The OptConnect Story

About OptConnect

From ATMs to the Internet of Every Thing

Back in 2000, OptConnect began as a simple solution for connecting ATMs to the internet via cellular routers, under the Grant Victor family of companies. For years, these early OptConnect routers were sold as an ATM accessory. As we continued to innovate and perfect our connectivity solution, it became apparent that cellular technology would give many other markets besides ATMs an ‘option to connect.’ With that, OptConnect LLC was established in 2009.

What we built back then was a simplified and reliable solution that has expanded and become one of the most trusted managed connectivity solutions in the industry today. Our goal of connecting the world becomes more and more of a reality as we relentlessly innovate and improve upon our solutions every day with our incredible team of dedicated and passionate team members. 

With the strategic acquisition of Premier Wireless Solutions (PWS) in 2021 and the recent add-on addition of M2MDataGlobal in 2024, OptConnect has solidified its global presence and commitment to delivering cutting-edge wireless connectivity solutions. We’ve grown a lot over the years in our capabilities and expertise. Our journey started by connecting one device here and another there. Today, we manage more than 1 million lines and thousands of customers and the future looks brighter than ever. Through it all, our mission remains focused on helping simplify the design, deployment, and management of cellular connectivity solutions for our customers so they can realize maximum benefit from their IoT and business initiatives. 

Whatever Your Thing, We Keep it Connected.

Expert connectivity since the beginning

  • ATM illustration.

    2000

    Carrier relationships begin, along with sales of connectivity solutions to the ATM market.

  • 2009

    OptConnect LLC officially launches as a managed wireless solutions vendor.

  • Original Summit Logo

    2012

    OptConnect creates its first customer portal and establishes new carrier relationships.

  • OptConnect neo.

    2015

    The launch of the OptConnect neo signals a new kind of cellular router - a plug-and-play device with instant connectivity.

  • 2018

    OptConnect begins a new partnership with Graham Partners.

  • PWS logo

    2021

    OptConnect acquires Premier Wireless Solutions (PWS) and expands its global connectivity offerings.

  • 2024

    To extend its global reach, OptConnect completes an add-on acquisition of M2M DataGlobal, the largest managed wireless provider in Latin America.

Awards

Meet the OptConnect Leadership Team

Chris Baird

President & CEO

Chris Baird

President & CEO

Chris started with OptConnect in 2009, as an ATM repair specialist and worked his way up through the ranks into leadership and management roles. After years of hard work and dedicated leadership, Chris was appointed CEO of OptConnect in October of 2018.

Derrick Calderon

Senior Vice President of Sales

Derrick Calderon

Senior Vice President of Sales

Derrick Calderon is a highly experienced business development executive with extensive experience in the telecom and IoT industry. In his current role, Derrick oversees business development, new customer acquisition, sales, and account management.

Alan Winters

Head of Product

Alan Winters

Head of Product

Alan is responsible for driving product strategy and innovation. Alan joins OptConnect with 20 years of successful product leadership at innovative communication and analytics companies GoTo, Domo, Omniture (Adobe), and Grow.

Todd Christiansen

Chief Technology and Innovation Officer

Todd Christiansen

Chief Technology and Innovation Officer

Todd leads the software engineering and network infrastructure teams that deliver our product offerings. He also works closely with our Chief Product Officer to bring new products to the market. Todd joined OptConnect in 2014 as VP of Technologies.

Christie Kent

Chief Financial Officer

Christie Kent

Chief Financial Officer

Christie is responsible for Accounting, FP&A, and Human Resources. Prior to joining OptConnect, Christie was the CFO at SirsiDynix and has held executive and senior leadership positions in the software and technology industries for over ten years.

Wayne Vandekraak

Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships

Wayne Vandekraak

Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships

Wayne is the Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships. Wayne holds a BA in History and an MBA from Portland State University. His previous positions include management roles at Wells Fargo Bank and E*TRADE Financial.

Kevin Dalton

Chief Experience Officer

Kevin Dalton

Chief Experience Officer

Kevin is responsible for overseeing customer experience. Prior to joining OptConnect, Kevin spent 6 years in management positions within Larry H. Miller Sports and 10 years in marketing management roles in the financial services and consumer goods industries.

Experience OptConnect's Superior Connectivity