Troy Bagshaw – Blue Link Wireless

Troy Bagshaw is the director of facilities and real estate at Blue Link Wireless, one of the largest authorized retailers of AT&T products and services. Blue Link Wireless is a dynamic and rapidly expanding company that prides itself on delivering seamless communication services to customers while fostering a great workplace for its team members. Founded on the principles of personal and professional growth, Blue Link’s mission is rooted in serving its people, customers, and communities.

“As wireless carriers reduce the number of company-owned stores, authorized retailers like Blue Link are becoming increasingly vital, and the company is aggressively pursuing growth opportunities across the country,” Bagshaw tells Blueprint during an interview in October.

Bagshaw oversees the maintenance, construction, and operational efficiency of over 220 locations nationwide. This role is critical to ensuring that Blue Link’s retail operations run smoothly, enabling the sales teams to focus on delivering exceptional customer service.

With a marketing background—he spent over 20 years leading AT&T’s marketing efforts—Bagshaw brings a unique perspective to facilities management, blending creativity, strategic planning, and operational excellence.

“I am responsible for managing everything from working with landlords and contractors to managing third-party vendors and architects, all to keep stores functional and provide the best environment for employees and customers,” he explains.

Driving innovation and efficiency

Bagshaw’s work overseeing facilities and real estate is multifaceted, and he compares his role to that of a plate spinner, constantly balancing various tasks to keep everything running efficiently. His team is lean, consisting of just one other person, but together, they manage an expansive portfolio of stores across the country. One of Bagshaw’s key responsibilities is collaborating with third-party vendors and individual contractors for maintenance, construction, and repairs. He works closely with the sales organization to ensure that disruptions are swiftly addressed so the stores can continue their uninterrupted operations.

A standout project that Bagshaw is spearheading is the installation of smart thermostats in all Blue Link Wireless stores. This initiative is a strategic move that significantly impacts the company’s bottom line. By implementing this program, Bagshaw drives energy efficiency across the entire store network, reduces operational costs, and contributes to the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. The project demonstrates Bagshaw’s ability to lead large-scale initiatives that have a tangible effect on the business. His focus on cost-effective solutions is a testament to his philosophy of taking your time and doing it right, a principle instilled in him by his dad.

In addition to his focus on day-to-day maintenance and large-scale projects like new store openings, Bagshaw also manages administrative responsibilities, ensuring that the stores operate smoothly from a contractual and regulatory standpoint. Whether it’s negotiating with landlords, overseeing store remodels, or handling the logistics of store openings, Bagshaw is involved in every aspect of the facilities management process.

“For example, when Blue Link expands into new markets from Florida to Maine to California, I play a crucial role in ensuring that new locations are ready to open on time and meet all operational and brand standards,” he says.

Fostering a positive work environment

Bagshaw believes work should be enjoyable and strives to create a positive, lighthearted atmosphere for his team. By being kind and taking time to connect with others, he fosters a supportive environment that extends to contractors, vendors, and colleagues.

“Managing facilities means building trust and maintaining solid relationships,” Bagshaw notes.

Bagshaw credits mentors like Dave Fine, who has significantly influenced his career. Fine, now Founder of One Team One Goal Consulting, an organization that teaches and fosters culture and following the Golden Rule, was Bagshaw’s area manager while he was a store manager at AT&T. Fine’s mentorship taught Bagshaw the importance of personal connections and supportive leadership. Now, Bagshaw mentors others at Blue Link, where employees admire his guidance and leadership style.

Recruitment and retention are vital to Bagshaw’s strategy. Blue Link prides itself on being the best of the best, and he ensures his team comprises talented individuals who share the company’s vision for growth. Bagshaw emphasizes people skills, relationship-building, and leadership. Many employees, including Bagshaw, come from AT&T, creating a tight-knit team with a wealth of institutional knowledge.

Building success

Bagshaw’s passion for construction was shaped by his upbringing in a family deeply rooted in the trade. His father was a carpenter, and his brother, an ironworker. This early exposure fostered his practical understanding of things, a foundation that would later serve him well.

He pursued a business degree from Bowling Green State University and spent over 22 years at AT&T in various roles, rising to director of global marketing. His focus was on influencing consumer behavior and managing large-scale projects. Despite his success in marketing, Bagshaw’s career took an unexpected turn when his longtime mentor, Dave Fine, invited him to join Blue Link Wireless in 2021, not in marketing but in facilities and real estate management.

“Dave has been instrumental in changing my life and so many others’ lives for the better. When he called and told me about Blue Link and the opportunity to work with him again, the role didn’t matter. Knowledge, skills, leadership, and culture are transferable to any discipline. The entire leadership team at Blue Link Wireless shares the same support and inclusive culture. That’s what makes it personally fulfilling,” he says.

Bagshaw’s background with AT&T and his organizational skills helped him transition smoothly into this role, where he now manages facilities and real estate operations. He attributes much of his success to staying organized, managing projects, and approaching challenges with humor. His personal motto is: “There’s funny in everything; you just have to find it.”

This credo means that on even your most challenging days, there’s something good that came of it.

“It’s all about staying upbeat while still accomplishing your goals. When you approach your work, vendor partners, or any of your projects with a positive attitude, you set the stage for collaboration and getting things accomplished,” Bagshaw says.

Outside of work, Bagshaw’s interests reflect his hands-on approach to life. Whether tinkering in his woodshop or enjoying photography, Bagshaw’s passions reflect the same care and attention to detail that has defined his professional journey.