Category Archives: Press Release

KUDUCOM extendió una bienvenida a Jorge Figueredo, incorporándolo oficialmente como especialista en soluciones el 1 de agosto. Nacido en Cuba y criado en Tampa, Figueredo es la incorporación perfecta para KUDUCOM para participar y respaldar el continuo crecimiento del mercado empresarial hispanohablante. Figueredo ha dedicado los últimos 31 años de su carrera profesional viajando por el Caribe, México, Centro y Sudamérica. Su amplia interacción y conocimiento de las diversas culturas latinas servirán bien a KUDUCOM y a sus clientes. 

“Estoy orgulloso de servir como el enlace con la comunidad latina en Tampa Bay, llevando el poder de la tecnología de KUDUCOM a más personas cada día. Me esfuerzo por seguir siendo un recurso para nuestro mercado de clientes que hablan español, asegurándome de que reciban la calidad de servicio que merecen y tomen decisiones informadas sobre las soluciones que eligen”, dijo Figueredo. 

En sus primeros 90 días, Figueredo ha dedicado tiempo para presentarse y a KUDUCOM a los varios líderes y grupos hispanos destacados en el área de Tampa Bay. Las organizaciones con las que ahora está integrado incluyen la Cámara de Comercio de West Tampa, la Cámara de Comercio de St. Pete, la Cámara de Comercio Latina de Tampa Bay, la Cámara de Comercio de Greater Pasco, la Cámara de Comercio Hispana de Tampa Bay y la Cámara de Comercio Hispana del Condado de Pinellas, por nombrar algunas. 

El Vicepresidente Senior de Ventas, James Neely, elogió a Jorge como una adición bienvenida al equipo de ventas, señalando: “Sus interacciones entusiastas con la comunidad y su base de clientes lo convierten en un ejemplo bienvenido de los valores y servicios centrados en el cliente de nuestra empresa. Su habilidad ha demostrado ser inestimable para ampliar la capacidad de nuestro negocio de ser un recurso verdaderamente cooperativo para las personas a las que servimos”. 

Además de dar la bienvenida a Jorge, KUDUCOM ha añadido una página de contacto en español para aquellos que prefieren ponerse en contacto con nosotros en español. Los usuarios pueden visitar esta página yendo a www.Kuducom.com/ventas-y-apoyo-espanol. A medida que Kuducom sigue afianzando su presencia en la comunidad latina, esperan traducir más de su contenido en el futuro, con el objetivo de que sus servicios sean accesibles para toda la comunidad. 

¡Bienvenido y gracias, Jorge! ¡Viva KUDUCOM! 

KUDUCOM offered a warm ‘Bienvenido!’ to Jorge Figueredo, welcoming him as a solutions specialist officially on August 1. Born in Cuba and raised in Tampa, Figueredo is the perfect addition for KUDUCOM to engage and support the ever-growing local Spanish Business Market. Figueredo has spent the last 31 years of his professional career traveling to the Caribbean, Mexico, Central & South America. His extensive interaction and knowledge of the diverse Latin cultures will serve KUDUCOM and its clients well.  

“I’m proud to serve as an asset to Tampa Bay’s rich Latin community, bringing the power of KUDUCOM’s technology to more and more people every day. I strive to remain a resource for our growing market of Spanish-speaking customers, making sure they get the quality of service they deserve, and are making educated decisions on the solutions they select.” Said Figueredo.  

In his first 90 days, Figueredo has dedicated ample time to introduce himself and KUDUCOM to the many elite Hispanic leaders and groups in the Tampa Bay Area. Organizations he is now integrated with includes the West Tampa Chamber of Commerce, St. Pete Chamber of Commerce, Tampa Bay Latin Chamber of Commerce, Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce, Tampa Bay Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Pinellas County to name a few. 

Senior Vice President of Sales, James Neely, commended Jorge as a welcome addition to the sales staff, noting, “His enthusiastic interactions with the community and his client base make him a welcome addition to our company’s customer-centric values and services. His skillset has proven invaluable in expanding our business’ ability to be a true, cooperative resource to the people we serve.” 

In addition to welcoming Jorge, KUDUCOM has added a Spanish language contact page for those who prefer speaking their native tongue of Spanish. Users can visit this page by going to www.Kuducom.com/ventas-y-apoyo-espanol. As Kuducom develops a deeper footprint within the Latin market, they will translate more of their content to be accessible to the broader community. 

¡Bienvenido y gracias, Jorge! ¡Viva KUDUCOM! 

