Set a goal and constantly try to achieve it — it sounds like page one of any business manual. But for Kris Snyder, CEO of Vox Mobile, it’s not only his business vision, it’s his distance running formula. Early in his training, he focused on one visual image – the word Vox – and when he hit his stride, he would say he found his Vox.
His focus and perseverance define his position as an entrepreneur. Snyder left the security and success of his position as COO of a technology company to follow his passion and drive to create and build new opportunities. He established Vox Mobile in 2006 using his own savings and the investments of friends and business partners, with a goal of helping customers confront the range of choices in smart phones.
Soon, other companies fell away and for a while, BlackBerry as the only option. In response, Snyder negotiated a special status with RIM, BlackBerry’s developer, as its first authorized system integrator in the world. By convincing RIM that it should have a program for system integrators that offered professional and support services, Snyder shaped the program to fit Vox Mobile’s needs and provided a crucial source of income for the company.
Perhaps the company’s greatest success has been with carriers such as Verizon, AT&T and Sprint, which have gone from blocking Vox Mobile’s involvement with accounts to calling for help when customers need advanced technical assistance.
During the economic downturn in 2008 and 2009, when many of Vox’s customers were reducing staff and canceling projects, Snyder took no salary and worked to solidify offerings, line up new business partners and win new customers, knowing that, in time, there would be opportunities. That paid off, and today, Vox Mobile employs more than 60 people.
How to reach: Vox Mobile, (800) 536-9030 or www.voxmobile.com
