Chad Richards Email & Phone Number

Downers Grove, Illinois, United States

Greater Chicago Area

As a Cyber Security Specialist at Cisco Systems, I started out with account coverage of various Select and Territory regions, which totaled 7 states, including WI, IL, KS, MO, IN, IA, and NE. Later on, my role evolved to cover the WI/IL Commercial Region, where I sold the entire Cisco Security portfolio, including Software, Hardware, On-Premise, and Cloud solutions.My primary responsibility was to partner with customers in identifying gaps in their security architecture, ultimately finding the right solution to enhance their security posture. I also drove customers to increase visibility in all vectors, reduce complexity, and enhance efficiency in the security workflow. In addition, I utilized buying vehicles like the Enterprise Level Agreement to present the best financial option for the customer.In my capacity as a Cyber Security Specialist, I worked closely with technical resources to ensure technical excellence in all positioning and competitive analysis. I was responsible for building account plans/pipelines utilizing marketing programs, new project identification, and attach opportunities. My dedication to my work saw me achieve significant milestones during my tenure, including exceeding the Stretch goal despite the massive territory and number of accounts covered in both regions.

Central Area - Us

During my time as a Consulting Systems Engineer at Cisco Systems in the Cyber Security department, I was responsible for account coverage in Enterprise, Select, and Territory regions for the first two years. Later, I covered the entire Territory space for the Central Area, which consisted of 13 states and over 16,000 accounts.As a Consulting Systems Engineer, I was responsible for selling, designing, and quoting solutions that met or exceeded the customer's requirements. I also played a vital role in demand generation events to proactively drive new security business in the account base.Despite the enormous territory and massive number of accounts, I was able to achieve the "Stretch" goal for both regions covered. This was achieved through my ability to establish strong relationships with customers and my dedication to providing high-quality security solutions that met their needs.Overall, my experience as a Consulting Systems Engineer in the Cyber Security department has provided me with extensive knowledge of the security landscape and the ability to work collaboratively with clients to achieve their security goals.

As a Security Channel Engineer at Cisco Systems, I played a pivotal role in the success of the enterprise security channel. My main responsibility was to develop and maintain strong relationships with security partners, while also driving incremental growth and forecasting opportunities.One of my key achievements was leading various initiatives and writing multiple labs that were implemented across the Central Area, contributing significantly to the enablement of the partner community. I also collaborated with the direct sales team to ensure that our products remained relevant in the market.I took a hands-on approach to my role, overseeing installations and troubleshooting issues as required, while also providing consultation to clients regarding infrastructure design and security best practices. In addition, I worked closely with senior officials to design and coordinate new go-to-market solutions.Overall, my experience as a Security Channel Engineer at Cisco Systems provided me with extensive knowledge of enterprise security solutions, the importance of collaboration with partners, and the ability to drive initiatives that result in increased sales.

As a Senior Security Engineer at Cabletron and Enterasys Networks, I established myself as a specialist in Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS), Network Access Control (NAC), and Dynamic Intrusion Response (DIR). Through my expertise in these areas, I developed strong relationships with clients by utilizing my exceptional customer relations and communication skills.In my role, I was responsible for hunting for new business, driving incremental growth, and forecasting opportunities in the enterprise market. As a team leader, I closely tracked the performance of my team, providing weekly progress reports and continually updating pipeline and forecast. My focus on sales of security solutions was paramount, and I consistently achieved or exceeded my sales targets.As a consultant, I worked closely with clients to help them design and implement infrastructure and security solutions that met their unique needs. I also collaborated with senior officials to develop new go-to-market solutions that would help to expand the company's reach and meet the evolving needs of our clients.As an expert in my field, I was often called upon to oversee installations or troubleshoot issues as necessary, and I always delivered results in a timely and efficient manner. In recognition of my contributions, I was named Southeast Top Team in 2003 and Southeast MVP in 2004.Overall, my experience at Cabletron and Enterasys Networks provided me with a deep understanding of network security and infrastructure design. I have demonstrated my ability to work effectively with clients, build and manage high-performing teams, and deliver results in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment.

As the lead Network Administrator for the 53d Combat Communications Squadron, 5th Combat Communications Group at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, I was responsible for leading a team that traveled to various remote desert locations to design and install custom networks with bulk encryption using various crypto devices.My responsibilities ranged from Desktop Management to Infrastructure Design, where I leveraged my technical expertise to design and implement secure and efficient network systems.During my time in the Air Force, I distinguished myself by providing meritorious service and demonstrating unique networking talents. For example, I activated the squadron's in-garrison network, which provided an avenue for education, training, and daily network management functions. My skills were recognized when I was requested by name to deploy as part of Operation DESERT FOX, where I established the command and control network in support of the first B-1B combat sorties, and Operation ALLIED FORCE, where I selflessly supported United States efforts in Kosovo.While deployed to Operation SOUTHERN WATCH, my tireless efforts resulted in the complete restoration of the 4404th Wing (Provisional) network after a catastrophic outage corrupted the domain and 1,080 electronic mail accounts. I was also praised for my outstanding efforts in planning, constructing, and administering a 600 user deployable network, which was ultimately recognized as a showpiece for Air Combat Command during Combat Challenge 1998.As a Senior Airman, my distinctive accomplishments while serving my country reflect credit upon myself and the United States Air Force.