Team Member Spotlight: Robert Rangel

Team Member Spotlight: Robert Rangel

It’s time again to highlight one of our team members and this time we’re focused on our Director of Sales, Robert Rangel. Rob’s been in the business for 15 years, and his time at Suntsu has shown us he is one of the funniest and most charismatic team members in the office.

From Real Estate Rob to Disco Rob. We’ve got all the Groovy Details…

Rob’s main nickname in the office, Disco Rob, was given to him after one of his Halloween costumes gave us a lasting impression. Other nicknames he has are Berto, Bert and Little John, but we still like Disco Rob best. I mean look at his costume…the hair, the shorts, the GLITTER! Anyway, back to our story.

As a kid, Rob wanted to be a doctor. The backstory? Growing up, he broke a few bones (no big deal), and had multiple experiences with Orthopedic surgeons. The doctors were incredibly nice, and the fact that they could fix bones felt like magic to him so that’s what he wanted to be! However, that quickly changed once he realized the sheer amount of schooling and effort becoming a doctor would entail. (Rob’s got a point here, props to all the doctors out there.)

Nowadays, Rob’s definitely all about that active lifestyle. Whether he is golfing, hiking, weightlifting, snowboarding, scuba diving, or reading (gotta keep that brain active), Rob is down for (almost) anything that keeps him active. In his spare time, he spends a lot of time with his family and friends and likes to travel or go on weekend trips to places like Vegas, Palm Springs and San Diego. He’s also a fan of smoking meat.

When it comes to fur-less babies, Rob has a cat that he cherishes more than anything. Her name is Cher, the Iconic Cat. Not to be confused with Cher, the Icon. She’s an adorable Sphynx cat and has been known to make appearances at the office occasionally.

Career Story Interview
Q: So, Rob, tell us how you got started in the electronics industry.

I had a friend who owned a small Independent Distributor. I was in the construction industry leading up to 2008, and when that industry crashed, I needed to find another career path. I always wanted to be in sales so I approached him about hiring me. The rest is history.

Q: After that career switch, what do you like most about working in the electronics industry?

You get to see a world that most people don’t know about. I find it interesting what projects are being worked on and how technology is advancing in the world. It’s also rewarding to be some small part of that cycle.

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at Suntsu?

The people. We have a very fun and lively group which fits with my sense of humor and fun perfectly. This is my second home which makes work an enjoyable experience instead of a tedious one.

What do you enjoy most about working at Suntsu?
Q: What do you enjoy most about working at Suntsu?

The people. We have a very fun and lively group which fits with my sense of humor and fun perfectly. This is my second home which makes work an enjoyable experience instead of a tedious one.

What do you enjoy most about working at Suntsu?
Q: What industry makes up the bulk of your business? What attracted you to that industry and why?

Being in the Director position I only work one account. Considering that’s my only one, Smart Grid makes up the bulk of my business! What attracted me to it was the fact that it is an ever-evolving space with a lot of demand and innovation.

Q: What advice would you give someone who is interested in your field?

If you’re willing to work hard and learn from others it can be a very rewarding career. I wouldn’t recommend it for someone who is looking to cruise.

Q: Now to wrap this up, tell us something funny that has happened to you since you started working in the electronics industry.

Well, I had a meeting at a Contract Manufacturer in Mexico years ago. Being half Mexican and semi-fluent I was convinced that I didn’t need anything other than some printed MapQuest directions to get to the meeting.

Turns out I was very wrong. It also turns out I wasn’t as fluent as I thought. I got very lost and had a hell of a time getting directions from random people I stopped and talked to. This was before the days of free data all over the world and I hadn’t purchased any international data for my phone.

I eventually had to just bite the bullet, turn on the roaming function on my phone and utilize maps to find the location. $400 in cell phone upcharges, 45 minutes later, and very flustered, I rolled into the meeting about an hour late. My contact was very gracious, and everything worked out. While it didn’t feel funny at the time I can look back and laugh at it now. I needed some Pacificos after that!

Thank you, Rob, for all you do here at Suntsu. We’re lucky to have you as a part of our Suntsu family.

Real Estate Rob

Real Estate Rob

Rapid Fire!
Favorite Sports Team?

Lakers

Favorite Sports Team? Lakers

Trend you hope makes a comeback?

Disco

Disco

#1 bucket list item?

Safari in Africa

Fun fact few people know about you?

I was a Music Major in college

I was a Music Major in college

Favorite Food?

For a hangover: Mexican
For a summer day: Sushi
For a cold night: Chili

Mexican Food

Favorite Vacation Spot?

Caribbean or Vegas

Caribbean

What’s an obscure movie line that you say in your everyday life that no one gets?

“Were you watching Cops?”
(Typically said when someone is all sweaty, as a reference to Stepbrothers.)

If you want to learn more about Rob and how he can help your business,
reach out to us today or check out his LinkedIn profile.

If you want to learn more about Ryan and how he can help your business, reach out to us today or check out his LinkedIn profile.

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