TSI Profile: Kevin Haugen, Technology Advisor
TSI Technology Advisor Kevin Haugen takes great pride in helping his community, so it’s fitting that he returned to his familial roots to help Eau Claire’s businesses succeed with reliable communications.
Kevin joined TSI in September 2021 and leverages more than 27 years of telecom experience to specialize in networking services, cloud phone systems, and on-premise phone systems.
Though he spent his childhood in Arizona, his father and other relatives are Eau Claire natives, so Kevin has come full circle – by way of Arizona, Florida, and Texas – to help local companies identify the best solutions for their unique business needs.
Kevin says he was attracted to TSI based on a recommendation from his cousin, an Eau Claire resident who works in the banking industry.
“My cousin said TSI was a well-established company and he thought I’d be a good fit. He said TSI had a very good reputation, the customer service was fantastic, and TSI customers are very loyal because they like TSI’s staff,” Kevin says.
TSI’s commitment to customer service was appealing to Kevin, who says being customer-focused is the most important aspect of his job.
“My motto has always been ‘customer for life,’” he says. “If you treat customers right, they’re going to stay with you. I really believe you must have integrity in this business. If you don’t, you’re not going to be successful. Do what you say you’re going to do and then do it.”
Kevin adds that he appreciates TSI’s outstanding reputation, dedication to customers, and passion for problem-solving.
“TSI has very strong customer loyalty and the team we have in Eau Claire is second to none,” he says. “We don’t run from problems, we run to problems.”
Before joining TSI, Kevin attended Scottsdale Community College (“Home of the Artichokes”) in Arizona, then worked 13 years for Delta Airlines. In 1997, Kevin started his telecom journey, working for Copper State Communications from 2001 to 2020.
Now in Eau Claire, Kevin says communications technology has changed a lot over the past three decades, and he enjoys guiding companies as they navigate the evolving landscape.
“Communications have transitioned from traditional transport, analog, and digital to IP-based Internet protocol,” he says. “TSI customers rely on us to provide options and expertise in all thing’s communications. Our experienced staff have the knowledge to help with their telecom needs.”
One of Kevin’s proudest professional moments came when TSI helped a healthcare company integrate a cloud phone system with an emergency service to deliver a complete solution that streamlined its communications, maintained federal compliance, and ensured rapid emergency response.
His favorite part of the job is helping small businesses get the most out of their communications systems.
“We have a lot of small businesses here, and it doesn’t matter how big you are, you want to make sure your phone system communicates with the outside world,” he says. “I like helping the smaller companies. It really makes me feel good when I can offer a solution at a fair cost and know we’re going to be here to support them.”
When he’s not advising businesses, Kevin enjoys spending time with his wife and three sons, traveling and meeting people from different cultures, woodworking and home improvement projects, working out, and hiking, fishing, kayaking, and playing with his golden retrievers and chocolate lab. He has also served as a football coach over the course of 40 years, and recently became involved with the high school ministry at Jacob’s Well Church.
We’re thrilled to call Kevin a valued member of Team TSI!