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Dakota Jones: Delivering Solutions in Data Protection

Dakota Jones | Data Protection Specialist | United States

Originally Published: August 22, 2025

Hello! My name is Dakota Jones, and I am a Data Protection Specialist for Medium Business accounts in the Midwest. Originally from Houston, TX, I graduated from The University of Texas at Austin in May 2021. After a brief stint as an Implementation Consultant at a government SaaS application company in Milwaukee, WI, I sought a career change (and warmer weather) and moved back to Austin. Through a college friend, I discovered Dell's Next Gen Sales Academy (NGSA) program. I joined Dell as an associate Business Development Representative in November 2022 and was promoted to an Inside Data Center Sales Executive (iDCSE). Following four quarters as an iDCSE, I transitioned to a specialty resource for our Data Protection & Cyber Resiliency team within NGSA.

     

As a specialty resource within the account team, I collaborate with the broader team, to identify and pursue data protection opportunities while also generating my own demand and building pipeline. These opportunities typically involve customers aiming to enhance their backup, cyber recovery & resiliency, or disaster recovery strategies. Leveraging Dell's extensive PowerProtect Portfolio, I am responsible for thoroughly qualifying a customer's environment and project to determine which platforms best suit their needs. Covering nearly 6,000 accounts as the data protection specialist, my daily activities include customer calls, building and configuring solutions, and generating demand.

 

What’s a skill you’ve developed at Dell that you didn’t expect to use in sales? 

 

One of the skills I've developed that I didn't expect to use is quick and technical thinking. The customers I meet often have detailed and complex environments, and they rely on us to provide expert guidance and a consultative approach in finding the best solutions from our portfolio. From day one at Dell, I've honed this skill through the support of my development managers and peers. Whether it's cold calling, completing multiple testing points, or leading customer calls, I've had to swiftly handle objections and effectively position our products. Quick and technical thinking has enabled

         

How would you describe your team’s dynamic?

               

As part of the NGSA program, we continuously develop our technical and sales skills during our tenure. Each team member brings a collaborative mindset to discuss unique customer scenarios and use cases for our products. As our portfolio updates, open communication flows from both management and team members. We consistently refine our messaging, briefs, and product knowledge through weekly deliverables and technical training sessions. Despite our collaborative environment, we maintain a competitive spirit as salespeople. Everyone strives to excel not only in meeting individual quotas but also in achieving our team goals.

What has been the most rewarding moment of your career so far?

      

In my previous role as an iDCSE, I led the team in securing unique storage buyers and generating revenue in FY25Q4. I was honored to be awarded Medium Business iDCSE of the Quarter across North America Sales. Throughout my tenure, I consistently met or exceeded my metrics, culminating in an invitation to attend Dell President's Club 2025 in Tulum, Mexico. I am truly grateful to be part of a company that recognizes hard work and effort through quarterly awards and the President's Club!

   

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