Employee Spotlight: James Pardue, Vice President of Government Sales

Let’s all take a moment to get to know James Pardue. James is our vice president of government sales, and he plays a vital role in taking care of our customers. Read on to learn more about James.

What’s a typical day in the office like?

As the vice president of government sales, my responsibility is to build the government business unit for ikeGPS. Every day starts with a strong cup of coffee before scouting for new customers and developing strategic relationships to build the foundation of a strong government business unit. I also work closely with the other business units to collaborate on scaling the government business by leveraging their past experience in the market and advise on product development for government applications.

What were you doing before you joined ikeGPS?

I was the director of North America sales for TomTom North America. Most of you will remember TomTom for the navigation device that attached to your windshield and used the voice of Homer Simpson and other celebrities to give directions to your destination. I didn’t sell TomTom devices, but I successfully managed an eight-person sales team that achieved quotas of more than $30 million annually selling TomTom’s map content to users, such as Verizon, Uber and National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency.

Why did you decide to join ikeGPS?

I wanted to contribute building a company, and ikeGPS is extraordinary in both its technology and staff.

What do you love about working at ikeGPS most?

I have a passion to change the way people explore, experience and collect information about our world. At ikeGPS, I get to help lead that change with great products and great people.

What did you want to be when you grow up?

Growing up near New York City in the ’70s, all I wanted to be was a professional baseball player. More specifically, I wanted to play shortstop for the New York Yankees with perennial All-Stars Reggie Jackson in the outfield, Goose Gossage on the mound pitching to Thurman Munson and Willie Randolph turning double plays.

What are some of your favorite outside office activities?

As you can tell from my picture, I like to throw myself down snow-covered hills, both snowboarding and skiing, depending on my mood. I also enjoy golf, and I’m an avid gardener.

If you could create your perfect meal, what would it be?

Good Chinese is my absolute favorite, so I am going for a Mongolian beef with a Black Jack Porter, a local microbrew, and then I’d chase that down with a Carvel ice cream cake. I’ll probably have a health problem after this meal, but that’s what insurance is for.

What’s your dream vacation?

I’m a big fan of the outdoors and the world’s natural wonders. It’s my dream to take a yearlong sabbatical and travel cross country visiting all 59 of the U.S. National Parks.