From Tech Support to a Career Built on Growth

When Chris Conti joined Ingram Micro 15 years ago, he wasn't actively looking for a role with the company. 

After being laid off from AT&T, he was exploring new career opportunities when several family members who were already working at Ingram Micro encouraged him to apply. Looking back, Chris describes the timing as "serendipitous" — a chance recommendation that ultimately shaped the course of his career.  

Today, Chris is a Technical Enablement Engineer based in Buffalo, New York, helping partners navigate and succeed with HPE solutions. Over the years, he has grown alongside the business, taking on new responsibilities and continuously expanding his expertise. 

Helping Partners Succeed 

Chris is part of the Solution Design & Services (SD&S) organization, a team he has called home throughout his entire Ingram Micro journey. 

His current focus is supporting HPE and helping partners enable and sell HPE Morpheus VM Essentials. 

"I facilitate everything from discovery to selling the product," Chris explains. 

The role allows him to combine technical expertise with problem-solving and relationship-building, helping partners understand solutions and unlock new opportunities for success. 

A Career Defined by Growth 

Over the course of 15 years, Chris has held several roles within SD&S. While each position contributed to his development, one milestone stands out. 

"Being chosen specifically for my current role is probably the achievement I'm most proud of," he says. "It really nailed home the effort and work I have put in over the years." 

For Chris, that opportunity represented more than a new title. It was recognition of the dedication, consistency, and commitment he had invested throughout his career. 

Learning from Great People 

Ask Chris what has had the greatest impact on his professional growth, and his answer is immediate: the people. 

"The people around me have always been the most influential on my career growth," he shares. 

Throughout his journey, experienced colleagues helped him strengthen his technical knowledge, while supportive leaders provided guidance that shaped his communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills. 

"I've been lucky to have some fantastic managers during my career." 

Those relationships have helped him develop not only as a professional, but also as a person. 

More Than Just Coworkers 

When describing the culture within SD&S, Chris doesn't hesitate. 

"Incredible." 

He believes that workplace relationships matter, especially when we spend so much of our time working together. 

"At a certain point as an adult, you end up spending more time with your coworkers than your family during the week," he says. "Here at Ingram, specifically in SD&S, we are very much like a family." 

The friendships he has built over the years have extended far beyond the workplace. 

"The culture is incredibly accepting and friendly. I have made lifelong friends among the people here that have literally changed my life." 

Why He Stays 

While technology, innovation, and career opportunities are important, Chris says the reason he has stayed with Ingram Micro for 15 years comes down to one thing: people. 

"I've been around some of the smartest people I have ever met, both technically and professionally." 

Their knowledge, mentorship, and willingness to support one another have played a significant role in his development. 

"They facilitated my growth as a professional and a person." 

Advice for Future Candidates 

For anyone considering a career at Ingram Micro, Chris encourages them to explore the possibilities. 

"Do your research. There are so many different opportunities here." 

With teams spanning technology, services, operations, sales, and more, he believes people with a wide range of talents can find a place where they can thrive. 

"There is a department or job for almost any talent."

Working at Ingram Micro Means... 

When asked to complete the sentence, "Working at Ingram Micro means...", Chris captured his experience in a single powerful statement: 

"Going from 'having a job' to having a real career." 

After 15 years of growth, learning, and meaningful connections, it's clear that for Chris, Ingram Micro has been more than a workplace. It's been a place to build a future.