River City Six – Michael Collins

Meet Michael Collins, referral program manager at Cox Business (coxbusiness.com).

Tell us a little about your business. –

Cox Business delivers business-critical solutions for telephone, high-speed Internet, digital television, networking, security, cloud, and managed services. We focus on delivering secure, next-gen technologies and platforms that enable our business customers to succeed in a digitally driven economy. Our customer base ranges from a one-person flower shop to a 5,000+ employee company with robust infrastructure needs. Cox Business is truly a one-stop shop.

How did you get started in the business? –

I was working for the competition at the time and was worried that I would be furloughed due to a large merger. One of my referral partners at the company reached out to me asking me to schedule a meeting with Cox Business for an open position. I did, and I was brought onto the team in August of 2018. I spent three and a half years as an acquisition representative, hunting for new business. I have recently been promoted to referral program manager.

Tell us a little about your family. –

My family consists of myself, my wife Katherine Collins, and my beautiful daughter Stella Jo. We can’t forget the pups! We have Bugsy the pug and Mia the pitbull.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? –

The biggest turning point in my life is definitely the arrival of my daughter. Stella will be 2 in May and she has completely changed my mindset.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? –

I love to golf. If anyone is brave enough to meet me on the links, we can talk business.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? –

Most people think I’m a “fly by the seat of one’s pants” kind of person based on my personality. However, I actually prefer to analyze, ask, and dig into the whys behind the whats.

Who inspires you? –

Elon Musk because of his unmatched drive and motivation. He tells stories about all the times he’s failed, only to overcome each one of those failures with a success story. True inspiration.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? –

Fortune favors the bold!

If you could have a super power, what would it be? –

Predict the future.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? –

I would choose the IT industry. I’m right where I’m supposed to be.

What is your favorite movie? –

The Judge.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? –

Again, Elon Musk. I think there is so much to learn from someone that has built what he has built.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? –

(402) 378-0824 (cell); michael.collins3@cox.com; coxbusiness.com.