CenturyLink Channel Chief: 'We Aren't A Telco Anymore, We Are An IT Company'
by Gina Narcisi
Not Your Grandfather's Telephone Company
Blake Wetzel, vice president of CenturyLink's partner program, Channel Alliance, has worn many hats at CenturyLink, working in operations and finance roles since the telecommunications company was known as Qwest Communications.
Six years ago, Wetzel joined the indirect sales side of the house and was tasked with evaluating and building up a more robust program that could support more partners. In a Q&A with CRN, Wetzel explained that partners might be surprised to learn that CenturyLink has become a full-blown IT services provider. He shared how the company has a lot to offer the channel and [said the firm] is willing to work with partners through a variety of models - CenturyLink doesn't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach.