Our Mission: Enable intelligent decision making by eliminating chaos and excess cost from our clients’ communication technology environments.
Everyone within The BAZ Group is dedicated to assisting our corporate clients by cost-effectively managing their voice, data, mobile and cloud services.  We treat every penny as if it is our own and we take pride in engraining ourselves into our clients’ internal teams.
To do this we need a team of individuals who thrive in an environment that is stimulating, highly collaborative, and where they are continually challenged to enhance their interpersonal and business skills, along with their technical expertise.  The lessons we learn at BAZ enrich our relationships and support us in achieving our life&#8217;s goals.

Everyone within The BAZ Group is dedicated to assisting our corporate clients with cost-effectively managing their voice, data, mobile and cloud services.  Our team treats every penny as if it is our own and we take pride in engraining ourselves into our clients’ internal teams.

Meet Our Team - BAZ Group

Meet Our Team

From her early days in the telecom industry cold-calling some of the nation’s largest companies selling audit and expense services, to hanging out her shingle as the founder of The BAZ Group in 1993, Molly has amassed impressive telecom technology knowledge and thought-leadership that she shares freely with consultants, clients, and vendors alike.
Directing hundreds of complex projects and engagements, resulting in millions of dollars in operational savings, Molly delivers a holistic and strategic look at her clients’ telecom technology needs while managing organizational chaos into actionable and successful implementations and solutions.
Molly earned her Bachelor’s degree in Economics at Indiana University. She authors articles for No Jitter and has served on the Executive Board of the Society of Communications Technology Consultants International (SCTC), an organization she has been a member of for more than 20 years.
Believing in the power of many, she actively engages as a member of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) as a member of the Forum Team and its regional partner the Ohio River Valley Women’s Business Council where she serves on the executive board of the steering committee as the Forum Team Leader. Molly plays just as hard as she works, and outside of BAZ she is found chasing three beautiful boys down ski slopes, telling tales around campfires, and creating shenanigans and opportunities for memories and laughter.

Molly Zraik, Founder & CEO of The BAZ Group

Molly Zraik

Evan Fouts has been part of the telecom industry for 12 years, beginning her career working for The BAZ Group as an Invoice Processing and Monitoring Associate. Today, she is the Director of Wireless Services, where she oversees the team while performing account audits and optimizations. She holds her associate degree in business management and is a member of the Society of Communications Technology Consultants International, Inc.
While growing up, Evan worked in her family’s butcher shop, where she nurtured a strong work ethic and an appreciation for a job well-done. With The BAZ Group, Evan believes she’s grown in so many ways, professionally. “I am a more patient and compassionate person because of my time here,” says Evan. “Our values are not just something we created to make the company look good. We look for them in every new hire and we apply them in everything we do at BAZ.”
Evan’s greatest personal achievement includes purchasing and remodeling her own home, which she shares with her fur babies.

Evan Fouts

Ryan Kozey is the Director of Managed Accounts for The BAZ Group. He has more than 10 years of leadership and telecom expense management experience.  Ryan joined BAZ right out of college and quickly became an asset to our team, learning the industry and how to serve our clients.   After several years, he left to pursue his passion for faith-based nonprofit work and earned a PhD and post-doctoral fellowship in organizational communication and assessment from the University of Buffalo.
In 2018 Ryan returned to BAZ because he appreciates our commitment to supporting and enriching the lives of our team members while we deliver best in class service to our clients. 
“The BAZ Group feels like family,” says Ryan. “I strive to always lend a listening ear and encourage the team members I’m entrusted to lead.” He adds that when others believe in you, you tend to believe in yourself.
Outside of work, Ryan enjoys camping and going to sporting events with his family.

Ryan Kozey

Nearly 30 years ago, Matt Mishler began his career in sales and marketing within the Information Technology and Telecommunications industries, providing new business development for commercial phone systems, Cloud computing, Wide Area Networks (WAN), VoIP, and SIP. He joined The BAZ Group in 2022 as the Director of Client Engagement.
Matt is a self-proclaimed ‘customer service fanatic.’ “I believe in putting others first and being kind; it’s that simple,” says Matt. That’s why he also feels at home with The BAZ Group. “BAZ Group puts their clients first – and in this industry that is desperately needed.
Matt holds his Bachelor of Science from The University of Toledo, and an MBA from Bowling Green State University. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his friends and family. Matt has volunteered for many years on the Board for the Toledo Public Schools Foundation, which helps to fund secondary education and trade school scholarships to students who demonstrate academic excellence and financial need.

