Quick Bio
Name: Bob Michaels
Title: CEO
Company: ZeeVee
Overtime: Spending almost 10 years in Asia helped Michaels gain a deep understanding of how to conduct business outside the U.S., which is proving valuable as ZeeVee develops its international presence and expands in new markets.
SCN: What is your position, and what does it entail? What are your responsibilities?
Bob Michaels: As CEO, I have to make certain that our strategic direction is established and communicated and that we stay focused on our short-term and long-term plans. By continuing to provide exceptional products and services, we are able to stay top of mind with our channel partners and customers, driving increased market share.
SCN: How has your background prepared you for your new role?
BM: I’ve worked in the technology industry my entire career and managed a vast range of products and markets from semiconductor manufacturing, to video distribution and digital signage, so I have a good handle on what it takes to develop innovative products and successfully bring them to market. Having spent almost 10 years in Asia helped me gain a deep understanding of how to conduct business outside the U.S., which is proving valuable as we continue to develop ZeeVee’s international presence and expand our customer base in new markets.
SCN: What are your short- and long-term goals?
BM: Expanding market share gains with our IP video distribution solutions; continuing our dominance in the RF space; and driving increased revenues from international markets. At the same time, we have to continue to excel at all aspects of customer service—for which we have a very strong reputation.
When he’s not leading ZeeVee through national and international sales, Bob Michaels enjoys traveling around the world.SCN: Where do you see your market heading?
BM: While we have somewhat distinct sectors for our range of video distribution products, there are some definite overlaps in terms of growing needs. The long-awaited convergence of IT and AV is certainly driving us deeper into the IT realm on all fronts and new product offerings in that area will continue to be released. Across the board however, our customers continue to look to us to provide solutions as opposed to “just” a product, and we see the establishment of partnerships and a solution-provider ecosystem gaining importance.
SCN: Are there new initiatives we are likely to see from ZeeVee?
BM: Absolutely. We were one of the first companies to make a full commitment to the shift to IP with the introduction of our ZyPer4K offering, which distributes uncompressed 4K video over a standard 10 Gb switch. A fiber version, followed by a Cat-6a version of ZyPer4K will be available this year, and you will also see additional feature and functionality enhancements, as well as a series of newer ZyPer4K products that will broaden market adoption.
We will also continue to expand our dominant position in the RF space through the execution of a strong game plan that entails a continuing stream of product enhancements and new product offerings.
