Meet Russell Keller: Customer Account Manager @ Centre

We know our success comes from the people who go above and beyond to deliver for our customers every single day. From consulting on high-impact projects to building trusted relationships that span companies and careers, Russell Keller, Customer Account Manager at Centre, embodies our commitment to being a true technology partner. His dedication to thoughtful problem-solving, personalized service, and always showing up for the team captures the heart of what Centre is all about.

Like our last @ Centre feature, Russell’s approach goes far beyond the expectation. He values customers beyond just scopes and strategy. Rather he’s someone who listens, learns, and leads with purpose. Whether he’s helping a long-time contact streamline AV systems or working alongside vCIOs to scope the next big upgrade, Russell brings a mix of technical expertise and genuine care to every interaction. He’s passionate about helping customers reach their goals through technology and he does it with the determination to always do what’s right. Russell reminds us that being a technology partner isn’t just about what we deliver, it’s about how we show up. We’re proud to spotlight Russell Keller and the difference he makes for our customers and our team every day.

You get to choose one superpower, which one are you choosing and why?

I would choose instantaneous time travel because I believe it would be really neat to go back to different times to see how it was different places and time. I would also be able to see any past sporting events and I would use my knowledge of games in the past to make bets to win a lot of money! The instantaneous part would be teleportation to get me out of any binds that might happen due to me looking and being different if I go to different eras and countries.

How would you describe your role’s impact on Centre customers?

I either work with one of our vCIOs or directly with the client. The vCIO recommends a technology project and I coordinate a call with our customer to scope out what is needed to improve the environment, either functionally or upgrading because of age, or both. If the client is not a managed client, I will consult more with them and make recommendations, with the help of a Solution Architect at times.
 
I love my job because it is fast paced, always different, never dull, and I can help clients achieve their business goals with the use of technology. I have had multiple moments of building successful relationships with our customers, but one of my favorites has to be when I worked with a client who I had a relationship with at another company first. He thought of me when he went to another company and discovered they had disparate Conference Room AV systems even though he had a feeling that wasn't one of our core pillars. He knew that I would be able to help guide him at least and to facilitate what they needed. They had talked with multiple AV vendors and could never get quick response or anyone that truly consulted with them on their needs. I worked with my POC to find out all the issues and then worked with C2E and my Solution Architect to come with a plan and we scoped out all of the conference rooms and streamlined what was to be installed. We had multiple calls, revisions, had to get our vCISO at the time for legal verbiage changes, but at the end of the day, we got it done, and his boss was extremely happy and that set us up for a partnership with a nationwide company that we've never had before. I love getting to build those type of experiences for our customers. 

"Russell is a tireless worker who grinds it out every day.  He approaches customer and client interactions as opportunities to add value and to position Centre as a trusted advisor."

Tony Owens

Regional Sales Director at Centre Technologies

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

It's not an easy answer, but I would say Switzerland. It is where my wife wants to go, has beautiful mountains and views, and plenty of snow where a fire pit or fire place would be a necessity. I would like to experience the beauty of Switzerland in the winter, especially the Alps and the Jura Mountains to the North and South. Also, I would like to smell cheese being made and ride a cable car up the side of a mountain. My wife and I would stay in an Alpine Cottage, chalet, or cabin in the mountains with great views. So, bucket list items would be sledding or riding a snow mobile in the Alps, and going to Prague in the Czech Republic, which is where my wife's family is from; I would like to go to Prague Castle, which is the largest ancient castle in the world and where the president lives. 

(This author would like to join as well...New bucket list items unlocked!)

In your own words, how would you describe Centre’s differentiators?

If you were stranded on a deserted island alone, what three items would you need?

I hope to never be in this situation, but if I was, I would need some kind of spear or knife, water purification device, and my cell phone! I feel I need clean water, something used for hunting, and the phone for entertainment and the way to get someone to get me off the island soon.

How would you describe the #ONETEAM culture at Centre?

The #ONETEAM culture to me is employees in whatever department being willing to work with each other whenever an issue arises to help each other or a client out. We're working as a team to be the best MSP in Texas and Oklahoma!

Russell, you are a true example of what it means to lead with purpose and passion. Your dedication to our customers, your teammates, and the values that define Centre shines through in every project and every relationship you build. We’re incredibly grateful to have people like you on our #ONETEAM who not only solve problems but also create lasting partnerships rooted in trust and care. If you haven’t had the chance to work with Russell yet, just wait, you’ll understand why he’s one of the best in the business. You probably already do.

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