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Stephen Braverman | Natural Communicator

From the beginning, something was different about Steve. In the early years when most boys were playing sports outside, Steve was learning to build an AM/FM radio, a metal detector, a home security system, and eventually a car. He then went on to graduate from Ohio Wesleyan with a degree in economics and marketing. From there he threw himself into learning the ins and outs of the cellular and telecommunications industry. In 1998, with much perseverance and dedication, Steve eventually grew the confidence and knowledge to branch out on his own creating the master agency, Telelink. From there he partnered with two other strong companies uniting to become X4 Communications which eventually sold to Sandler Partners, the 2nd largest telecom agency. Also in the works was building up Coeo Solutions to be a serious contender with AT&T and Comcast when it comes to business communications. In his spare time Steve enjoys traveling, music, auto racing, and spending time with his six kids.

Natural Communicator

From the beginning, something was different about Steve. In the early years when most boys were playing sports outside, Steve was learning to build an AM/FM radio, a metal detector, a home security system, and eventually a car. He then went on to graduate from Ohio Wesleyan with a degree in economics and marketing. From there he threw himself into learning the ins and outs of the cellular and telecommunications industry. In 1998, with much perseverance and dedication, Steve eventually grew the confidence and knowledge to branch out on his own creating the master agency, Telelink.

From there he partnered with two other strong companies uniting to become X4 Communications which eventually sold to Sandler Partners, the 2nd largest telecom agency. Also in the works was building up Coeo Solutions to be a serious contender with AT&T and Comcast when it comes to business communications. In his spare time Steve enjoys traveling, music, auto racing, and spending time with his six kids.

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Steve Braverman didn’t grow up a typical boy…

No little league, football or basketball. Instead, he spent his time tinkering with electronics, engines and bicycles. And camp as a child was no typical camp either. He found out the local YMCA offered electronics camp and by the time he was 11, Steve had already built an AM/FM radio, a metal detector, a spy device and a home security system. His first job was in a local bike shop assembling and repairing bicycles. By 16, Steve learned the mechanics of 4 cylinder Alfa Romeo engines and soon rebuilt a car for himself to race.

Steve gets autograph from racing legend.

Steve and his dad in his Alfa Romeo.

Always eager to figure out ways to make money, Steve bought and sold stereo equipment and cars and always had a part time job. He did everything from scooping ice cream and working for Levy Restaurants to detailing cars and assisting Knauz Motors with parts inventory.

Shortly after graduating from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1991 with a degree in economics and marketing, Steve Braverman had a strong desire to start his own business. He was fascinated by the cellular and telecommunications industry so he thought he would find a job in the field, learn the ins-and-outs and eventually start his own company. After growing the corporate accounts division of a Cellular One Agency to become the largest in the country and better understanding residual compensation, Braverman knew it was time to go off on his own.

In 1998, after six months of persistence, Steve convinced the President of Nextlink Communications to give him the first independent agent agreement. The idea was great – sell local phone service for 30% less than AT&T and get paid a percentage of every customer’s bill. But there was one problem. By the time a contract was signed, the install took place, the bill sent and the customer paid it, 6 months would lapse. And commissions were finally paid. So Braverman spoke with a cellular client who was a big fan and struck a deal for equity in return for ownership to fund the ramp and founded Telelink Communications in August of 1998.

By 2001, Telelink was growing at a very strong pace. Steve didn’t realize it at the time, but he had created what is known in the industry as a master agency. Most of his leads were coming from referral partners who sold telephone systems and IT services. 40 companies in Chicago walking him into clients everyday. Business was booming. But then came another problem – how to scale.

So in 2003 Steve knew it was time to raise capital to expand or merge with other like companies and share resources. By the end of 2003, Braverman identified 2 companies in the business and the three companies merged to create X4 Communications.

X4 Communications distributed cloud, data center and broadband services to thousands of businesses nationwide through a network of 400+ sales partners. With 50+ providers and access to hundreds of data centers, X4 became one of a few premier telecom agencies in the United States.
In 2016, X4 sold to Sandler Partners and collectively became the nation’s 2nd largest telecom agency.

In 2015, Steve also co-founded Coeo Solutions and helped grow it to become a serious contender with the likes of AT&T and Comcast when it comes to the latest technological advances in business communications. He sold his ownership in October of 2020 and continues to look for unique investment opportunities.