Matt Mishler, Director of Client Engagement, The BAZ Group

Matt Mishler

With over 30 years of experience in the Telecom industry Mark brings a valuable set of skills and knowledge to The BAZ Group.  This, combined with his passion for problem solving for our clients, are some of the reasons he is so important to the company.  Mark states, “I’ve always believed what makes BAZ distinctive is that all our customers get the &#8216;white glove treatment.&#8217;  No matter how large or small, every client gets customized and dedicated service.” Mark has taken on many roles at The BAZ Group, and he is a quick study with a knack for learning new skills and systems, which is valuable in this ever-changing marketplace.
Mark has a bachelor&#8217;s degree in Communications from The University of Toledo and a master’s in Library and Information Science from Kent State University. A descendant of a U.S. Revolution veteran, he has a passion for history, aviation, and collects a variety of historical items.

Mark Bastian

Mary Best has worked in the telecommunications management industry for nearly 40 years, having worked for national business telephone equipment company prior to joining The BAZ Group in 2003. Today she is a Senior Telecommunications Consultant, providing cost optimization, strategy, and account management to a diverse client base.
Mary appreciates The BAZ Group for always providing the opportunity to learn from all experiences. “Our unique and diverse cast of characters makes BAZ Group special,” she says. “Together we give each other grace to learn from mistakes and make the necessary adjustments for success.”
She and her husband Bill have raised three adult sons and are looking forward to travel as they contemplate retirement in the near future.

Mary Best, Senior Telecommunications Consultant, The BAZ Group

Mary Best

Blaire Brangers brings 10 years of telecommunications experience to her role as Senior Consultant in Landline Services, where she delivers network operations and information technology efficiencies to the clients she serves. Blaire holds her Bachelor of Business Arts from Western Kentucky University.
For Blaire, The BAZ Group represents an opportunity to continue to grow and learn professionally. “There is a tight network of peers and leaders at BAZ that are always available to provide guidance and assistance,” she says. “The value that is placed on employee enrichment and the attention to detail that is given to all client accounts are what makes The BAZ Group special.”
Outside of work, Blaire stays active with camping, fishing, volleyball, softball and cooking.

Blaire Brangers, Senior Consultant - Landline Services, The BAZ Group

Blaire Brangers

Randy Clark has over 30 years of technology experience with 12+ years in telecom consulting. Randy will be working with our Ongoing Management Group as well as in Strategic Consulting as a Technical Consultant. Randy hails from Northern Colorado and is both a foodie and a history buff. He is a member of the SCTC and a lifelong learner who taught himself to code at age 12. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications / Sociology.

Randy Clark

Mario Chambers joined The BAZ Group as an Analyst on the Landline Services team in 2017. He holds his associate degree in office administration.
Having joined The BAZ Group while pursuing his degree, the company is special to Mario. “It’s a unique place to work because it is a safe environment for staying true to one’s needs and still putting the client first through the highs and lows … of life.”
Mario says his greatest personal achievement occurred during the summer of 2021, when he hiked four mountain passes in Aspen, Colorado. “The first day was the hardest with two ascents and descents, but it really tested my ability,” he says. Mario enjoys hiking in the Gatlinburg, Tennessee area, too.

Mario Chambers, Analyst - Landline Services, The BAZ Group

Mario Chambers

Karen Grimes has been our Bookkeeper at BAZ for over 26 years. Over that time, she has seen many changes in technology and watched as BAZ has always stayed on the leading edge. A former 6th grade teacher, Karen has a bachelor’s degree in education from The University of Toledo and has studied post graduate accounting. She had her own accounting firm for years in the Midwest but has recently moved to the Mountain West to be near her family. Sailing and gardening have always been a passion for Karen as well as history and travel. She has been to Yellowstone National Park 11 times as well as 41 out of 48 contiguous states with plans to the visit the rest in the Northeast soon. She is a member of the Montana Audubon and a lifelong fan of The Ohio State Buckeye’s.

Karen Grimes

Marika Harris is a Wireless Services Consultant for The BAZ Group. Her career in the Retail Wireless industry began more than 15 years ago, where she excelled in store operations management. She holds her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Western Governors University.
Marika appreciates that The BAZ Group sincerely cares about its clients. “Our teams go above and beyond every time – even when that means that three sets of eyes evaluate a project to ensure the client gets the best experience possible,” says Marika.
Outside of work, Marika enjoys making her house a home and traveling to visit family abroad.

