David Kimball, Drake (IA), has been with International Business Machines (IBM) for over 35 years, taking on 12 different positions in that time. Today, he mentors and shapes the minds of young professionals as a sales coach and mentor, sharing advice he's learned since his days of testing out brick cell phones. 

Brother Kimball was initiated into Alpha Iota Chapter in 1975. On the topic, he says, “I didn’t join Deltasig until my junior year of college. But when I did, I joined a terrific group of young men and women who shared common community and interests in business. We gave each other confidence and encouragement through many activities we did together.” Over the years, David has carried Deltasig relationships with him. In fact, the best man in his wedding to his wife Lisa, was 1977 National COY Marc Franson, also Drake (IA), who encouraged him to join the Fraternity.

After graduating in May 1977, Kimball joined IBM working in sales. He recalls, “It’s the only company I’ve worked for and yet I’ve had 12 different assignments over those 35 years. In addition, I’ve Been Moved four times.” And a lot has changed at the Fortune 500 since he started. He recalls being the tester of the very first brick cell phone in 1990, trying it out for IBM internal use. “I looked like a WWII soldier carrying a 3 lb. walkie-talkie on my shoulder.” Not only did the size change, but so did his monthly bill, going from $1,150 to $100.

Out of all of his experiences, he counts his current role as a sales coach and mentor for young IBM professionals in North America, Latin America and Western Europe as his greatest accomplishment professionally. “I really enjoy sharing my business experiences and mentoring others so they can have ‘line of sight’ to what is possible for each of them.” During the pandemic, Kimball has been utilizing virtual meetings, however prior to the pandemic the majority of his meetings took place in-person. Of all the places he’s been, Budapest and Prague stand out, as well as Amsterdam and Lisbon.

Globally and locally, Brother Kimball most enjoyed working with his fellow IBM professionals – many of which being Deltasigs! He says, “We had shared objectives in putting clients first.”