About Us

Bruce Panzer

Advanced Field Technician

I am an advanced field technician who started out with a technical degree in electronics and the first company I worked for after school was NEC . I was repairing their telecommunication circuit boards at the component level. Thats how I was originally introduced into the telecom world. From there I worked for Walker Telecommunications , a manufacturer of telecom equipment where I was in house providing technical support for dealers and training users for certification of their products. Since then I have been involved with many companies and certified on many products from Avaya IP office, Definity, Magix, Legend and Partner, Inter-tel, Telrad, Toshiba, Mitel, Panasonic and NEC. I actually love this field doing installs and service. I take great pride in resolving problems for customers. I love being on the front lines of technology which to me is what makes the world turn.
 

I love to go boating and fishing. Any free time when the weather is nice you can find me on my boat with my friends and family during the summer. I love the winter as well Skiing or Snowmobiling. I love music and have been playing guitar for many years however Ive been so busy with life that I haven’t had much time to play or practice.

Rafael Liz Diaz

Advanced Field Technician

Do what you love, love what you do. With over 5 years of experience and know-how, no task is out of my field of expertise. Being a Technician in the field allows you to truly apply all you have gathered throughout your career and exceed the expectations of your clients. “Under-promise and over-deliver” is a motto I carry and live by, which allowed me to be become a success story in many, if not all, projects I have been a part of. Allow us to put our many years of aggregate knowledge to use for you, and yours too will be a story of great success.

Chris Lobo

Office Administrator

As Administrative Assistant, I support Global Telecom Supply’s management in achieving their goals for the company. This is a great job for me, because my main motivation in life is to help people! I am also lucky to be someone who loves adventure and trying new things. I was born and brought up in India, worked as a secretary to top management for multinational corporations in Dubai and then came to the U.S. where I had a successful career as a bank teller (winning 3 awards!). Here at GTS I love the family atmosphere and having a role that gives me many opportunities to put a smile on someone’s face! I also enjoy reading, cooking and talking to people.

Sean Davies

Senior Account Executive

My career path started with a passion for sales. My drive and hunger for education and personal growth has led me to Global Telecom Supply. As a senior account executive, my job is to consult with business owners and assist them in finding the best technology solutions for their companies.

I have been in the marketing and sales industry for 12 years. And before joining GTS, I held the position of Health Coach and Floor Facilitator at a successful nutritional company. It was there that I obtained numerous awards, such as top sales and highest revenue earned, as well as achieving a steady sales growth of 60% annually.

When I am not in the office, I am spending my free time with my wife, trying to keep up with our one year old puppy, and expanding on my retro video game collection.

Dan Lahmann

Senior Account Executive

As a Senior Account Executive here at Global Telecom, I help organizations be up to speed with state-of-the art communication technology while helping them control overall cost and be fully aware of details of their investment. We take the time to not only fulfill your needs for today, but to be side-by-side to help with your future endeavors.

I personally have over 20 years of experience in both the IT and Telecommunication industry ranging from data, security and storage to dedicated circuits, true-fiber services, and on-premise and hosted solutions.

My love and daily drive is my spouse Gina, my son Daniel and my daughter Sienna. Hobbies are music, coaching sports, custom woodwork, and outdoor adventures.

Harold Tapanes

Senior Account Executive

As a senior account executive, I am passionate about creating meaningful relationships with the people I work with. I have almost a decade of sales experience, four of which have been spent in telecom; having worked for both Equipment distributors and Carriers. I use this background to my advantage when handling customer projects and proactively finding solutions.

I am a relentless athlete hitting the gym several times per week and playing a variety of sports, primarily basketball. I graduated with a degree in Anthropology focusing on evolution and a minor in sales. In my free time I enjoy painting, making music, cycling, fishing, hiking, and other outdoorsy activities. I belong to a male fraternal organization and when I am not enjoying my free time pursuing my hobbies, I am usually found with them volunteering in our youth mentoring program, feeding the homeless in our monthly food drive, or meeting with local governments in order to strategies volunteer efforts in the hardest hit parts of those places. Let me roll up my sleeves and get to working on your solutions!

Kieran O’Sullivan

Advanced Field Technician

As an Advanced Field Technician with over 30 years in the industry. I have certifications from manufacturers such as Avaya, NEC, Nortel, and Panasonic. I have the passion for doing my best for the customer each day. I’ve been in the customer service business, all my life. There is nothing better than seeing the customer’s appreciation for a job well done. I take a great deal of pride in my job and always looking out, what is best for the customer and company at large. One of my mentors use to say of me “where I may lack in skill, I overcome in resourcefulness.”