Marika Harris, Consultant - Wireless Services, The BAZ Group

Marika Harris

Bonita Jones-Bey has worked in the Information Technology industry for 10 years, beginning her career as a help desk technician before becoming a telecom account executive administrator, project coordinator, and eventually, billing specialist. She joined The BAZ Group in 2023 as an Analyst in Landline services.
Bonita appreciates The BAZ Group for its close professional relationships, internally and across the telecommunications industry. “I believe in surrounding myself with people with a vision as they will always produce something, create something, or build something.”
Bonita holds her Associate of Arts in Computer Networking Science and Bachelor of Arts in Cyber Security degrees. She is a member of the National Technical Honor Society and the National Black Data Processing Association. Bonita has also owned her own jewelry business for four years and has spent 20 years in ministry. She welcomed her first great granddaughter into the world this past year.

Bonita Jones-Bey

Prior to joining The BAZ Group, Kim Kelsey spent 25 years in purchasing and supply chain analytics within the Consumer Product Goods industry. Today, she is an Analyst on the Landline Services team. Kim’s extreme attention to detail and dedication enable her to provide process improvement and other efficiencies to her role. She holds a Business Administration degree.
Kim’s greatest personal accomplishment is raising three children, now adults, while building a career. Today, she is also a grandmother.  As a parent, she learned early on the value of keeping a positive attitude in any situation and appreciating the lesson available with every challenge.  Kim has a strong belief that what you give will be returned.
“BAZ Group offers that same dedicated level of commitment when we partner with our customers,” says Kim. “This genuine team effort is accomplished through an ever-evolving management style that encourages growth and learning.”

Kim Kelsey

Christen Kozey is an Analyst in the Wireless Group, serving clients with telecom audit and service optimization.  While holding a Bachelor of Science degree from Greensboro College (North Carolina), Christen previously worked in the hospitality and childcare industries, most recently as a customer experience representative for nine years.
For Christen, working with The BAZ Group means learning the ins and outs of telecommunications management from industry veterans. It’s also about how making even the smallest contribution makes a positive difference to the clients we serve. 
“We are all in this together, and I am a cog in the wheel that makes everything work,” she says.
Christen is a proud Aunt to seven nieces and nephews and enjoys traveling the U.S. from Coast to Coast.

Christen Kozey

Ted Mallires joined The BAZ Group in 2011 as a Senior Consultant. He leads various teams with assessment, planning, procurement, and project management to optimize performance and reduce excess costs related to networks, telecommunications, and information technology frameworks. He drives continuous improvement by developing training programs that elevate BAZ team members’ proficiency in current and emerging technologies and telecom solutions.
Ted’s telecom career spans more than 40 years, having worked in analyst, system engineer and manager roles within consulting and client environments. He earned a BA in Business from Michigan State University, is a certified PMP, and a long-standing member of the Society of Communication Technology Consultants.
For Ted, an “I CARE” attitude is the most critical quality he brings to every engagement at The BAZ Group; it’s what drives his personal job satisfaction. “I most enjoy the variety of projects I get to work on as an extension of our long-term clients’ teams,” says Ted.  “We help clients get things done in what tends to be a difficult and confusing industry.”

Ted Mallires

Nick brings nearly 10 years of telecommunications experience to BAZ clients. He comes from a background in Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) and has experience on the customer side of telecom management. Most recently, Nick expanded his expertise through working with carriers and vendors to help them achieve telecom business goals. Today, he serves The BAZ Group as a Telecom Technical Specialist. 
“I’m excited to be part of a client-driven company that puts a great deal of emphasis on customer service and problem solving for their clients,” says Nick. “BAZ truly brings a sense of urgency to meeting client needs. My ability to get things done, along with discipline and a solid work ethic helps clients achieve their goals.” 
Nick is from greater Philadelphia and has a three-year-old Border Collie named “Nala”. In his spare time, he is a PIAA basketball referee.

Nick Mioni

Peter is a seasoned telecommunication and data communications professional with more than 30 years of experience. Originally from New York, he now resides in Atlanta, Georgia. Joining BAZ Group in November 2022, Peter serves as a Project Lead, effectively managing and delivering results for various projects. Outside of work, Peter has a love for music. He indulges in his hobbies of photography and cycling, showcasing his creative side and maintaining an active lifestyle.