Leer en español

TAMPA, Fla. (Oct. 17, 2023)- The South Tampa Chamber of Commerce announced today that Whitney Olive, Solutions Specialist at KUDUCOM, is slated to join its Board of Directors in 2024. All proposed board members submitted applications to a nominating committee. The committee then selected nominees for a board vote in a meeting Monday, which decided the proposed slate as well as new selections to the executive committee.  

Whitney shared his excitement to take on the position in a statement, saying “It’s a great honor to be considered among this esteemed group to lead our organization during the 2024-2026 term. I hope to continue the Chamber’s dedication and advocacy for South Tampa’s businesses and help to elevate the services they provide to members.” 

The proposed slate for 2024-2026 includes leaders from other Chamber Businesses, including Elan Melamed of Tampa General Hospital, Susan Nieland of CFO Solutions, Dean Akers of Adjunct CEO, and Angel Acosta at South State Bank.  

Rebekah Nault, KUDUCOM’s Director of Business Development and previous Chairwoman of the Board for the South Tampa Chamber, shared her support for her colleague, stating, “Whitney is a prime example of the values that the Chamber upholds and is a demonstrated leader in his work and his support for the community. I’m elated to support him in his appointment to the board of directors and know he will offer great things for the organization during his term.”  

KUDUCOM invites you to share your congratulations to Whitney via social media and in the community, as he continues to be an active representative and resource to the many businesses and organizations he serves.  

ABOUT South Tampa Chamber: South Tampa Chamber is a membership association for businesses and organizations in the district, that works to provide a forum which connects members, enhances commerce and enriches the South Tampa community. 

TAMPA, Fla. (October 15, 2023)- KUDUCOM announced its inaugural partnership with Embarc Collective, a 501c3 non-profit that serves as a central landing zone for the most driven and focused startup builders in Florida, located in downtown Tampa.   

KUDUCOM’s Senior Vice President of Sales, James Neely, noted, “This partnership allows emerging leaders in the tech industry to experience the innovation of KUDUCOM’s technology while building at Embarc Collective. We’re glad to have a crucial role in driving these companies to do more great things, now with the power of KUDUCOM.”   

In addition, KUDUCOM will be recognized within Embarc Collective’s state-of-the-art hub as a conference room sponsor and will provide key members of the KUDUCOM’s sales team with the ability to meet with members in-person at Embarc Collective, located in the center of downtown Tampa’s booming business district.    

KUDUCOM’s Director of Business Development, Rebekah Nault, cited the benefits of KUDUCOM having a home in downtown Tampa, stating “One of our hallmarks is how active we are on-site and in the community. Having access to these facilities allows our team to continue its impeccable customer service and to deepen our network with the growing companies that are a part of Embarc Collective.”   

“This partnership gives our members access to technology that can accelerate their growth in the industry, while providing KUDUCOM’s team with an opportunity to build relationships and offer support to high-potential startups growing in Florida,” said Allie Felix, VP of Platform at Embarc Collective.  

 To learn more about membership and what Embarc Collective has to offer, visit www.embarccollective.com  

Meet Bekele: The Kudu representing Tampa’s premier local communications provider 

TAMPA, Fla. (August 11, 2023)- Today, KUDUCOM wrapped up its “Name the Kudu” social media contest, earning a name for its official mascot. After three weeks of submissions, three finalists were chosen by KUDUCOM™ leadership as possibilities for the Kudu’s name – Bekele, Enzi, and Nguvu. The three names were pitted against each other in a public poll on Facebook, and Bekele came out on top.  

Heidi Damon of Tampa Bay Constructors is the face behind the winning name, “Bekele”- a name of Ethiopian origin meaning to flourish, that is also commonly associated with strength, wisdom and maturity. Damon is being awarded the grand prize, including a pair of Tampa Bay Lightning tickets, and a VIP Package to Busch Gardens, packed with four tickets for entry, a parking pass, and quick queue. When asked how she came to decide on the unique and significant name, Damon attributed her success to ample research.  

“I researched everything from names that would be appropriate for an animal of that origin, to the name and language’s origin, and of course the meaning. I felt that this name, given the meaning, truly represented KUDUCOM and what it stands for.” Damon added.  

In recognition of their effort and creativity, both runners up will also receive prize packages from other local businesses and attractions. First runner up Darcel Schouler with the name “Enzi” will receive a prize basket from ZooTampa at Lowry Park with four tickets for entry, along with a $50 gift certificate to Top Golf. Mike Davids with the name “Nguvu” will receive the third-place prize, including a six-month membership to MOSI for a party of five, and a $50 gift card to Bouzy Hyde Park. Both runners up will also receive a pair of Lightning tickets, courtesy of KUDUCOM.  

