What's Inside

  1. Company News: AireSpring Wins UC Excellence Award; AireSpring’s John Young Recognized as Top 50 Channel Chief
  2. Product News: AireSpring Adds Carrier US Signal
  3. Partner Success Spotlight: Multi-Million Dollar Global Partner Win with a Multi-national, Multi-location Building Manufacturing Enterprise
  4. Q1 2025 Promo: Say "Oui" to Paris with AireSpring's $50K Challenge
  5. Partner Webinar: The Future of Branch Networking – Smarter, Safer, Simpler, Thurs., Mar. 20, 2025
  6. Coming Events
  7. SD-X Primer Bootcamp: Thurs., Mar. 13, 2025
  8. Partner Spotlight: Evan Shields, Founder/CEO, Shielded Technology Solutions, Louisville, KY
  9. Meet the AireSpring Team: Julie Fox, Regional Channel Manager, Salt Lake City, UT
  10. AireSpring Partner Resources

AireSpring Receives 2024 Unified Communications Excellence Award for Fourth Consecutive Year

AireSpring is happy to announce that it has been honored with the 2024 TMC Unified Communications (UC) Excellence Award for the fourth consecutive year. AireSpring earned the award for modernizing the IT infrastructure of a major nationwide bookseller and e-commerce company with over 260 locations.

Key highlights of AireSpring’s solution include:

  • Comprehensive IT Management: AireSpring’s AI-powered AIreCONTROL IT service management platform which provides 360 degrees of complete visibility and control, unifying every process, device, circuit, and data point into a single pane of glass view.
  • State-of-the-art Connectivity: Redesigned voice and data networks featuring broadband and multi-gigabit dedicated internet access (DIA) with 5G/4G/LTE failover.
  • AirePBX: In addition to the collaboration, VoIP calling and SMS features office-based workers have come to expect, AirePBX retains features that older premise-based systems provide that are critical for customer-facing employees at retail brick-and-mortar businesses. AirePBX includes key features such as mobility, on-hold messaging and auto-attendant call management and call routing freeing up employees to focus on serving customers.
  • On-site Installation: Additionally AirePBX is available with on-site installation and configuration which includes VLANS, switches, and the installation and testing of desk phones.
  • Cost Savings: The retailer achieved a 35-45% reduction in phone and internet costs.
  • Enhanced Security: Deployment of Fortinet Next-Generation Firewalls with integrated SD-WAN delivers advanced threat protection and secure connectivity.

These enhancements resulted in improved network reliability, reduced downtime, better customer communication, streamlined vendor management, and enhanced support for critical applications such as UCaaS, credit card processing, and e-commerce.

“AireSpring is honored to receive this recognition for our Unified Communications solutions,” said AireSpring CEO Avi Lonstein. “This award underscores our commitment to delivering tailored solutions that address the evolving needs of multi-location enterprises. By integrating advanced connectivity, security, and IT management technologies, we empower our customers with superior performance, reliability, and exceptional support.”

Read the full press release on our website.

AireSpring's John Young Recognized as Top 50 Channel Chief

AireSpring is pleased to announce that John Young, Senior Vice President of Channel Sales, has been named one of CRN’s 50 Most Influential Channel Chiefs for 2025. Selected by CRN’s editorial team, the Most Influential Channel Chiefs represent the top tier of executives shaping the future of the IT channel.

Throughout his tenure at AireSpring, John Young has played a pivotal role in expanding the company’s channel presence, forging strategic partnerships with MSPs, VARs, and TSDs, and driving AireSpring’s international growth. His leadership has strengthened AireSpring’s reputation as a 100% channel-focused provider, ensuring partners receive the highest level of support and service.

“I’m honored to be recognized among the industry’s top channel leaders,” said John Young, SVP of Channel Sales at AireSpring. “The channel is all about relationships, and I’m committed to empowering our partners with the tools, support, and solutions they need to thrive in today’s evolving IT landscape.”

“As a 100% channel focused company, John’s leadership and dedication to the channel continue to be instrumental to AireSpring’s success,” said Daniel Lonstein, President and CRO of AireSpring. “His strategic vision and commitment to our partners have been key drivers of our growth, and we are thrilled to see him recognized once again for his contributions to the industry.”

Read the full press release on our website.

AireSpring Adds Carrier US Signal

AireSpring is happy to announce that it now provides carrier US Signal’s fiber DIA product offering in IL, IN, OH, WI, and predominantly in MI, with two-, three-, and five-year terms.


The following speeds are available:

  • 10M
  • 20M
  • 50M
  • 100M
  • 150M
  • 200M
  • 250M
  • 500M
  • 1G

For more information on US Signal and fiber DIA offerings through QuoteSpring, contact your Channel Manager.

Say "Oui" to Paris with AireSpring's $50K Challenge!

Branch networking is evolving—are you keeping up? With the rise of cloud applications, remote work, and cybersecurity threats, legacy networks are no longer enough. Businesses need a modern, fully integrated solution that simplifies IT operations while enhancing performance and security. SD-Branch is the answer.

