By: Lennard James
In the heart of Memphis, a powerful story of legacy, leadership, and community transformation is unfolding through the work of Alandas Dobbins and her company, Oteka Technologies. Based in Whitehaven, Oteka is more than just a telecommunications and technology business—it is a vehicle for economic rebirth, infrastructure innovation, and community pride.
For the past nine years, Oteka Technologies has operated in leased office space, but that chapter is coming to a close. In 2023, the company purchased a building in Whitehaven, and the team is now preparing to move into a newly renovated headquarters. This milestone represents not only growth for the company but also a bold statement of long-term investment in the neighborhood that shaped Dobbins’ early years.
Rooted in Legacy, Driven by Vision
Oteka Technologies’ roots stretch back to Dobbins’ father, who originally ran the telecommunications business. In 2016, Dobbins made the decision to restart the family enterprise under the Oteka brand, grounding it in Whitehaven with the goal of sparking local economic development.
Her vision was personal and intentional. “We believe in the rebirthing of the place where I grew up,” Dobbins explained. “At the time when I grew up, there was commerce, it was a lively place, and we decided as investors in Memphis to stay right here.”
That commitment to place has become central to Oteka’s identity. The company is not just a business—it is a statement of faith in Memphis’ future and a symbol of what’s possible when entrepreneurs invest in their own communities.
A Proven Leader and Entrepreneur
Dobbins herself is no stranger to building and leading organizations. With more than 25 years of experience managing people, driving business growth, and shaping economic development, she has built a reputation as a results-driven executive.
Her track record includes co-founding a successful company and even building a government agency from the ground up, showcasing her ability to translate vision into sustainable institutions. Dobbins has consistently demonstrated an exceptional capacity to attract, develop, and motivate employees while finding creative and meaningful solutions to complex business challenges.
Through Oteka, she has combined her expertise in business development, telecommunications, sales, and community engagement to create a company that thrives in the rapidly evolving fields of infrastructure and smart city technologies.
Innovation Meets Impact
Today, Oteka Technologies is a multifaceted company that works on projects not only in Memphis but across the nation. Its services extend into infrastructure, smart city applications, and advanced technology solutions—areas that are critical for the future of urban growth and sustainability.
From laying the foundations of telecommunications networks to implementing smart systems that improve how cities function, Oteka is playing a vital role in shaping the future of communities. Yet even as the company expands its reach, its roots remain firmly planted in Whitehaven.
Building with Family and Community
One of the most inspiring aspects of Oteka’s story is that Dobbins is building the company alongside her two children and a dedicated team. This family-centered approach underscores the company’s values of continuity, shared vision, and collective responsibility. It also highlights Dobbins’ belief in creating generational wealth and opportunities, ensuring that her children and their peers have a stake in Memphis’ economic future.
A Symbol of Whitehaven’s Economic Rebirth
The relocation of Oteka’s headquarters to its own renovated facility is a powerful moment for Whitehaven. For decades, the community has been associated with both vibrant culture and economic challenges. By reinvesting in the neighborhood, Oteka is contributing to a wave of revitalization that reflects pride, resilience, and renewal.
The new headquarters will not only provide space for the company’s growing operations.
but also stand as a symbol of stability and progress in a community that Dobbins calls home. It is a tangible reminder that reinvestment in local neighborhoods is possible—and that such investment can fuel broader economic growth.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Oteka Technologies is positioned to play an increasingly important role in both the Memphis region and the broader national technology landscape. With its focus on smart city solutions and infrastructure innovation, the company is aligning itself with some of the most pressing needs of modern society.
At the same time, Dobbins’ leadership ensures that Oteka remains grounded in its original mission: to invest in people and communities while building a sustainable, forward-looking business.
As the company prepares to celebrate its move into its new headquarters, it is clear that Oteka Technologies is more than a business success story. It is a story of family legacy, entrepreneurial vision, and unwavering commitment to community.
Through her work, Alandas Dobbins is demonstrating that the future of Memphis can be built not by outsiders, but by those who know and love the city best. And in doing so, she is ensuring that Oteka Technologies will remain a cornerstone of both innovation and economic empowerment for years to come.
