From Player to Captain - It's All About Great Teamwork From Olaf's View

For nearly 25 years, Extreme Networks has been helping customers to advance their digital transformation efforts and deliver progress like never before. As we reflect on our 25 years in business, there’s a lot to both celebrate and look forward to. To tell that story, we couldn’t think of a better way than to talk with our employees who have been along for the ride. Throughout 2021, we’ll be talking with some of our incredible employees that have been with Extreme for 2+ decades, and next up is Olaf Hagemann, Director of Systems Engineering in our DACH region.

Olaf began his career at 3Com and joined Extreme with several other colleagues in May 2000. Starting as a system engineer, he worked his way up to become a director. Olaf is a part of a team that has seen a lot of growth and changes throughout the years, starting off as a small team in Germany, now growing to over 20 people. Learn more about Olaf’s journey from our Q&A below!

What do you do in your role at Extreme and how has that role evolved throughout your time here?

I started at Extreme in 2000 as a Systems Engineer covering the North Rhine/Westfalia area in Germany. From there I was promoted to the SE Team Lead and was responsible for other territories including Austria and Switzerland. I now work as an SE Director and our team has grown four-fold, to 22 people!

What has been your biggest achievement at Extreme?

My biggest achievement at Extreme was a customer win with the State of Police in North Rhine/Westfalia. That was a deal I am very proud to say I was a part of as the network supports the largest German police force and close to 18 million people. Another big accomplishment is the SE team we’ve created in the DACH region. I am so proud of everyone on my team. Everyone is supportive of one another, responsive, and works so well together. I wouldn’t still be here today if it wasn’t for this incredible team.

What makes Extreme different than other companies?

Extreme has grown so much throughout the years. We aren’t just a small startup anymore; customers take us seriously because we have shown that we are reliable and constantly evolving. When I get on a call, people don’t ask me anymore who Extreme is -- they know! I would say that what makes Extreme different is that we have grown so much in the best possible way. Extreme has always been a fun place to work because it is always changing - I am always meeting new people, working with different customers, and trying new things.

What is your favorite part of your job?

My favorite part of my job is getting to represent Extreme. Whether I am giving a presentation, attending an event, working with the press, or just talking with customers - I am always so proud to be representing this company. I get to work with some amazing people, so it is really fantastic to represent them and our company to the outside world and make what we are doing known.

How would you describe Extreme in three words?

Innovative. Reliable. Teamwork.

This company is always growing and thinking ahead. We are always looking forward and exploring what other opportunities are out there. Colleagues also know the importance of long-term relationships with each other, our customers, and partners. Lastly, part of what I love so much about my job, is the people. Everyone is always so willing to help and put the best interest of the team first. It was the people that drew me to Extreme in the first place!

25 Years Young and Still Growing - Join Olaf and the Rest of the Team!

Visit our careers page to explore opportunities in system engineering as well as the many other roles in which you can advance and help Extreme drive effortless networking experiences for enterprises worldwide.