Join AireSpring Senior Solutions Engineer, Chuck Long, for an exclusive webinar where we’ll explore:

  • Why traditional networking models are failing and how Managed SD-Branch from AireSpring solves these challenges
  • How Fortinet SD-WAN, with integrated security, and AI-powered automation create a seamless, high-performance network
  • The financial and operational benefits of consolidating network and security functions
  • How AIreCONTROL—AireSpring’s AI-powered IT Service Management (ITSM) platform—offering full visibility, automation, and control over your entire network adds a new dimension of control and operational efficiency with real-time monitoring, intelligent troubleshooting, and simplified policy enforcement—helping businesses reduce complexity and stay secure.

Don’t miss out! Register now to discover how AireSpring’s fully managed SD-Branch solution, powered by Fortinet and AIreCONTROL, can transform your network.

Webinar:

The Future of Branch Networking Smarter, Safer, Simpler

Presenter:

Chuck Long, Senior Solutions Engineer, AireSpring

When: Thursday, Mar 20, 2025

Time: 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM (ET)

Presenter

Chuck Long

Senior Solutions Engineer,

AireSpring

Please complete the survey after the webinar for a chance to win a

$100 Amazon gift card.

Mobile World Congress

March 3-6, 2025

Barcelona, Spain

REGISTER HERE

AireSpring SD-X Primer Bootcamp

Thursday, March 13, 2025

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM (ET)

REGISTER HERE

AireSpring Partner Webinar:

The Future of Branch Networking Smarter, Safer, Simpler

Thursday, March 20, 2025

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM (ET)

REGISTER HERE

Channel Partners

March 24-27, 2025

Las Vegas, NV

REGISTER HERE

Telarus AI & Tech Summit

April 3, 2025

Atlanta, GA

Sandler HQ Event

May 1, 2025

Salt Lake City, UT

Webinar: AireSpring SD-X Primer Boot Camp

Who Should Attend: Technology Advisors & Their Customers

Instructor: Mike Chase, J.D., CCIE, SVP Solutions Engineering

Date: Thursday, March 13, 2025

Time: 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM Eastern Time (ET)

Join us for an in-depth overview of SD-WAN and SASE technologies, led by AireSpring’s SVP of Solutions Engineering, Mike Chase. Whether you’re an end-user customer looking to strengthen your network infrastructure or a technology adviser guiding clients on connectivity solutions, this session is designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of these technologies.

Invite Your Customers to Join!

Please note your customers are welcome to join. Please share the registration link with them.

Key Takeaways:

  • Evaluate SD-WAN’s Role in SASE: Understand SD-WAN technology as the foundational pillar of SASE architecture.
  • Explore SD-WAN, SD-Branch, and SASE Benefits: Identify the value, potential caveats, and unique capabilities of SD-WAN, SD-Branch, and SASE to meet diverse business needs.
  • Compare Leading Technology Providers: Gain insights into the top solutions from Cato, Fortinet, and VeloCloud by VMware, with practical use cases for each.
  • Discover Managed SD-WAN and SASE Advantages: Learn how Managed SD-WAN and SASE services add value for multi-location and global enterprises.
  • Get a First Look at AIreCONTROL: Explore the capabilities of AireSpring’s AI-powered, cloud-based IT Service Management Platform, designed to optimize and manage enterprise networks.

Invite Your Customers to Join!

Please note your customers are welcome to join. Please share the registration link with them.

Presented By:

Mike Chase

SVP Solutions Engineering

AireSpring

Space is Limited!

All Attendees Must Register in Advance!

To begin, please tell us a little about yourself, your career in

telecom/technology, and your agency.

I’m a second-generation telecom professional, and my father, Ron Shields, is a big reason why I’m in this industry. He got his start in tech in a sales role at Xerox, then at MCI and several other corporations before starting his own business and building a family legacy to help others optimize their technology solutions to drive outcomes.

In 1998, my father and Robert Bowling started an agency based in Louisville, KY, called Telecom Decision Makers (TDM), which still exists today.

I began working in telecom at 17 years old, selling POTS lines for TDM. After my time at TDM, I started working with suppliers, first as a Verizon reseller, and then at an aggregator. About seven years into my career, I realized I was built to be an entrepreneur rather than working in the corporate world, and I had the desire to build something that mattered. I started Shielded Technology Solutions (STS) in June 2022.

At Shielded Technology Solutions, we provide everything from voice and SIP trunking, to UCaaS and Microsoft Teams, as well as network aggregation. We are also bringing cybersecurity vendors to the table as the need for those solutions grows.

What do you like about working with AireSpring?

It's really important to find a few suppliers that can do more than just one thing, and AireSpring completely fits that description. The consolidation of solutions, the ability to have everything fall under one bill, as well as access to a dedicated support team, are all crucial to our success, and there are only a few companies that do it well.

"At the end of the day, AireSpring and their dedication to flawless implementation and customer service, as well as the channel, protects the brand that I and my family have built."

