Michael Cole: Building Next-Level Careers in Telecom & Tech Staffing

Breaking into the telecom industry requires more than just technical skills—it demands the right training, connections, and opportunities. Few people understand this better than Michael Cole, President of Next Level Technician. His company specializes in bridging the gap between skilled technicians and businesses, helping both thrive in a competitive industry.

But Michael’s path to leadership wasn’t conventional. He started his career in restaurant management, then transitioned into structured cabling sales, where he uncovered a major industry gap—the shortage of well-trained technicians. Instead of accepting this challenge as a roadblock, he turned it into a business opportunity.

With over two decades of experience, Michael has built Next Level Technician into a recognized leader in telecom staffing, earning a spot on Charlotte Business Journal’s Fast 50 list in both 2023 and 2024.

In this episode of Direct Or Detour, Michael shares his entrepreneurial journey, his insights on scaling a business, and how investing in people has been the key to his success.

From Restaurant Management to Telecom Staffing

Michael’s career began in restaurant management, where he honed his leadership, problem-solving, and team-building skills. However, he soon realized that his ambitions extended beyond the restaurant industry. Seeking a new challenge, he transitioned into structured cabling sales, where he quickly identified a critical industry need—companies struggled to find skilled, reliable technicians to meet growing demands.

Recognizing this gap, Michael took a bold step. Instead of simply selling cabling solutions, he focused on workforce development, ensuring businesses had access to well-trained professionals who could deliver high-quality work. This led to the founding of Next Level Technician, a company designed to train, place, and support top-tier technical talent.

Bridging the Gap Between Talent & Opportunity

At Next Level Technician, Michael and his team do more than just match workers with jobs—they invest in training and mentorship to help technicians succeed in the long run. The company focuses on:

• Providing hands-on training to develop high-quality technicians.
• Connecting businesses with top talent through strategic staffing.
• Creating long-term career pathways for technicians in the telecom and tech industries.

This people-first approach has positioned Next Level Technician as a trusted partner for companies looking to build strong, skilled teams.

Key Takeaways from Michael Cole’s Journey

• Leverage past experience – Leadership and customer service skills from restaurant management helped Michael succeed in business.
• Identify industry gaps – His time in structured cabling sales revealed the need for skilled telecom technicians.
• Invest in people – Training and workforce development have been key drivers of his company’s success.
• Adaptability is key – A willingness to pivot and innovate led to the creation of Next Level Technician.
• Execution over ideas – Seeing a problem is one thing—acting on it is what leads to real change.

Listen to the Full Episode

Michael Cole’s journey from restaurant management to tech staffing leader is a powerful example of entrepreneurial vision and adaptability. If you’re looking for insights on career growth, workforce development, and building a successful business, this episode is a must-listen.

🎧 Listen to the full episode here:
👉 https://player.captivate.fm/episode/1e26c0f1-023f-401e-a933-dc23b4b27e7f/

Connect with Michael Cole & Next Level Technician

🌐 Website: https://www.nextleveltechnician.com/
📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextleveltechnicians/
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/next-level-technician

🚀 Interested in being a guest on Direct Or Detour? Connect on PodMatch:
👉 https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/directordetour

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