Leading From The C-Suite: Tim Clemens of NUU On Five Things You Need To Be A Highly Effective C-Suite Executive
An Interview With Doug Noll
Maintain Work/Personal Life Balance: Balancing work with personal life is crucial. While I often work late nights due to our global operations, I ensure these meetings don’t start until after family time. For instance, after a busy travel week, I make it a point to engage in family activities like golf or fishing. This balance helps recharge my energy, making me more effective at work.
As part of our series called “Five Things You Need To Be A Highly Effective C-Suite Executive,” we had the pleasure of interviewing Tim Clemens.
Tim Clemens is a seasoned executive with a strong background in business development, particularly within the Android Mobile Device Management (MDM) sector, cellular networks, marketing strategies, and global logistics and operations. He began his career at NUU in 2008 as Customer Service & Quality Manager, establishing a customer service center and implementing quality control methods.
In 2009, Tim became Operations Manager, setting up new office headquarters and managing product fulfillment and global logistics. By 2014, he advanced to Vice President of Business Development, where he played a key role in launching NUU’s new smartphone brand in the U.S. market. His innovative marketing strategies and understanding of cellular networks helped position NUU as a competitive player in the industry.
Promoted to Senior Vice President in 2015, Tim managed multiple departments, including Engineering, Operations, Quality Control, and Human Resources, optimizing Android MDM benefits and strengthening NUU’s market position. Since 2021, he has served as Chief Operating Officer, overseeing Engineering, Digital, Marketing, Operations, and Human Resources. Under his leadership, NUU was named an Inc. 5000 fastest-growing private company in both 2022 and 2023.
Tim’s comprehensive experience and strategic vision have driven NUU’s growth and success, positioning the company as a formidable player in the competitive smartphone industry.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dive into our discussion, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career path?
My career journey has been driven by curiosity and a constant desire for new challenges. During my college years, I didn’t have a specific career path in mind, which is why I chose to major in Business Administration. This broad field provided me with the flexibility to explore various interests and discover my true passion.
While in college, I worked as a manager at a restaurant for three years. It was there that I realized how much I enjoy a leadership role and the responsibility that comes with it. After graduating, I managed a grocery store and later helped open a restaurant. However, I soon found myself yearning for a role that was less repetitive and more stimulating.
At that time, job listings were still predominantly found in print newspapers, and it was through one of these ads that I discovered an opening for a Customer Service and Quality Manager at a GPS company. This opportunity seemed perfect for me, combining my hospitality experience with my academic focus on Quality Management. I interviewed for the position and was thrilled to be offered the job by the owner. As the company’s first full-time hire, I saw potential for growth.
Sixteen years later, I am still with the company, now known as NUU, Inc. Throughout my time with the company, I’ve considered myself lucky because the owner truly believed in my abilities and provided me with continuous opportunities to learn and advance. As the company expanded, so did my role, evolving from Customer Service and Quality Manager to Senior Vice President, and now, Chief Operating Officer.
Our journey from GPS systems to Bluetooth speakers and now smartphones and tablets has required constant learning and adaptation, which is something I thrive on. The challenges and innovations in technology keep me engaged and motivated.
Even after the original owner retired, our new CEO has continued to trust and support my professional growth. This belief in my potential has been crucial to my career development. Today, as COO, I remain as ambitious as ever, driven by the goal of propelling NUU, Inc. to new heights. The trust and opportunities provided by both the former and current leadership have been instrumental in my journey, and I’m excited about what the future holds for us.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Do you have a story about how that was relevant in your life?
“Whether you think you can or you can’t, you’re right.” — Henry Ford
I don’t have just one particular story that comes to mind, this quote has been relevant throughout my life. This quote from Henry Ford is all about positive thinking and if you don’t believe you can do it, why should anyone else? It helps to remind me to stay confident in my abilities and trust they will continue to help me build success.
What do you think makes your company stand out? Can you share a story?
At NUU Inc., we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of innovation and reliability in the mobile technology industry. We adapt without losing our identity. We make purpose-built devices, create custom solutions and listen to our customers to provide fully customized answers to their needs. With over a decade of expertise in electronics manufacturing, we’ve been trailblazers in smartphone development since 2012. Beyond merely creating phones, we’re committed to transforming the landscape of sub-$300 smartphones for consumers– and THAT is what really makes our company stand out.