I’m one of fourteen children, with 29 nieces and nephews. I am married to my wife Marguerite with two schnauzer girls. I enjoy photography, cycling, skiing and helping my wife with the house. I am a member of a Knight of Columbus where charity begins at home and then outwardly. I also am very involved in the charity of “Toys For Tots” This coming December I will be hosting my 7th year of raising money and many toys at my event for the children of Long Island. I must say I’ve been warmly welcomed into the GTS Team and looking for to learning and growing with such a wonderful staff. I look forward also to serving all the clients of GTS in a professional, experienced and pleasant manner.

Ray Stephens

Director of Technical Services

As Director of Technical Services, my primary focus is service excellence. I am a United States Army veteran with over 20 years of experience in technical support and training. Throughout my career, I have served customers in all aspects of Digital, Analog, and IP Telephony, including infrastructure/cabling, system installation, system design and project management, pre- and post-sales technical support and training. As an educator, I have earned several Avaya and Mitel certifications and developed a virtual training platform to deliver best-in-class technical certification training courses for customers. I currently hold Avaya APSS, AIPS, ACSS, and ACIS, as well as Mitel MiVO 250, MiVB 3300, MiVO 400 Implementation credentials. While the digital age brings convenience and scalability to our customers, it is dedication to service excellence that fosters strong partnerships and drives the customer experience.

In my free time, I enjoy playing golf, going to baseball games, spending time with my family, and serving my community as a volunteer soccer coach.

Ryan Bir

Chief Operating Officer

As Chief Operating Officer, I am ingrained in both the day to day and long-term strategy of of Global Telecom Supply. Saying an enthusiastic ‘Yes!’ to challenges, while continuously improving and building internal infrastructure and processes to ensure the best possible customer experience is second nature to me. My career started with learning about the world during my time as a search & rescue swimmer with the U.S. Navy. Since then I’ve enjoyed more than 10 years in telephony networking and structured cabling, working with both mid-size and enterprise companies. I am an expert in system design, multi-location and in developing solutions that work both for today and for a client’s business future.

I am committed to building for the best possible tomorrow, whether in terms of my family, coaching baseball, playing golf, or business. I support our clients by making sure Global Telecom is optimized to serve customers today, and able to take the lead on whatever new needs, opportunities and ideas will arise tomorrow.

Tina Sufrin

Senior Account Manager

As a Senior Account Manager and experienced sales veteran, I combine passion for sales and marketing with a love of what I do for a living. I am a highly determined individual! I am proud to offer my customers and my team a wealth of knowledge, techniques, interpersonal skills, innovative ideas and winning strategies to sustain sales growth. I appreciate being around people with positive energy—making Global Telecom Supply a great fit for this team player. To recharge and relax, I enjoy the gym and the beach. For bigger adventures, I love international travel. So far, I’ve been to Nigeria, Kenya, East Africa and Israel.

Matt Makowski

Senior Account Executive

As Senior Account Executive for Global Telecom Supply, relationships are my business. I draw on over 8 years of IT software and hardware sales experience in the small, medium and enterprise markets, having worked at VMware Sales Solutions, Palo Alto Security Software and Dell/EMC Enterprise Storage. I pride myself on being a results-oriented technology leader, highly skilled in delivering custom IT, telecommunications solutions, and professional services. My commitment to my clients: that every conversation is a personal investment, My passions include creating solutions and building relationships to resolve customer challenges, snowmobiling in Vermont, and summertime boating and jet-skiing.

Owen Bir

Chief Executive Officer

As Chief Executive Officer, my focus is on the big picture of how to create sustainable growth for Global Telecom Supply while simultaneously ensuring and increasing customer satisfaction. Our clients and manufacturer partners are always at the top of my priority list. Expanding our manufacturer and solution offerings are key to achieving the goals I have for our company. I came to GTS as COO, which gave me the opportunity to get deeply into building and refining the processes our teams need to offer top-level service and support. As CEO, operations continue to be one of my core concerns. I’m a woodworker in my free time, and I know firsthand that it’s the basic framework and design that makes a piece into an heirloom, something to live and grow with over time.

