Meet Robin Cortese | Vice President of Premier Technologies, AT&T Privately owned and operated Agency. Corporate Diwali Ambassador & Hospice Board Member

We had the good fortune of connecting with Robin Cortese and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Robin, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Each and every day we all take risks. A risk was taken on me way back in 1992 on May 26th. Sure, other risks have been taken way before then, both personal and professional but this date is embedded. On that date I was selected to begin a career within the Cellular Industry, brought along by a Manager that gave me no choice but to join her team and follow her lead. She was my mentor, what she said was gospel because she never proved me wrong and in her mind I was a sure thing as well.

Sometimes you meet people that open your world and change your perspective, they see in you endless potential. When you are gifted with being championed on why would you not risk it all? Afterall, the perception of risk is based on one’s own mindset. As I stated, we were both empowering one another to move forward and expand on our own potential. Risk was with reward!

I have taken the practicality of just that and what I have experienced and applied it to my every day. Sharing personal stories of growth and support is what we all need more of. My daily shares are with people that are looking forward to their own growth, potentially with us. So with all of that said, a certain amount of risk which I will now refer to as chance with extended opportunity goes toward the individuals I hire, coach and develop in our Business.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
About the work I do, I support the sales efforts for AT&T Mobility. So, in short we keep people connected to their Loved ones and work. Our business (Premier Technologies) is privately owned and operated based out of Upstate NY. We have 34 showrooms operating within Maine, NY & PA. 152 Colleagues keeps me busy as I continue to share our story while searching for the talent that will support our continued growth to a hopeful 50 locations within the next few years.

What sets us apart from the others is the Human factor, the understanding that people need to be heard and aligned with like minded individuals. As I meet with individuals daily I tell them all the same thing, as it’s a very simple concept to understand and here it is: At the end of the day YOU want to be the person that is talked about around a dinner table in a positive way. Do what it is to be that person, treat people the way you want to be treated and listen to them. Help in any way, this is our way and the best to all be in union and understanding that we are Connectors while keeping people connected.

I consider myself fortunate to be in this Industry supporting AT&TLife, the brand and I are synonymous. I am proud of the Company that we have become and those that we are aligned with. We have skin in all of the communities that we support and are highly active in the give back to others in need. Each and every day all of us are making a difference in our own unique way, that is Premier and I LOVE it!

In life things that you truly enjoy don’t seem like work at all. I was recruited into this space, not my original direction however people saw in me something that I wasn’t aware of in myself. What might be deemed as challenges for a person that has gumption. drive and grit can be all consuming and inspiring on a daily basis. That was the case for me at the very start. Hyper competitive and always wanting to make people happy to the best of my ability is where it’s at for me, so it came easy. I just did it my way each and every day.

Lessons I have learned along the way and are still ongoing: I’ve learned that not all people have the same sense of urgency. That you need to listen, ask questions and never make assumptions. I understand now the importance of taking needed time for myself, to find breathing space and downtime. Our own health and wellbeing is of the utmost importance, in order to continue helping others. TRIBE; cultivate, embrace, remain open and take inventory. What I know for sure at this stage in my life is that people evolve as does work. That not always do we continue to remain in alignment, and during those times it’s alright to step away. Take a break, distance, let the individual growth and expansion continue on as we all have our own continued learning to done. I will not always be everyone’s cup of tea nor will I serve everyone well, there is a time and space. The same holds true for others, what will be will be and we have to let go and give ourselves the ability to say that’s okay.

Ideally what I would like people to know is that anything, absolutely anything is within our grasp. Vision, Focus, Ambition and Tribe will get us on the course. I am a perfect example of Intrepreneurship turned Entrepreneur. It can happen for all those that put forth their unique selves and show what they have to offer each and every day!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
A best friend visiting is a tall and special order! Which simply means the absolute best of times with lots of laughter. As I believe you are looking for answers to support your area here is my answer, I would align immediately with friends in the Florida area to assist with planning. I too love the element of surprise and what I think is the most fun is to experience that together. So, in the past when I have gone to Miami I have deferred to my local besties to do the planning. I will always follow their lead because they are big fun.

Proclaimed foodie so a wonderful restaurant ordering up their featured items, wine pairings, WATER is a must as I love the beach and walking in the sand (after all I do live in UNY which we often are digging out of snow, so that is a welcomed stop), a drag brunch for others will always bring a smile to faces. My friends have been know for that element of surprise. Music and dancing, all that energy equates to an outstanding and memorable time!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Seems so fitting that I would dedicate this Cinderella Story (as I deem it) to the people that started my career: Judi & Ray Richards. I loved the opening of this question as it makes you go back to the beginning of life and extract those thoughts of people and memories that were truly the inspiration. That inspired moving forward in a direction that was never expected.

Along the way as all do, I have picked up many other mentors or I should reverse that, they found me. Also, we can never forget our roots/heritage. Being Native American I was truly gifted with Family that knew hard work, what it took to build on a tribe and surround yourself with rightness to support energy and efforts. That is a huge part of my core being which I credit my Grand Father, Chief Bright Canoe of the Kahnawake Reservation Mohawk Tribe along with my Grand Mother, Mother and Aunt. Let’s not leave out that other half of my equation, DAD…bringing in the Germany heritage rounded me out as well.

Referencing books;
A Man in search of meaning, Viktor Frankl
Broken Open, Elizabeth Lesser
The Tipping Point, Malcolm Gladwell
Journey to the Heart, daily meditations Melody Beattie
On Emotional Intelligence, What makes a Leader, Daniel Goleman

Website: www.premieruny.com

Instagram: robincortese

Linkedin: robincortese

Facebook: robin cortese

Image Credits
Cindy Bell Photography, personal photo Second my own photo of our Premier Family what makes us work!