Meet Ocean Telecom’s New Account Managers – Tom & Jack

Ever wondered who’s on the other end of the phone when you call Ocean Telecom?

This month, we’re shining the spotlight on two of our new customer account managers, Tom Jacob and Jack Newson, who between them spend their days making sure our customers get the most out of their telecoms. We sat down with them to find out a bit more about life at Ocean and a lot more about life outside it.

What does a typical day look like for you?

Tom: Quickly catching up with emails from the previous evening, speaking with key customers and making sure they have everything they need, probably a webinar or some training along the way, then onto business development and prospecting, whether that’s by phone or boots on the ground.

Jack: Seeking out new businesses and prospects, and trying to start a positive working relationship with them. Spreadsheets galore, with a chunk of office banter thrown in.

What’s the key message you’d give clients about the changes in the telecoms industry right now?

Tom: It’s not just a phone! With the advancements in AI, the power that UC&C products now have is constantly evolving, making it so much more than “just a phone.”

Jack: Getting the most out of your business comes from relying on a good telecom partner. If your broadband goes down, you don’t want to be sat in a call centre where a corporate company won’t pay attention to the minority – Ocean will.

What sets Ocean apart from the competition?

Tom: Our customer-focused way of working. Every customer I speak to who’s worked with Ocean for a long time always comments on how easy we are to work with, and we keep their interests front and centre.

Jack: Our persistent care and effort for our customers. We’ll go that extra mile so the business can win the race. A friendly smile and real human interaction beats dealing with someone behind a screen you’ll never meet.

Why use Ocean for business mobiles instead of going direct to the networks?

Tom: We’ve all been on hold to O2, EE and the rest for hours. Ocean takes that headache away, sim swaps, renewals, making sure your phone works abroad — we deal with the suppliers so you can get on with running your business.

Jack: Going through Ocean makes a renewal or new SIM quick and simple, without the wait and sometimes without the unfair prices. As account managers, we’re also on hand whenever contracts are coming up or better tariffs become available.

Strangest customer request you’ve ever had?

Tom: In a previous life in AV sales, a customer wanted to project an image in their pool — and they genuinely meant underwater, not just on the wall.

Jack: Years ago, working in a pet store, I once sold an ex display rabbit hutch to a customer… only for it to be too big for their car. I ended up dismantling it on the shop floor in front of a queue of customers after the custom got quite upset it didn’t fit into their own car… and after fully dismantling it – it still wouldn’t fit.

Tell us about life outside of telecoms – what are your hobbies and interests?

Tom: Running, pool, snooker, and spending time with my family. I’ll try most things once.

Jack: Big into gaming (mostly horror games), films (I studied film production at university), and music — though my favourite songs and bands are probably ones you’ve never heard of. I’m also a huge animal lover. I’ve owned a snake and a tarantula, and I’m a big Wolves fan.

Most annoying habit?

Tom: Buying trainers, and I actually wear them all, rather than keeping them in the box.

Jack: I’m an organising freak – shopping list, house move, event planning, you name it, there’s a spreadsheet for it.

Any phobias or fears?

Tom: Heights are not my friend.

Jack: A big fear of toads and large frogs – which is ironic, given my old job in a pet shop.

Ever met anyone famous?

Tom: Matthew Upson went to my school, and I once met an actress from Casualty.

Jack: A couple of musicians at gigs, including being the one to catch Marc Rebillet during a crowd dive!

Got a nickname?

Tom: Fairly unremarkable – just TJ.

Jack: My partner’s family call me Jacky Legs. No official Ocean Telecom nickname… yet.

Favourite band or song?

Tom: Ed Sheeran, and any classic R&B from the 2000s.

Jack: Tough to pick just one – “The Vapor” by Barns Courtney is up there, along with Portugal. The Man and the Kaiser Chiefs.

Craziest thing you’ve ever done?

Tom: Got a fairly questionable tattoo on holiday after one too many drinks — thankfully I was talked out of putting it on my forearm.

Jack: Spent a year secretly planning a surprise holiday for my partner, fake letters, fake consent forms, the lot — before revealing it was actually a week away, not the day trip she thought she was getting.

Best advice you’ve ever been given?

Tom: Life can change quickly – don’t take things too seriously and just go with the flow.

Jack: You never really know someone until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes. We’re all human, we make mistakes and there’s no learning without failing.

Want to find out more about our services?

Whether you’re looking to upgrade your business communications, mobiles, or just want a chat about what’s right for your business, the team at Ocean Telecom is here to help.