Peter O'Brien, Senior Consultant - Landline Services, The BAZ Group

Peter O’Brien

Dena Robinson brings 20 years of telecommunications industry experience to her role as a Consultant in Landline Services, where she delivers detailed cost optimization projects that encompass solving problems related to billing, network design and installation. She is currently continuing her education in the accounting field.
Dena is a self-proclaimed lifelong learner. “At BAZ, I have the opportunity to work and learn from a wonderful team of people who have a wide range of talents.”
Outside of work, Dena enjoys many hobbies, including fitness, bowling, taking in movies and traveling whenever she can.

Dena Robinson

Kenton Stahler is a Consultant with the Landline and Wireless Services team, where he excels at various optimizations projects for clients in a variety of industries. Prior to joining The BAZ Group in 2023, Kenton held Mobile Analyst positions for regional and global companies for ten years, including working for Sony Corporation of America. He has studied at Palomar Community College.
Together, Kenton and his wife raise his two-year-old daughter and take great joy in watching her unique personality develop. He personally approaches each day with kindness, patience, and positivity – three qualities that he believes align with The BAZ Group’s core values.  “I really like the people-first approach in everything we do,” he says. “It’s refreshing to see.”

Kenton Stahler

For the last five years, Aleana Tare held sales and customer service supervisory roles for third-party services providers to AT&amp;T, Verizon and (formerly) Sprint, among other regional and national telecommunications companies. She joined BAZ in 2023 as a Consultant within the Wireless Group, providing strategic solutions that maximize the software and hardware components of our clients’ wireless services.
The BAZ Group culture makes Aleana feel closer to her fellow team members, even while working remotely. “Overall, our work environment and ability to flex my schedule to meet the needs of our clients also gives me incredible work/life balance,” says Aleana. “I always feel included and truly enjoy working with everyone.”
Aleana enjoys art, crafting and being pet parent to her dog and cat. She is also a role- model sister to her teenaged, adopted brother. Personally, she is most proud of being able to manage her finances and live independently, while caring for others.

Aelena Tare, Consultant - Wireless Services, The BAZ Group

Aleana Tare

Michael Vaughn brings 10 years of telecom industry experience to his role as a Consultant in Wireless Services with The BAZ Group. Prior to joining the team, Michael worked as a service tech, sales representative and, eventually, district management for a regional Wireless Services carrier.
“I am continuously developing new skills while working here,” says Michael. “I appreciate the fact that we manage our clients’ accounts as if they were our personal accounts. It’s not just a job.”
Outside of work, he enjoys composing and recording music in his home studio.

Michael Vaughn, Consultant - Wireless Services, The BAZ Group

Michael Vaughn

Sam VanDyke’s career in telecommunications spans more than 20 years, working as a Consultant with the Landline Services team. In this role, he evaluates monthly invoices, manages service requests, and implements cost savings strategies for national clients and large school districts. Prior to joining The BAZ Group, Sam held a supervisory position for a national bill payment company. Since 2002 Sam has had a passion for continually developing best practices at The BAZ Group and is one of our go to people to help train and support new employees.  He holds two associate degrees in network administration and data management/software programming.
Sam believes that the people at The BAZ Group is what sets the company apart from others. “The open collaboration among our teams is so important,” he says. “Together, we believe in 100 percent customer satisfaction.”
Outside of work, Sam enjoys “all things media: tv, film, books, comics, music and art.”

Sam VanDyke, Consultant - Landline Services, The BAZ Group

Sam VanDyke

Michelle Walker, Ed.D., has more than 25 years of corporate and higher education experience, with an emphasis on technical education. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, a Master’s in Technical Education, and earned her Doctorate in Educational Technology. Michelle’s workplace learning and proven performance coupled with her organizational and problem-solving skills make her well equipped for her role at BAZ which includes project management, processes and procedures, and employee development. 
“I pride myself on being extremely well-organized and detail oriented. I’m pleased to be part of a company that not only values those skills, but provides a service-focused, fast-paced, environment where my talents can contribute to our success as a whole”. 
Michelle has been married for 29 years and has two children. She loves to hike, play tennis, read, and travel.

Michelle Walker

Mike Young has spent nearly 40 years of his career in the telecommunications industry, having worked for AT&amp;T for 20 years, first as a telephone operator then as a customer service supervisor before joining The BAZ Group in 2005, where he is a Consultant in Landline services.
Mike is dedicated to delivering exceptional customer service in his role. “We work as a team at BAZ,” says Mike. “The people make it a great place to work.”
When outside of work, Mike enjoys traveling to new places.

Mike Young, Consultant - Landline Services, The BAZ Group

Mike Young

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