Leveraging our extensive experience serving Fortune 500 companies and the medical sector, we infuse the same level of precision and dependability into our consumer-facing mobile solutions. We use our experience and expertise serving fortune 500 companies and translate that into providing high-quality yet affordable phones to end consumers. Our Google-certified Android devices epitomize quality and affordability, catering to the specific needs of our clientele.
We prioritize customer privacy and security above all else. Each phone undergoes stringent testing and is meticulously crafted in our cutting-edge factory to ensure unparalleled reliability.
We’re also pushing boundaries with our latest line of high-end devices, incorporating advanced 5G technologies to redefine global connectivity and communication, making it more seamless and accessible than ever before.
Our commitment to excellence earned us a spot on the Inc. 5000 fastest-growing companies in America in 2022, 2023 and 2024. Trusted across sectors like education, logistics, and healthcare, our devices meet stringent certifications for reliability and precision.
You are a successful business leader. Which three-character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
Adaptability: Throughout my career, being able to adapt to my situations has been crucial. It’s about understanding different situations and evolving with new scenarios or technologies. For example, there have been times when I had to figure out when to be a quiet observer in meetings and when to speak up about inefficiencies. By continuously identifying areas for improvement and adapting accordingly, I’ve been able to foster a culture that embraces change positively. This adaptability not only helps streamline processes but also demonstrates that change, when managed well, can lead to growth and innovation.
Personability: Being an extrovert and enjoying social interactions has significantly contributed to growing new business. I look forward to conversations with new people, always looking to understand their needs and how NUU can assist. Often, I travel to conferences alone for research purposes. It’s amazing how much you can learn just by simply striking up conversations with people instead of simply grabbing a business card and sending an email later.
Composure: In leadership, composure is essential, especially when facing challenges. Things don’t always go as planned, and as a leader, I often receive bad news first. Maintaining calm and strategizing effectively is key. For instance, there have been critical conversations with our CSO where we start with bad news but end with a solid action plan. This ability to remain composed ensures that we can navigate obstacles efficiently and develop solutions, turning potential crises into manageable situations. Having a composed approach not only resolves issues but also instills confidence in the team.
Leadership often entails making difficult decisions or hard choices between two apparently good paths. Can you share a story with us about a hard decision or choice you had to make as a leader?
In 2019, we faced a significant challenge that required a tough decision. At the time, we had our main office in Miami and a satellite office in our original headquarters city of Rochester, MN. Expanding was proving difficult due to a lack of local talent in the smartphone sector and long shipping delays for our West Coast customers from Miami.
We decided to consolidate our offices in Dallas, TX, a city experiencing a tech boom with a pool of new talent and a central location to better serve our customers nationwide. While this move was strategically sound, it came with its own set of challenges. Several valued employees were unwilling to relocate, leading to a few hard-to-fill vacancies that persisted for a couple of years. These were great team members and losing them was a difficult aspect of the transition.
However, our Operations Manager’s willingness to move from Minnesota to Texas was instrumental. She played a crucial role in setting up the new office, and her dedication paid off — she is now our VP of Operations, running the headquarters.
This decision was a tough one because it meant not being able to accommodate everyone’s preferences. Nonetheless, it was necessary for the company’s growth and long-term success. In hindsight, it was the right move, as it has positioned us better in the market and allowed us to tap into a more dynamic talent pool.
Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. Most of our readers — in fact, most people — think they have a pretty good idea of what a C-Suite executive does. But in just a few words can you explain what a C-Level executive does that is different from the responsibilities of other leaders?
As the COO, my role extends beyond overseeing operations. I’m responsible for unifying all divisions — HR, engineering, marketing, and our digital presence — ensuring they work harmoniously towards a common goal. It’s about providing each division with the resources and support they need to succeed while fostering clear communication and alignment across the board.
What are the “myths” that you would like to dispel about being a C-Suite executive? Can you explain what you mean?
Myth 1: Executives only care about the bottom line.
The reality is that I deeply care about our staff and ensuring they have the resources and support needed to succeed. If our team isn’t happy and productive, it’s a reflection of my failure as a leader. While my role includes driving growth and ensuring profitability, these goals are only reachable with a motivated and well-supported team.
Myth 2: Executives can’t make mistakes.
Everyone makes mistakes, and executives are no exception. The key is to learn from them. If you learn from your mistakes, it’s growth; if you try to hide them, it’s failure. Embracing mistakes as opportunities for growth is essential. Avoiding mistakes altogether can hinder progress and innovation.
What are the most common leadership mistakes you have seen C-Suite leaders make when they start leading a new team? What can be done to avoid those errors?
Provide Opportunities: You need to believe in your staff and give them what they need to succeed. For example, when we decided to consolidate our offices to Dallas, I assigned the responsibility of leading the transition to our operations Manager. This opportunity allowed her to showcase her capabilities and eventually earn the position of VP of Operations. By providing growth opportunities, you foster a culture of trust and empowerment.
Listen to Understand: I prioritize listening over dictating in my 1-on-1 meetings. Instead of rigid agendas, I focus on understanding how I can support my team. For instance, during a meeting with our engineering lead, we discussed challenges they were facing. By listening, I learned about specific resource gaps and was able to address them promptly, improving team efficiency and morale.
Maintain Work/Personal Life Balance: Balancing work with personal life is crucial. While I often work late nights due to our global operations, I ensure these meetings don’t start until after family time. For instance, after a busy travel week, I make it a point to engage in family activities like golf or fishing. This balance helps recharge my energy, making me more effective at work.
Reflect on Your Decisions: Taking time to reflect on decisions is essential. After we successfully launched a new product line, I spent time reviewing the process. I considered what went well, what could have been improved, and ensured to thank everyone involved. Reflecting helps celebrate wins and learn from each experience, setting the stage for future successes.
Be Decisive: Saying yes or no, rather than maybe, saves time and drives clarity. When approached with a potential partnership, instead of lingering on the decision, I assessed the opportunity and provided a clear response. This decisiveness not only streamlined our operations but also built trust with our partners, showing them we value their time.
In your opinion, what are a few ways that executives can help to create a fantastic work culture? Can you share a story or an example?
Ask your team what makes them happy and what they need to make work a better place. My opinion is to say yes to it all if it doesn’t break the bank. For instance, during a feedback session, our team expressed a desire for more recreational activities and amenities. Some suggested a golf simulator, a Ping Pong table, or a well-stocked snack bar.
Recognizing the importance of employee satisfaction, we decided to implement these suggestions. We set up a golf simulator in the break room and installed a Ping Pong table in a communal area. Additionally, we stocked the kitchen with snacks and refreshments. The positive response was immediate employees enjoyed taking short breaks to relax and bond over games, fostering a more collaborative and enjoyable atmosphere.
Employee happiness should always be a priority because they are the only reason you are here in the first place.
How can our readers further follow you online?
I am on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-clemens-28aa4911
This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for joining us!
About the Interviewer: Douglas E. Noll, JD, MA was born nearly blind, crippled with club feet, partially deaf, and left-handed. He overcame all of these obstacles to become a successful civil trial lawyer. In 2000, he abandoned his law practice to become a peacemaker. His calling is to serve humanity, and he executes his calling at many levels. He is an award-winning author, teacher, and trainer. He is a highly experienced mediator. Doug’s work carries him from international work to helping people resolve deep interpersonal and ideological conflicts. Doug teaches his innovative de-escalation skill that calms any angry person in 90 seconds or less. With Laurel Kaufer, Doug founded Prison of Peace in 2009. The Prison of Peace project trains life and long terms incarcerated people to be powerful peacemakers and mediators. He has been deeply moved by inmates who have learned and applied deep, empathic listening skills, leadership skills, and problem-solving skills to reduce violence in their prison communities. Their dedication to learning, improving, and serving their communities motivates him to expand the principles of Prison of Peace so that every human wanting to learn the skills of peace may do so. Doug’s awards include California Lawyer Magazine Lawyer of the Year, Best Lawyers in America Lawyer of the Year, Purpose Prize Fellow, International Academy of Mediators Syd Leezak Award of Excellence, National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals Neutral of the Year. His four books have won a number of awards and commendations. Doug’s podcast, Listen With Leaders, is now accepting guests. Click on this link to learn more and apply.