On the personal side, I love golf, disruptive technology, science, art, being an uncle and fundraising with charities. Not surprisingly, all these activities and interests require the attributes I think best serve me as CEO of GTS: practical knowledge, patience, in-depth and strategic thinking, and the ability to transform challenges and surprises into pathways to stronger, better outcomes for everyone involved.

Marvin LaRoche

Senior Account Executive

As Senior Account Executive I live by this quote from Warren Buffett: “Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.” A dedicated sales professional with excellent communication skills, I’m adept at forging productive relationships to drive objectives. I studied Forensic Science at CUNY John Jay and learned to be a superior organizational and project manager. I’m detail-oriented (when I’m not at work you can find me at the driving range practicing my swing), while continually cultivating the ability to learn quickly and be resourceful. I’m also very passionate about my sneaker collection and my annual trip to Disney World!

Derek Abraham

Senior Account Executive

As Senior Account Executive, I focus on midmarket and enterprise telecom solutions, from 100 – 1000 phones. I have a deep understanding of the Avaya and Mitel platforms, am an expert in leasing and finance, cost analysis, and reducing client cost while increasing efficiency. I owe my achievements to living by this quote: “Dream big. Start small. But most of all, start.” I hold Avaya APSS Certification and Mitel MiVoice Certification.

I’ve had the good fortune to travel (and eat!) in Europe, Southeast Asia and South America. I like getting to know people, and to learn about what they want and need. That’s why telecommunications are such a great fit for me. I enjoy the strategies involved in implementing new products and analyzing what makes a design a true solution for customers of various sizes. My goal is to take my consulting skills higher with each new customer.

Tanya Arken

Account Manager

I came to my role as Account Manager after a career in the fashion industry. Technology was not in the plan, but now that I’m here, I love it, and especially working at Global Telecom Supply. My team and the company’s family atmosphere are the best possible environment for me to be of the most service to my customers.

My work focuses on phone systems of up to 50 users. I specialize in understanding the legacy Avaya Partner and Merlin phone systems, migration to the new Avaya IP Office phone system, and take pride in my ability to analyze expenses, such as maintenance, associated with the legacy phone systems. I am also an expert in leasing and financing. Born and bred in Manhattan and currently residing in Long Island, I’m a city girl who loves camping and travel (favorite: Bora Bora, in Tahiti), my daughter, and singing – maybe you saw me at Carnegie Hall?

Manny Raza

Senior Account Executive

I’m a Senior Account Executive, an achievement that I attribute to my favorite quote: “I’ve failed over and over in my life and that is why I succeed!” Everything I did before is what brought me to the technology industry and Global Telecom Supply—where I’ve found my passion and a great working environment. Professionally I am especially proud of the long-term relationships I’ve built with my clientele. I look for the most complex and strategic opportunities to approach and offer the best solutions for the right price.

I am expert in the legacy Avaya systems, such as Partner and Merlin, and am familiar with migration to the new Avaya IP Office phone system. I provide accurate cost analyses when comparing costs and maintenance of legacy vs the new Avaya platform, with the goal of saving a client money while providing an upgrade. When not at work I hope you’ll find me in the Bahamas!

Ehan Fraham-Pope

Account Manager

As an Account Manager, I try to make all my clients as happy as possible. I’m a Dad, so I know about putting someone else first, and that keeps me going at work as well as at home. I specialize in mitigating the transition from older legacy Avaya Partner systems to newer Avaya platforms with systems of up to 50 phones, including migration to Avaya’s IP Office phone system. I have a proven track record working with non-profit groups and religious organizations. When not at work you’ll likely find me gaming, eating seafood and cracking jokes. I believe in living life fully, and doing the best I can for my clients, family and friends.

Rishi Sallick

Senior Account Executive

As Senior Account Executive, customer satisfaction is truly my passion. When an accurate diagnosis and smooth delivery all come together, it makes for a great feeling. For the last few years I’ve worked to make sure I achieve that satisfying result by sharpening my managerial skills to operate a continually stronger, more efficient team. As a gardener, I know about taking time to let things grow while making sure all systems are in place for optimum cultivation.

My specialties are the legacy Avaya Partner, Merlin, and Nortel phone systems, and I have a deep understanding of the migration process to the new Avaya IP Office platform. I am very familiar with Avaya maintenance offers, cost analysis, cost savings, and am an expert in leasing, financing, and system design.

