Robert Sanchez connected with Globaltel Media
Robert Sanchez is chief executive officer and president of Globaltel Media Inc., based in Carmel Valley. Globaltel Media’s PC-to-cell two-way text solutions are operational in 140 countries and allow online users anywhere in the world to send and receive text messages to any cellular phone in the U.S.
Before Globaltel Media, Sanchez co-founded inCode Telecom Group, a San Diego-based consulting firm of more than 500 people, and was CEO for the first two years. From 1990 through 1999, Sanchez was with Qualcomm, where he led Globalstar’s worldwide integration program, was general manager for the Ancillary Test Products and Optimization Group, and managed the initial CDMA research and development program.
Before 1990, Sanchez was in the defense industry as a staff systems engineer and section head at TRW/Military Electronics and Avionics Division and as a systems analyst at General Dynamics/Electronics Division.
His family has sponsored the building of four villages and homes housing more than 600 people in the Philippines with Gawad Kalinga, an organization that has built homes for more than a million of the poorest people in the Philippines. Sanchez is also active with Rady Children’s Hospital Circle of Care, is a member of the UCSD Chancellor’s Associates and a sponsor of the San Diego State University AB Samahan Dance Troupe.
He also has sponsored several bills in Congress helping World War II Veterans of Filipino decent, Alzheimer’s disease and stem cell research. In addition, he has advised the White House and Pentagon to counter improvised explosive devices abroad and is a deputy marriage commissioner for San Diego County.
He also coaches AYSO soccer in Mira Mesa.
Robert holds a master’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Southern California and a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from UCSD. He is married with 2.9 sons (a third one is due at the end of August).
What brought you to Carmel Valley?
I grew up on Coronado before there was a bridge, and the fish were plentiful in the bay. After graduating from Coronado High in 1978, I attended UCSD and lived on 24th Street in Del Mar. After college, I lived around University Towne Center, then moved to Carlsbad in 1988. The daily commute to Sorrento Valley was just too much to handle, so after 10 years or so, I moved back to Del Mar and Carmel Valley.
What makes Carmel Valley special to you?
Everything and everyone. We live in what the old-timers call the “Happy Valley” and love our neighbors and the neighborhood, especially with no homeowners association. The weather is perfect, our community is clean and safe, and we’re 30 minutes from anything in San Diego County.
If you could snap your fingers and have it done, what might you add, subtract or improve in Carmel Valley?
To start, redo the Ralphs/Rite Aid parking lot - what a nightmare that place is ANY time of the day. Then I would change the entrances and exits to Highway 56. Finally, I would move Fidel’s to Torrey Hills. Oh, one more thing . . . I would get rid of all those huge black crows that terrorize our neighborhood.
Who or what inspires you?
A smile on anyone’s face. My wife, Janis, is one of the only people I know who can smile with her eyes. That alone brings amazing comfort, peace and tranquillity to me. Of course, my two boys (and third one due in August) and their love of life and discovery.
If you hosted a dinner party for eight, who (living or deceased) would you invite?
Tom Hanks, Ben Franklin, Congressman Mike Honda, Ashley Judd, Alton Brown, Ronald and Nancy Reagan and King Solomon
Tell us about what you are currently reading.
“The Shack” by William Paul Young and “1919 - Misfortune’s End” by Paula Phelan
What is your most prized possession?
My family and my health . . . then followed close behind by my Chapstick.
What do you do for fun?
Eat. I love food. Doesn’t have to be great, but it has to be fun and adventurous. Also, I love playing Wii and being in the yard with my 6-year-old son. P.S. - I used to own a five-speed, green ’97 Miata, which was a lot of fun.
Please describe your greatest accomplishment.
Staying married and being in love with my best friend.
What is your motto or philosophy of life?
Happiness is wanting what you have, not having what you want.