What is your position at Dial Tone MD?
CEO/President
How many years have you been working in the telecommunications industry?
I’ve been working in telecommunications for 21 years now. I started at Bell Canada as a field technician where I worked for 13 years. I spent 3 years working as a subcontractor for companies like Tri-quest, ATI Telecom, and LedCor. Then in 2009, I started Dial Tone.
Why telecommunications?
This is a fast-paced industry with a lot of changes. To be able to work in this business you need to be a quick thinker and problem solver. It keeps the work interesting and challenging. When I started, I felt certain that there was always going to be a demand for telecoms, but I was also excited that it would be ever-changing as technology develops and the needs shift. So far that has been the case.
Why did you decide to start Dial Tone?
I loved the telecom industry and my work, but I didn’t love being an employee within the large corporate structure. What I wanted for Dial Tone was a smaller unit that could be more efficient, more effective, more creative.
I took the leap after doing some relief work in Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina. Working with so many like-minded people was really inspiring. I wanted to recreate that positive work environment so we could make a difference in the industry.
Ten years later, is Dial Tone living up to that vision?
Definitely. I’ve watched that initial vision come to life, and I think we’ve been able to be creative in how we make things happen both for clients and with the company.
We’ve learned a lot in those 10 years. The foundation needs to be strong before you build the house. Our foundation is training, experience, relationships, management, systems, and processes. The house is the telecommunications work and our work environment. We are growing, but Dial Tone is building that foundation so our people can diversify and grow.
What would you tell potential employees about working at Dial Tone?
I have worked hard to build an environment that is not only healthy for me and my own family, but also for my crew and their families. I am invested and passionate and expect the same of my employees.
I think we are creating a company where people want to have careers and not just jobs. We are at work more than we are at home; we should enjoy it.