Tom Kreamer

Advanced Field Technician

I’m an Advanced Field Technician, in the industry for 20+ years. I’ve worked with Avaya, Mitel, Panasonic, Toshiba, Comdial, and Intertel Products. I’m a big Nascar fan, and take that passion for precision, team support, and getting over the finish line as a winner into my work. I enjoy the fact that our clients are always happy to see me when they need to resolve an issue—I enjoy providing the best possible service and have old-fashioned values about workmanship and attention to detail (I also love traveling with my daughter to historic places, such as Civil War battlefields). I have both the Avaya ACSS and the Mitel MIVOICE 250 certifications.

Dan Lazzaro

Advanced Field Technician

I’m an Advanced Field Technician, in the telecom industry for 10 years and part of the Global Telecom Supply family for 6. I love every day I get to come to work here. I am certified in Mitel and Avaya, and I strive continuously to learn and put into action all the new processes this ever-changing field hands me. The best part of my job is the sense of accomplishment I feel when I leave a jobsite knowing the customer is happy. That means I’ve been a big part of why the client will be part of our GTS family for years to come.

Richard Witte

Senior Technical Manager

Currently a Senior Technical Manager, I started in this industry in the early 1990’s with an Avaya business partner. My first 15 years I installed and programmed Nortel CICS, MICS, Comdial (now vertical) DXP FX DXP Plus, and of course Avaya Partner Plus, Partner ACS, Merlin Legend, Merlin Magix, IP Office 406,412 and 500v2. I also did IP surveillance and small networking. Starting about 10 years ago, I moved into design, deployment, and support. It’s very satisfying to be able to utilize all my wonderful times in the field to help plan and support the installation team and sales professionals. Of course, that doesn’t keep me away from the water! Like any good Long Islander, I love to relax with a fishing pole in my hand and the sun on my back.

Eric Rosenberg

Advanced Field Technician

As an Advanced Field Technician with over 30 years’ experience, I take pride in everything I do for our customers. I specialize in voice and data cable management and various types of phone systems. I have a math-and-systems friendly brain, which I also put to use as a drummer—when I’m not out camping, skiing or boating. Some of those survival skills also come in handy at work, like planning ahead, knowing how to improvise, and having a swift reaction time.

Nick Rimatello

Support & Inventory Manager

As a super techy guy (and gamer!) being Support & Inventory Manager is a job I was born to do. My motto ‘Improvise, Adapt & Overcome’ comes in handy almost every day. I’ve been with Global Telecom for several years, initially as a field technician installing and programming IP Office basic and PBX systems across 21 states. As a result, I’ve got extensive knowledge of both. I also have experience training, with service calls, and working with carriers for ports and system migrations. If you have a technical need, I’m your guy! I have an Avaya AIPS certification.

Thomas Frank

Technical Support Lead

Being Technical Support Lead is how I put my skills as a team player, and strategic thinker to work. (I’m also a hockey player, motorcyclist, tattoo enthusiast and Freemason). I got my start in AV as a shop engineer, after graduating in 2005 from Five Towns College with a BA in Business Management. In 2008, my first Avaya IP Office deployment made me realize telecom was where I wanted to be. I had the good fortune to join Global Telecom in 2009 and started deploying IP Office phone systems full time. By 2017 I’d deployed well over 500 IP Offices and decided to retire from the field. In my current role, I use my expertise and experience with IP Office phone systems and networking to provide our customers with the smoothest deployments possible. Certifications: Avaya IP Office – AIPS, ACSS, APSS; Mitel – MiVoice Office 250 Installation + Maintenance; The SIP School – SIP/VoIP Professional; ADTRAN – ATSA/IN; and CompTIA Network+.

AJ Singh

Senior Account Executive

I am proud to be a Senior Account Executive with Global Telecom Supply. I joined the company and found my passion for technology right out of St. John’s University. My drive at work comes from helping my clients succeed. In other areas of my life that same drive finds expression through my involvement in rock climbing and boxing (a favorite movie? Rocky!). I’m a member of the Marine Corps and proud holder of a Purple Heart; I live by the motto: Improvise, adapt and overcome.

During my years with the company I’ve put this into practice to grow my skillset, transition from TDM to the Cloud and VoIP, and become an expert in both the Avaya and Mitel platforms, as well as carrier circuits, system design, telecom and technology cost analysis, and complete technology solutions. I focus on midmarket and enterprise systems of 100-1000 phones, vertical markets, unions and not-for-profit organizations. I hold the following certifications: Avaya APSS, Avaya APDS, Avaya APCC, Avaya APUC, and Mitel Voice Certification.