1. Let’s start with the basics, what’s your role at GeoLinks?
My role is Director of Network Operations. I oversee Network Operations (Netops) which consists of the GeoLinks’ Customer Helpdesk, NOC department, as well as Systems/IT.
2. What’s your favorite part about working for GeoLinks?
Hard to pick just one. The friendly cultural atmosphere, constantly being challenged, and the fast-paced, never slow environment. Things are never boring.
3. You were one of the first GeoLinks employees to be hired (back when the company was California Internet); how has the company evolved since you first started?
It has changed quite a bit, from having meetings in a single office room sitting on the floor to where we are now. I remember how big of a deal it was when we first got logo’d shirts and graphics on our only company vehicle. At that point we were legit!
4. What makes GeoLinks’ different from other Internet Service Providers?
I would have to say the people. From the very start the company was born with a friendly culture of respect. All businesses are about making money but what really matters is how you go about it. The founders and management of GeoLinks believe above all else that providing the best work environment for the employees fosters success. For this reason I would say it’s why GeoLinks is different than any other company, not just other fixed wireless providers.
5. Outside of work…what is your favorite past time or hobby?
I have many. From shooting pistols and rifles at the range, to enjoying my Remote Control vehicles (Cars/Trucks/Rock Crawlers, GAS and Electric), to working on my ‘68 Chevy pickup.
6. What’s something most of your coworkers don’t know about you?
From age 7 to age 14 I studied Taekwondo. I was a wild child, and it was my parents idea of instilling structure, or at least a way to get rid of my energy. I made it as far as 2nd degree Black belt. My mother at one point had an entire room of trophies from sparring tournaments I competed in throughout California.
7. GeoLinks’ sales team often states that the company “reverse engineers” every circuit. Coming from the technical side of things, can you expand upon what this means exactly?
I think what we mean is we try to look at the details. Many ISP’s simply have a blanket area they say can be served. They’ll tell a customer “yes we can serve you” without doing due diligence. This often causes delays down the road. It’s a matter of considering all the factors before saying yes. When we say yes we can do something, we have put the circuit design through the paces and made sure it’s both possible and that we can support it. It makes us as a company true to our word. When we say “Yes, we can serve you”, we mean it.
8. You are allowed to do anything you want, anywhere in the world, for one whole day…what do you do and where do you go?
Funny you ask, I plan on doing this next year! Wherever I go, I would want my friends and family with me as that is the most important thing in life. I would want to go to a place I find beautiful and genuinely enjoy every second I’m there. While we’re there, why not have a big party! That being said, my fiancé and I visited Ireland this year for vacation. Being almost 50% Irish, seeing my roots has always been on my bucket list. We planned the trip ourselves, flew in, and rented a car. We then traveled the island visiting all of its wonders at our own pace. We loved it so much we decided we’re going to get married there next year. We’ve invited all our friends and family and plan to have an awesome day none of us will ever forget.
9. Do you have a favorite quote or mantra you live by? Please share!
I like to watch the MotorTrend channel on Youtube. It’s a series of car shows, and at the end of each show they display a quote saying “Get Busy Living”. I interpret this as don’t get stuck in the routines of life, and do what makes you happy!
10. What’s next…what are you most excited for when you think of your future with GeoLinks?
Growing companies, especially fast-growing technical ones, always have unique and difficult challenges. If I’m not being challenged, I don’t feel like I’m growing. From my experience, that will never be an issue working here. From the beginning to now it’s insane how the company has developed; I can’t wait to see where it goes from here.
