Making a Connection
by Jessica Goolsby
For some, the word “technology” induces head spinning and skyrocketing anxiety. It’s too confusing, everchanging, and makes us feel as helpless as a trip to the phone store. Wishing for someone who could wave a magic wand and bring a user-friendly digital vision to fruition seems like a pipe dream, but Fairhope’s Devon Harris is here to do just that. A down-to-Earth, vivacious tech leader, she’s the one we’ve all been looking for.
Devon Harris, VP and Co-Owner, OberaConnect, LLC.
Meeting for coffee after carpool at Fairhope’s Provisions, one thing’s clear: Devon Harris is on top of her game and someone we’d all like to have on speed dial. With an infectious laugh and energetic disposition, she and her equally enthusiastic sidekick, Madison Cruz, both exude that “boss babe” vibe in all things tech and motherhood. Both coincidentally dressed in hunter boots and black and white ensembles, it’s obvious that great minds think alike.
A true entrepreneur, Devon has helped her company, OberaConnect, LLC, grow astronomically. Having worked in telecom for the last decade, Devon says when the opportunity arose to run the business, she didn’t hesitate. Juggling roles from sales and service to management, business development, and daily operations as the vice president and co-owner, Devon can be found everywhere from the trenches alongside her installers to a posh luncheon with large developers. Simply put, she wears a lot of hats.
When it comes to leadership specifically, she doesn’t sit back. “We work together on every project as a team,” Devon says.
“I lead by example and work hard to motivate, create a fun atmosphere, and build each person up to let them know what an asset they are.”
Typically dominated by men, Devon says common misconceptions about the tech industry (and a woman’s place in it) run the gamut. “As women in the tech world, we have to prove ourselves more and work even harder,” she shares. “I respond with action and through the work we deliver. Fortunately, I’m a multitasker, an organizer, a connector of people, and a great communicator. My approach is simple: dive deep, break it down, simplify the solution, and deliver it headache-free to each client,” she asserts.
So, what exactly does she do? “OberaConnect means connectivity simplified,” Devon details. “Our job is to assess a company and find the right solutions for its needs to make the organization run smoothly on the technology side. This includes smaller business needs like phone lines and internet connection to larger jobs where we provide services for multi-location banks, developments, retail malls, and any business that needs a wider range of services. Think anything from cable internet to fiber optic internet, phone systems, VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), cloud services, TV solutions, structured cabling, security cameras, equipment, monitoring and management of core network devices, Microsoft O365, managed fire walls, servers, desktop management, and more.”
With our heads spinning, Devon laughs and shares why potential clients shouldn’t be embarrassed about not knowing her world. “Technology is intimidating and people often shy away from it because they don’t understand it. We don’t want that!” Perhaps the best part is the fact that she proudly brings all her female capabilities to each job. Committed, she invests the necessary time to ensure clients and their teams comprehend the systems, why they’re needed, and more with patience, enthusiasm, and easy-to-digest terminology.
Locally, many small business owners have had negative technology experiences. A hot topic for Devon, she shares, “We’re a small company, too. Living on the Eastern Shore where the presence of small businesses is such a huge part of the community, we look to support them any way we can. From providing lower costs, increasing speeds or security, improving existing services, and more, we're all over it,” Devon assures, adding OberaConnect is in it for the long haul and prioritizes building personal relationships, not just a business. “We won’t even take a job until all options have been vetted and clients are completely confident in our plan,” she says. “We want that one-on-one time with our clients. For me, it’s all about that personal touch. Whether you’re a small business with minimal needs or you’re an ISP building your own network, we’re here so you can run your business, not your technology.”
Obviously, this approach is working. “We service clients in all 50 states, with most based in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, and Texas,” Devon shares. “Our focus is to stay ahead in this rapidly changing world of technology. Every day something new and exciting is being put out there and it’s our job to find the right solution for our customers, big or small,” she says.
A resident and true fan of Baldwin County for 20 years, Devon adds, “To be a part of the amazing growth in the Bay area is special. We’re excited for what the future holds, and we want developers to know OberaConnect is a staple in the community and that we have the right solutions to meet their growing needs. As Zig Ziglar said, ‘If you are not willing to learn, no one can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you.’”
This post was edited for length. Read the full article in the November 2021 issue of ACESS Magazine available at your favorite local stockist.
251.308.4592
Email sales@oberaconnect.com or support@oberaconnect.com for more information.
