the name of the city
joel_1_03-19-2025_1510 (27:15):
Mountain rest.
So outside Clemson about
chris_3_03-19-2025_151038 (27:19):
Oh, mountain
joel_1_03-19-2025_151038 (27:20):
rest, about 20, 30 miles outside of
Clemson.
chris_3_03-19-2025_1 (27:23):
Fantastic.
I will be
joel_1_03-19-2025_151038 (27:24):
Yeah,
chris_3_03-19-2025_151038 (27:25):
out, that I might, I may have to take
you up on
joel_1_03-19-2025_151038 (27:27):
sounds good.
chris_3_03-19-2025_151038 (27:28):
Joel, it's been a pleasure, man.
We've covered a lot.
I, again, there's more todiscuss, I imagine.
But if you're listening and youhave questions, check the show
notes.
I'll have some links there foryou.
Of course, pure talk.com isalways a great place to get
information.
And Joel Douglas on LinkedIn.
I'll include your contact thereas well.
I really appreciate your time
joel_1_03-19-2025_151038 (27:46):
Yep.
chris_3_03-19-2025_15103 (27:47):
Thanks for
joel_1_03-19-2025_1 (27:47):
Absolutely.
Thank you, Chris.
It's been great to get to knowyou.
I look forward to our continuedsuccess together, and so thank
you for putting together.
chris_3_03-19-2025_151038 (27:55):
You bet, Matt.
My pleasure.
And there you go.
Another episode of The WirelessSway.
And as always, Surely, you werelistening along and at some
point.
Something jumped out at you,something that made you think of
somebody.
Share this episode with acolleague, a friend, a family
member, maybe a prospect.
Love, love it when you can sharethe information.
Always, make sure you arefollowing and subscribing it at
(28:18):
your favorite podcast platform.
And check out the wirelessway.net.
It's my website, the wirelessway.net.
And there's a contact us buttonon there if you have a question
about a former guest.
You wanna be a guest?
I just wanna know moreinformation about the work we're
doing here and Itals love tohave that kind of a dialogue
with you.
So again, thanks so much forchecking out this episode and
(28:39):
we'll see you next time on theWireless way.
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