Bob Waltenspiel

Business Development Executive @ Avanade | AI, Data & Cloud | Manufacturing Industry | Founder, IT in the D | TEDx Speaker | Podcast Host

Clinton Township, Michigan, United States

About

I believe great business is built on great relationships, strong communities, and not taking yourself too seriously. With 25+ years in IT sales and consulting, I’ve built a career at the intersection of relationship-first selling and emerging technology, partnering with clients to solve real problems across AI, GenAI, data platforms, ERP/CRM, and cloud transformation. Today at Avanade (a joint venture between Microsoft + Accenture), I work with manufacturing clients to unlock value from AI-driven insights, intelligent automation, and modern data architectures, helping teams move faster, operate smarter, and compete differently. ✅What I do best: - Translate complex technologies (AI, GenAI, cloud, data) into clear business value - Build and scale high-performing partner ecosystems (Microsoft, Databricks) - Lead with storytelling, authenticity, and a “don’t be that guy” approach to sales and networking 🚀Proven impact: - Grew partner-led revenue 860% ($1.5M → $14.4M) - Delivered 150% individual sales growth YoY ($4.5M) - Expanded co-sell revenue to $35.8M+ (103% YoY growth) - Increased partner funding 380% ($500K → $2.4M) - Nearly doubled company revenue YoY as General Manager 🎙️Outside of work, I’m the co-founder of IT in the D, the largest grassroots tech community in Michigan: - 9,500+ members - 550+ podcast episodes - 2,500+ job placements driven through community events - 1,000+ professionals retrained through workforce initiatives 🏋️Super powers: Breaking glass, holding court, storytelling

Experience

  • Business Development Executive, Manufacturing at Avanade
    Feb 2026 - Present · 6 mos

    As a joint venture between Accenture and Microsoft, Avanade brings industry-specific insights and cutting-edge capabilities across AI, IoT, and digital engineering to deliver measurable business outcomes. Covering named accounts in the Manufacturing + Mobility industry group. - Q3 2026 Top Rookie Seller Award, US, All Industries

  • Founder, Podcast Host at IT in the D
    Jan 2007 - Present · 19 yrs 7 mos

    Founded and built IT in the D into Metro Detroit’s largest and longest-running grassroots technology community, connecting technology professionals, employers, community leaders, and career changers through events, content, and workforce development. 🚀Impact includes 9,500+ members, 550+ podcast episodes, 2,500+ job placements through community events, 1,000+ professionals retrained through workforce initiatives, and recognition from CNN Money Magazine and CBS Metro Detroit.

  • Sr. Manager Partner Sales at Slalom
    Feb 2022 - Feb 2026 · 4 yrs 1 mo

    Client + partner facing + people leader duties. Actively engaged with cross-functional teams in account planning and co-selling efforts and the execution of sales, marketing, and key initiatives with our strategic partners including Microsoft, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud (GCP), Snowflake, and Databricks across all industries. Highlights: - 150% Growth Individual sales ($4.5M) - 860% Growth partner-led revenue from 2021 to 2025. ($1.5M to $14.4M) - 103% Growth co-sell revenue from 2022 to 2025 ($17.6M to $35.8M) - 380% Growth partner funding from 2022-2025 ($500k to $2.4M) - 2023 Q4 People's Choice Award, Salesforce - 2022 Q4 People First Award + Featured speaker at Slalom Speaks.

  • General Manager at Team Trinet
    Jul 2020 - Feb 2022 · 1 yr 8 mos

    Managed day to day operations and GTM growth strategy for a 20+ year old IT Solutions Provider based in Ferndale, Michigan with offices in Cleveland, Ohio and Boca Raton, Florida. • Nearly doubled revenue year over year by adding new logos, streams of revenue, and new product introductions.

  • Team Lead, Enterprise Technology at United Wholesale Mortgage
    Jul 2019 - Jul 2020 · 1 yr 1 mo

    Led a team of 8 systems engineers and administrators covering servers, storage, cloud and business applications.