U.S. Special Operations Forces recognize a few guiding principles that are inherent to mission success in the community. The first SOF Truth is succinct and incisive: “Humans are more important than hardware.” Tech Qualled also recognizes that people—not equipment—make the critical difference, whether on the battlefield or in high tech sales, and is proud to welcome two tech sales executives Chris Hurst and Dart West to the team. Chris and Dart bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in the high tech sales industry to an already talented team focused on helping veterans find successful careers—not just jobs—in the dynamic and exciting tech space.
Chris Hurst brings over 35 years in technology sales, sales leadership, strategy and planning with Sun Microsystems, Juniper Networks, and Cisco Systems. Chris met Tech Qualled CEO and Co-Founder Jim Sherriff while at Sun Microsystems, and was excited when he heard about Jim’s idea to help transitioning veterans. His father a WWII veteran, and himself a longtime supporter of the USO, Chris hoped for an opportunity to contribute to Tech Qualled. With his recent retirement from Cisco Systems as Vice President of Sales Strategy and Planning, that goal has become a reality.
Chris will join Jim as a primary sales instructor for Account Executive Candidates during the culminating 2-week boot camp, where candidates integrate what they have learned about the high tech industry and the sales process during intensive and demanding role-playing scenarios. In addition to his focus on teaching candidates how to successfully prospect and build their initial 30/60/90 day sales plans, Chris will alternate primary sales instructor duties with Jim, enabling Tech Qualled to further scale operations and help an increasing number of veterans transition to successful and rewarding careers in the high tech industry—a mission that Chris passionately supports. Chris lives in Austin with his wife and 15 year old son.
Dart West joins the team as Technical Advisor following his retirement after a 40-year career in the high tech industry. Dart enlisted in the U.S. Navy at 17 as a Data Systems Technician on nuclear submarines, including the USS Spadefish, USS Dallas, and USS Baton Rouge, where he developed his passion for technical systems. Following his time in the service, Dart worked as a sales engineer, culminating in 16 years at Cisco Systems working in the sales organization as a Senior Systems Engineering Manager helping Cisco’s largest enterprise customers build world class infrastructures.
Dart credits the Navy with teaching him not just the technical skills to be successful, but most importantly the fundamental discipline, organization, and people skills to be effective in the business world, sales in particular. As a result, Dart feels an obligation to utilize his skill and passion for teaching to help other veterans make a successful transition out of the military and into the high tech sales. In his role as Technical Advisor, Dart will evaluate and help revise Tech Qualled’s curriculum to maintain relevancy in an ever-changing and dynamic industry, while continuing to distill and explain key technical concepts to maximize learning value and subject matter retention for Tech Qualled Candidates. Dart lives in the Dallas area with his wife.
Tech Qualled is excited to start 2017 with such strong additions to the team who share a passion for helping veterans. If you are a transitioning veteran looking for a challenging and rewarding career, are passionate about technology, and have a strong desire to help people solve their toughest problems, contact Tech Qualled and apply today!