“This contest was something different than anything we’ve ever done,” said KUDUCOM’s Senior Vice President of Sales, James Neely, “We’re proud to have brought together people and businesses from all over the region to join in embracing our brand like never before. We’d like to extend our many thanks to all who participated and a big congratulations to the finalists.” 

KUDUCOM’s latest initiative is just one example of their aptitude towards innovation, creativity and genuine customer-centric values. The contest, which was open to the public via all social media channels, allowed audiences to fully interact with KUDUCOM and explore the brand’s South African heritage. KUDUCOM™ would like to extend its gratitude to all the participants as well as the local businesses who helped make the giveaway possible, including Bouzy, TopGolf, Busch Gardens, ZooTampa, and MOSI.  

Ybor City, Fla. (July 25, 2023) – Rebekah Nault, the Director of Business Development for KUDUCOM™ and Immediate Past Chair of the South Tampa Chamber of Commerce (STCOC) Executive Committee got up close and personal with a sit-down fireside chat with Jason Woody for a group of invite-only attendees comprised of the Chamber’s Chairman’s Circle and Trustee Members.

According to Woody, it all starts with organ, eye, and tissue donation. “After more than 30+ years of serving the organization, as much as we grow, ‘everything’ we do rotates around the donors and their families, and equally, the recipients and their families. We collectively serve as stewards of a very special gift.”

A large part of the discussion focused not only on the rich history of Lions World Vision Institute (formerly Lions Eye Institute for Transplant and Research), but the recent acquisition and renaming after joining forces with SightLife US Eye Bank in Seattle to become the world’s largest combined non-profit research center, eye bank operation, and distributor of novel tissue processing techniques and services.

Woody concluded, “We recognize the incredible generosity of tissue donors and their families. In honor of the donor, we offer a variety of programs to provide support to the families and celebrate the life of their loved one. Lions World Vision Institute recovered tissue from more than 10,000 cornea donors and 650 tissue donors in 2022, restoring sight and enhancing the lives of over 20,000 people throughout the United States and in over 75 countries around the world through transplantation. You can save and transform lives by registering to be an organ, eye and tissue donor today.”

In support of their client and fellow Kudu Nault, KUDUCOM’s SVP of Sales James Neely and Solution Specialist Whitney Olive attended the event.

TAMPA Fla. (July 07, 2023) – Erik Huffman has joined Kuducom’s ranks as part of their sales team. Huffman came to the company after 17 years at a national communications service provider. Acting as a Strategic Account Manager in his last role, Huffman decided to make the leap in pursuit of the unique company culture, with customer-centric values and commitment to the community.    

“Erik brings a wealth of industry knowledge and experience to the table, which has been a welcome asset to our enterprise sales team.  We’re proud to welcome him to the world of true, people-focused sales with Kuducom.” Said Senior Vice President of Sales, James Neely.  

Over his 20-plus year career in communications services, sales and marketing, Huffman developed a strong rapport with local business owners, mainly throughout the many hotel chains and establishments in Pinellas County. Given this track record, Huffman fits extremely well as part of Kuducom’s strategic effort to expand their presence across Tampa Bay. However, for Erik, what drew him to this position was the high standard by which Kuducom’s clients are treated.  

“At Kuducom, our job is to bring clients the products they will use, and they can afford. I’ve never been one to try and sell a customer something they didn’t need, and that mindset is welcome here. At Kuducom, your customer’s needs come first, then your quota,” said Huffman with pride for his new company. He continued by commending the team effort that Kuducom’s staff upholds, saying, “if we as a team can’t create the best solution for the client, we won’t do it.”  

Kuducom, a veteran in the telecommunications space with over 25-years of business-to-business experience, has continued to grow and expand its team this past year, including welcoming James Neely as Senior VP of Sales, and promoting long-time staff member Rebekah Nault to Director of Business Development, and now Huffman, a welcome addition to an already hefty lineup leaders.  

TAMPA Fla. (June 15, 2023)- KUDUCOM™ is calling on their social media followers to name their new beloved mascot: the African kudu. The “Name the Kudu” contest, a social media campaign celebrating the organization’ recent rebranding, gives audiences a chance to let their voices be heard.

To enter, followers can suggest a name for the kudu featured in KUDUCOM’s new logo. Each entry is a chance to win an exciting lineup of prizes from Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, ZooTampa, the Museum of Science and Inquiry and gift cards to Top Golf and Bouzy Hyde Park. KUDUCOM will also sponsor a pair of tickets to the Tampa Bay Lightning for each of the three finalists.