The approach that AireSpring’s sales team takes is really a differentiator in the industry along with its broad portfolio of services. The AireSpring team takes the time to understand the customers’ needs. When the solution engineer builds out the “solution of work” and they actively transition it to a project manager, it’s a seamless process. If we ever have an issue, the AireSpring team will get to the bottom of it. Before we go to deploy solutions, we have every detail accounted for. We know what the MSP is responsible for, and likewise, we know what we’re responsible for. It’s clear throughout the process what AireSpring’s role is, and we're all going to be ready to play ball when installation time comes around. A lot of suppliers in the industry will rush the sale and won't have all the notes. Their project documentation will be incomplete, which causes chaos and confusion, and ultimately, your reputation as an agent is negatively impacted. At the end of the day, AireSpring and their dedication to flawless implementation and customer service, as well as the channel, protects the brand that I and my family have built.

What would you say is the secret to being a successful technology advisor in today’s marketplace?

It’s true that 80 percent of success happens just by showing up (and the other 20 percent is answering your phone). In this industry, your reputation is really all you have, whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned pro. We’re still considered trusted advisors, and a lot of customers have been burned by trusted advisors who inflate rates and don’t do right by them. If you want to be a trusted advisor, you need to be transparent with your clients.

"Above all, you need to do what’s necessary to protect your brand by being honest, genuine, and consistent."

You need to understand that you work on behalf of that client to really help them navigate these waters with your knowledge and expertise. Because of this, it’s important to stay current on the latest technologies, like augmenting security posture, so you can best meet your customers’ needs. Above all, you need to do what’s necessary to protect your brand by being honest, genuine, and consistent.

What do you foresee happening in the channel in 2025 (or what is the “next big thing” or “things” you think people should be aware of or get involved in, etc.)?

Cybersecurity and AI are going to be game changers that aren’t going away anytime soon. For example, AI is going to be increasingly integrated into phone systems and collaboration and security tools. As long as my team has quality partners like AireSpring, who vet the newest innovations, and allow us to broker the best, most relevant solutions for our business clients, I know we’ll be able to provide the solutions customers are going to be looking for, no matter how fast the technology changes.

With respect to changes in the channel, I anticipate that private equity is going to continue to acquire companies, although that’s not something I see happening with STS. Whenever private equity comes and buys one of my competitors up, those customers sometimes start looking for another trusted advisor, and I want to be able to serve them. The trusted advisor community is generally tight knit, and we’re all willing to help each other, even though we’re often competing, because we genuinely want to take care of customers.

"Cybersecurity and AI are going to be game changers that aren’t going away anytime soon"

What are some of your interests outside of telecom?

I married my college sweetheart, and we’ve been happily together for nearly 12 years. She’s my best friend, and when life gives us the chance, we love traveling together.

We have four incredible kids—three boys and our baby girl—who keep our lives full of energy, excitement, and a little bit of chaos. When I’m not working (and sometimes when I am), I’m spending time with them. They’re involved in sports, and since we homeschool, I also get to take an active role in their education, which is something I truly value.

When I do get time for myself, I love playing pickleball. It’s my competitive outlet and a great way to unwind. I also have a passion for working on vehicles—it’s something I’ve loved since I was a teenager. There’s something therapeutic about getting my hands dirty in the garage, working on a motorcycle or an old truck with my boys, classic rock playing in the background, and enjoying a Saturday afternoon together.

Tell us briefly about your professional background and your career prior to joining AireSpring.

I began my career in telecom in 2000 at Broadwing, where I started as an Office Manager before transitioning into roles as an Executive Assistant and Service Delivery Coordinator. In 2003, my Sales Engineer at Broadwing recruited me into sales at XO Communications, which launched my career in technology sales. From there, I sold for Integra and PAETEC/Windstream, where I was promoted and transferred to Regional Sales Director of the Pacific Northwest. In 2016, I founded FX Solutions, my own agency, to continue providing technology solutions to my long-term customers. My focus shifted to the Government vertical, selling CCaaS and SaaS solutions with an emphasis on enhancing customer service and experience.

Tell us a bit about your role at AireSpring and how you support our partners.

As a Regional Channel Manager, my role is to empower partners within my territory by helping them maximize their opportunities with comprehensive technology solutions, including AIreCONTROL, AireSpring’s AI-Powered IT Service Management Platform. I work closely with partners to provide the right tools, resources, and strategies to ensure long-term customer satisfaction and business growth. Leveraging my existing network, I also create new connections and collaborative opportunities that drive shared success.

What do you like about working at AireSpring?

Having sold AireSpring solutions in the past through my agency, I was impressed by the company’s commitment to excellence—from identifying the right solutions to ensuring smooth installation and prioritizing accurate, transparent billing. That firsthand experience made it an easy decision to join AireSpring, where I now have the opportunity to share that same confidence and enthusiasm with partners. I’m excited to help others discover the value of working with AireSpring and the outstanding experience it offers both partners and their customers.

Tell us about your hobbies/activities outside of work.

Golf is one of my biggest passions—I love playing whenever possible! Living in Utah makes winter golf a challenge, so I take every opportunity to travel and play during the off-season. I also have a deep love for singing, which I enjoy as a personal creative outlet. Taking singing lessons and recording cover songs is something I do for fun and self-expression. Most importantly, my greatest joy in life is spending time with my family. My two sons, now 23 and 25, are my biggest pride and happiness!

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