What is the biggest
misconception about the industry?
I believe the biggest
misconception about the industry is that a career in construction is a fall
back option or that it’s a job anyone can do. Our technicians received
specialized training specific to manufacturer and industry standards which is
often in a classroom environment. It takes an exceptional person to be
comfortable behind a desk and in the field and we are lucky to have both. We
work with some of the brightest and most driven individuals I’ve ever met and I
feel exceedingly fortunate that they chose to pursue a career in low voltage.
What is your biggest
current challenge at work?
Our biggest current
challenge is that of so many owners I speak with; hiring and retaining great
talent. Our line of work isn’t necessarily glamorous, although the end results
typically are pretty outstanding. There is a tremendous physical demand on the
body that isn’t for everyone and can be a shock to the inexperienced.
What keeps you up at night?
My people and my projects.
I want to consistently “do right” by my employees and a large component of that
is always having quality work in the queue. As a small business owner, I have
to reevaluate my long-term strategies on a regular basis, especially as they
relate to the local economy, the pulse of our country and trends in the
industry. The people of CTI are the cornerstone of our company. We’ve
celebrated marriages and births and grieved at funerals and at the end of the
day, we are as much a family as we are a business. There is always something to
keep your brain busy.
How does your ABC
membership help your company?
We are excited about the
opportunity to network with and learn from other businesses committed to the
same standards, practices and values. I had intended to join ABC for several
years and just didn’t make it a priority. The ultimate motivation for me was
the Winter 2017 issue of Building Washington. While flipping through the
magazine, I started counting the number of member companies with which we have
worked. When I reached ten, I realized it was time to stop staying CTI would
join ABC and start making it happen. I am confident it will be an outstanding
decision for my business.
What do you look forward to
each day?
Going to work! I'm excited
about what I do and the people with which I work.
What are you like to work
for?
I think my employees would tell
you that you always know what you're going to get with me. You might not like
what I have to say but I'm going to tell it to you straight. I also think they
would say I was fair and honest and that I'm the first one to roll up my
sleeves and work alongside them on a job site.
What is your favorite movie
or tv show?
It's a tie between
Shawshank Redemption and the Green Mile.
What do you do for fun?
I am an avid outdoorsman
and love my time in the woods. I also never met a home improvement project I didn't
like - I'm a regular at "the Depot".
What book are you currently
reading?
Fierce Conversations:
Achieving Success at Work & in Life, One Conversation at a Time by Susan
Scott
What was your first job?
I was a paperboy for the
Washington Star. A snowy Sunday morning could be my greatest nemesis on the
mean streets of Poolesville, MD.