CBTS is proud to announce that Rob Messmer has been named to the prestigious 2025 CRN® Channel Chiefs list. This list recognizes IT vendor and distribution executives who are driving strategy and setting the channel agenda for their companies.
The Channel Chiefs list, released annually by CRN, highlights top leaders throughout the IT channel ecosystem who work tirelessly to ensure mutual success with their partners and customers.
Rob is a leader in our industry with over 24 years of experience in sales, channel management, leadership, marketing, and product management in enterprise technology. He has been with CBTS for 15 years and launched the CBTS Indirect Channel in 2016, earning eight Channel Awards from key partners. A proponent of servant leadership, Rob prioritizes team empowerment. He is also an avid cyclist and triathlete and in 2018, he founded Running the Channel, which hosts networking fun runs at channel events nationwide.
“Making our Partners Heroes is the guiding principle behind every decision made by our Channel Team,” said Rob. “This ethos demonstrates CBTS’ trust in our partners and the channel, emphasizing values such as integrity, work ethic, initiative, responsiveness, and adherence to the golden rule. Our exceptional service offerings, competitive pricing, flexibility, and consultative approach empower us to showcase the recommendations and support of our partners effectively.”
“This year’s honorees exemplify dedication, innovation, and leadership that supports solution provider success and fosters growth across the channel,” said Jennifer Follett, VP, U.S. Content, and Executive Editor, CRN, at The Channel Company. “Each of these exceptional leaders has made a lasting channel impact by championing partnerships and designing creative strategies that get results. They’ve set a high bar in the channel, and we’re thrilled to recognize their standout achievements.”
Over the past year, the company’s channel organization has reached significant milestones, including being named one of three Service Providers of the Year by GTS. This award acknowledges performance in delivering business outcomes and innovative solutions addressing clients’ pain points. Additionally, CBTS received the High Tide Honor by Bluewave Technology Group to recognize dedication to customer service and strong client relationships.
“Under his dynamic leadership, the Indirect Channel outperformed against all objectives, achieving remarkable target attainment. Impressively, the channel boasts a significant percentage of CBTS’ net new Managed Services contracts and is a key contributor to new logo acquisitions,” said Brian Brickner, SVP U.S. Sales and Global Programs.
About The Channel Company
The Channel Company (TCC) is the global leader in channel growth for the world’s top technology brands. We accelerate success across strategic channels for tech vendors, solution providers, and end users with premier media brands, integrated marketing and event services, strategic consulting, and exclusive market and audience insights. TCC is a portfolio company of investment funds managed by EagleTree Capital, a New York City-based private equity firm. For more information, visit thechannelco.com.
