In this series, we are featuring Team8s who worked at 8x8, left to pursue other interests, and then returned to our team. We’re so excited to welcome back Donald (Don) Torrez, who rejoined our global Sales Engineering organization in the US. Read on to find out more about him and what brought him back to 8x8.

8x8: Don, welcome back to the team! To get us started, can you tell us a bit about yourself and what you do at 8x8?

Donald Torrez (DT): I’m a Sales Engineer based out of California and I mainly support the SMB and Commercial team at 8x8. Outside of work, I like to golf and I enjoy working with my hands on projects around the house. I also get a lot of enjoyment out of cooking and working on my classic car—I have a 1969 Camaro that I built with my son 20 years ago.

8x8: Did you always know you wanted to pursue a career in Sales Engineering?

DT: I made a career change 40 years ago and got into telecommunications. I started out as a field technician and worked my way up to management while going to school at night. I finally settled in as a Sales Engineer over 20 years ago and liked it. I like talking with prospects to see how we can solve their problems.

8x8: What have been some of the most valuable lessons you’ve learned throughout your career so far?

DT: In my position as a Sales Engineer, I found that listening is the key to putting a sound solution together for prospective customers. You listen during the discovery process and you talk during the demonstration process.

8x8: What encouraged you to return to 8x8?

DT: It’s that old cliché: “The grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence.” Plus, I like Sam Wilson, the new CEO, and his vision. When I had the opportunity to return, I did.

8x8: What did you miss most about 8x8?

DT: Working with the team—we have a great bunch of people here.

8x8: Is there something that you’ve always wanted to learn or try outside of work?

DT: I always wanted to learn another language. Maybe I will take some time to learn Spanish or Italian.

8x8: What’s something surprising that not many people know about you?

DT: I’m very organized. I like things on my desk in the same place, I use the same type of pens to take notes, I use the same kind of notebook. And here's the goofy part: all my shirts hang in my closet the same way, while my pants, jackets and T-shirts are folded with two folds. Crazy, right?

8x8: Looking back, what would you say was the most enjoyable or interesting thing that has happened to you this year?

DT: Since COVID-19, we haven't done a lot of traveling. Then, from July 2022 to now we have traveled to seven weddings and we got to do a little sightseeing as well.

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Read more stories in the Welcome Back Team8s series: