We are proud to manufacture every Whelen product in America, but our impact extends far beyond our borders. Every day, first responders across the globe rely on our technology to keep people safe, but it’s our International Sales Team that makes this reach possible. Navigating different cultures, languages, and time zones, they work tirelessly to ensure first responders everywhere have the tools they need when they need them most.
To get an inside perspective on the challenges, opportunities, and successes of this dynamic team, we spoke with the director who leads it all. With a deep understanding of international markets and a focus on building a resilient, responsive organization, Kelly Kyriakos, Director of International Sales, shared how Whelen supports customers worldwide. Kelly’s insights provide a window into how the team operates on a global scale, coordinating resources and expertise to meet the needs of first responders around the world.
A Coordinated Global Effort
Whelen currently has a presence in 81 countries, and serving such a wide range of regions requires a flexible, highly coordinated approach. Rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all strategy, the international sales team brings together field representatives, inside sales support, subsidiaries, and a network of Authorized Manufacturing Sales Representatives (AMSRs) and distributors to provide tailored service across diverse markets. From distributor relationships to technical support and installation assistance, the team works closely with partners and customers worldwide to ensure Whelen products meet their unique needs. Subsidiary offices in Poland and Australia extend our on-the-ground presence, providing localized expertise and faster service, while the inside sales team at U.S. headquarters handles quoting, logistics, and customer support to keep operations running smoothly. This global setup allows the team to respond quickly to market demands while maintaining the high standards our customers expect.
Kelly oversees the team’s operations and ensures a seamless connection between field representatives, inside sales, subsidiaries, AMSRs, and distributors. Tom Ellison, International Sales Manager, works closely with AMSRs and customers worldwide, ensuring responsive service across diverse markets. Two International Account Executives provide inside sales support: Paula Vega manages customers in Mexico, Central America, South America, the Middle East, and parts of Africa, while Autumn Taylor serves Europe, Asia, the UK, and our facilities in Poland and Australia. On the technical side, Neil Mosig and Scott Mangan, International Technical Sales Representatives, deliver hands-on expertise worldwide, assisting with installation, programming, parts identification, and other technical challenges to keep operations running smoothly.
Together, this coordinated, and highly skilled team ensures Whelen products reach customers efficiently, backed by responsiveness, deep technical expertise, and a thorough understanding of local markets.
Growing Through Independence
One of the defining features of the International Sales Team is its self-sufficiency. Team members understand their responsibilities, take initiative, and move forward without waiting for constant direction. Kelly noted that this independence is what makes him most proud, because it fosters growth, adaptability, and confidence across regions.
Europe and Australia are running smoothly thanks to dedicated leadership. At the same time, new field service technicians in key regions are helping the team meet increasing demand. This balance of stability and scalability has built a network ready to handle challenges without losing momentum.
Culture and Collaboration
Beyond logistics and market growth, the team’s culture plays an equally important role in their success. Operating internationally gives the team both unique challenges and freedoms. While their work is sometimes less visible day-to-day within the company, that independence has allowed them to experiment, adapt, and develop creative solutions that strengthen the global network.
Kelly explained that the group’s autonomy is balanced with a strong culture of collaboration. Regular check-ins with headquarters ensure alignment with our broader mission, while ongoing communication across regions helps share insights, best practices, and customer feedback. This rhythm of independence paired with connection has built trust, both within the team and with distributors worldwide.
As Kelly put it, the international team has the ability to innovate like a small unit while still benefiting from the resources and stability of a larger organization. That balance has been key to their success and resilience.
Planning for the Future
Kelly’s vision extends beyond current operations. His focus is on building a resilient, empowered team that will continue to thrive long after his own tenure. “My ultimate goal,” he said, “is that 30 days after I retire, nobody even knows I was here, because the team runs so well on its own.”
That forward-looking approach is already guiding the team’s work today. They are identifying opportunities in emerging markets, deepening technical expertise to support customers more effectively, and strengthening distributor relationships in established regions. By prioritizing both expansion and long-term stability, the international sales team is laying the groundwork for sustainable global growth and reinforcing our commitment to serving first responders worldwide.