The business portfolio below lists several of Steve’s interests.  In addition, he’s passionate about charitable work and an active member of YPO and enjoys connecting with people from all parts of the world. 

Steve has an amazing wife & six children and in his free time he enjoys music, auto racing, flying planes and traveling.

Young Steve celebrating victory.

Steve & his wife, Araceli.

Steve and family.

Steve and family.

Happy Birthday.

Steve with his wife and son.

Read Full Bio

Steve Braverman didn’t grow up a typical boy…

No little league, football or basketball. Instead, he spent his time tinkering with electronics, engines and bicycles. And camp as a child was no typical camp either. He found out the local YMCA offered electronics camp and by the time he was 11, Steve had already built an AM/FM radio, a metal detector, a spy device and a home security system. His first job was in a local bike shop assembling and repairing bicycles. By 16, Steve learned the mechanics of 4 cylinder Alfa Romeo engines and soon rebuilt a car for himself to race.

Steve gets autograph from racing legend.

Steve and his dad in his Alfa Romeo.

Always eager to figure out ways to make money, Steve bought and sold stereo equipment and cars and always had a part time job. He did everything from scooping ice cream and working for Levy Restaurants to detailing cars and assisting Knauz Motors with parts inventory.

Shortly after graduating from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1991 with a degree in economics and marketing, Steve Braverman had a strong desire to start his own business. He was fascinated by the cellular and telecommunications industry so he thought he would find a job in the field, learn the ins-and-outs and eventually start his own company. After growing the corporate accounts division of a Cellular One Agency to become the largest in the country and better understanding residual compensation, Braverman knew it was time to go off on his own.

In 1998, after six months of persistence, Steve convinced the President of Nextlink Communications to give him the first independent agent agreement. The idea was great – sell local phone service for 30% less than AT&T and get paid a percentage of every customer’s bill. But there was one problem. By the time a contract was signed, the install took place, the bill sent and the customer paid it, 6 months would lapse. And commissions were finally paid. So Braverman spoke with a cellular client who was a big fan and struck a deal for equity in return for ownership to fund the ramp and founded Telelink Communications in August of 1998.

By 2001, Telelink was growing at a very strong pace. Steve didn’t realize it at the time, but he had created what is known in the industry as a master agency. Most of his leads were coming from referral partners who sold telephone systems and IT services. 40 companies in Chicago walking him into clients everyday. Business was booming. But then came another problem – how to scale.

So in 2003 Steve knew it was time to raise capital to expand or merge with other like companies and share resources. By the end of 2003, Braverman identified 2 companies in the business and the three companies merged to create X4 Communications.

X4 Communications distributed cloud, data center and broadband services to thousands of businesses nationwide through a network of 400+ sales partners. With 50+ providers and access to hundreds of data centers, X4 became one of a few premier telecom agencies in the United States.
In 2016, X4 sold to Sandler Partners and collectively became the nation’s 2nd largest telecom agency.

In 2015, Steve also co-founded Coeo Solutions and helped grow it to become a serious contender with the likes of AT&T and Comcast when it comes to the latest technological advances in business communications. He sold his ownership in October of 2020 and continues to look for unique investment opportunities.

The business portfolio below lists several of Steve’s interests.  In addition, he’s passionate about charitable work and an active member of YPO and enjoys connecting with people from all parts of the world. 

Steve has an amazing wife & six children and in his free time he enjoys music, auto racing, flying planes and traveling.

Young Steve celebrating victory.

Steve & his wife, Araceli.

Happy Birthday.

Steve and family.

Steve and family.

Steve with his wife and son.

CHARITY INVOLVEMENT

Established in 1959, Thresholds provides healthcare, housing, and hope for thousands of persons with mental illnesses and substance use disorders in Illinois each year. Through care, employment, advocacy, and housing, Thresholds assists and inspires people with mental illnesses to reclaim their lives.

CHARITY INVOLVEMENT

Established in 1959, Thresholds provides healthcare, housing, and hope for thousands of persons with mental illnesses and substance use disorders in Illinois each year. Through care, employment, advocacy, and housing, Thresholds assists and inspires people with mental illnesses to reclaim their lives.

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

The premier leadership organization of chief executives in the world.

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

The premier leadership organization of chief executives in the world.

CONTACT