“We’re so proud of the work we’ve put in to give our company a new look and feel. We have and always will put customers at the center of everything we do, so who better to name our kudu than the customers themselves.” Said James Neely, Senior Vice President of Sales for KUDUCOM.

At the start of this year, 25-year-old telecommunications solutions provider, PBX-Change, adopted a fresh name and look- becoming KUDUCOM. The company swapped its original, decades-old globe logo for a pair of antlers, belonging to the noble kudu; a type of South African antelope that pays homage to the founders’ roots. After six months of introducing their new brand and logo to the public, it’s time to finally give those antlers a name!

Interested participants can look to KUDUCOM’s Instagram, Twitter and Facebook pages for updates on the contest. Submissions will be accepted today through 5pm on Thursday, July 20. The form to suggest a name and enter the contest can be found at www.kuducom.com/namethekudu.  Once submissions close, three finalists will be selected by a panel of KUDUCOM staff, and the results will be posted in a poll to Facebook followers by Monday, July 24. Followers will then vote on their selection for the winner for the rest of the week, and the winner will be announced on all pages Monday, July 31. Rules and regulations can be found on the contest website, as well as social media.

About KUDUCOM: KUDUCOM™ (koo·do·com), formerly PBX-Change, is a Tampa-based Communications Solutions Provider with over 25 years of business-to-business experience. KUDUCOM provides businesses with a trusted and secure single source solution for voice, data, cloud, and Internet services.

Tampa, Fla., May 17, 2023 –– KUDUCOM’s Chief Technology Officer Ryan Yaldor announced today the successful implementation of the world’s leading Software-As-Service (SaaS) cloud contact center solution, CISCO’s Webex Contact Center for The Hillsborough County Property Appraiser.

“As the workplace continues to evolve, businesses with multiple applications are streamlining their operations to deliver a more reliable, single dashboard environment, so staff can provide a better customer-centric experience. KUDUCOM’s hands-on approach makes the integration and optimization smooth, backed by our local support to help every step of the way,” said Yaldor.

According to CISCO, The Webex Contact Center was designed and built from its foundation as a software-as-Service (SaaS) cloud solution, and its platform architecture brings businesses the innovation, flexibility, scalability, and agility of the cloud without sacrificing security. Forrester Consulting conducted a Total Economic Impact™ study of Webex Contact Center and concluded that the solution delivered a 262% ROI and improved contact center operations over a three-year period in multiple business sectors.

Bob Henriquez, The Hillsborough County Property Appraiser, said, “Besides the duty and responsibility to appraise all of the property in the County, we are in the people business, and our number one priority is extraordinary customer service. This implementation replaced the needs of today, allowing the expansion for the needs of tomorrow with “Omni-channel” capabilities for voice, chat, email, social media, and so on.”

According to CISCO, the Webex Contact Center is a cloud-based subscription that enables businesses and organizations to go rapidly to market, delivering enhanced revenue opportunities while minimizing upfront capital investment. The native cloud architecture is rated the #1 global solution inspired by customers and architected for businesses.

Greg Alford, Assistant Chief Administrative Officer of Administration, said, “We knew we wanted a local partner for support to ensure customer retention and high-mark service levels. KUDUCOM met with us and systematically rationalized our past issues and role-played future scenarios like chat, social media, and other customer experience applications. From dropped calls, application crossover hiccups, poor routing and queue management, and hybrid work challenges, we rest at ease now, saying goodbye to all those inconveniences.”

Opal Hudson, Assistant Chief Administrative Officer of Value, said, “Upon our initial meeting, we set objectives to reduce complexity and expenses, enhance productivity, and bring security and scalability to our employees and customers. All with increased functionality and value compared to premise-based contact centers.”

Yaldor commented that CISCO’s Webex Contact Center offers the best platform for seamless progression to an Omni-Channel environment, allowing businesses to achieve high-quality customer experiences.

Henriquez added, “Our office has never experienced such a smooth and event-free installation and transition of such a major application change. We could have chosen several different providers that are partnered with CISCO; however, we knew that KUDUCOM’s experience, customer service, and location made them the ideal partner for us.”

To learn more about KUDUCOM and its business-centric voice, internet, and cloud services, please visit KUDUCOM.com or call 866-KUDUCOM today!

To see the case study for The Hillsborough County Property Appraiser’s Office Webex Contact Center Implementation by KUDUCOM, please click here.