My role changed with Comstar from technical installer to sales. My original expectation was to manage many of our accounts and add new ones to ensure that they were cared for. I was cautiously optimistic because I realized this was not a typical progression or advancement. I knew I’d be starting over to learn a new way of thinking and to satisfy new expectations. But I looked at this as an opportunity to learn another side of the business that I still loved. Fast forward, despite the Comstar/Bloomy culture clash, I tried to mentally remain intensely driven to solve problems and get it right for the business owner I served.My respectful advice to any CEO: A salesman truly thrives when they feel trusted and then dignified by being allowed to use their experience to make fundamental sales decisions for themselves without being delayed and questioned every step of the way. Trust is what promotes growth, not the paycheck.

When Comstar acquired STC, my role with VoIP changed slightly where I was mostly at the office in support and sometimes on the road servicing clients with buggy problems and resolving nuances that were unexplainable. I am the Alcatel Sales Engineer related to our Alcatel customer base. There are several 3rd party applications that I installed and maintained as well. My greatest joy was being able to tell the good news to the customer after persevering through a software or hardware issue for many hours or days. It always bothered me when the customer had to endure a thorn in their side.

The last 7 months of ‘STC’ I filled the role of technical installation manager. I would also assist with interviewing, training and on-boarding new hires. This included caring for some necessary network management (AD/Domain rights, laptop prep).PBX: I installed and maintained VoIP systems like ShoreTel and Alcatel. I specialized in helping to plan for and then take the lead in deploying large enterprise customers (like 26 building school districts in PA). Data + Networking: Alcatel OmniSwitch AOS R6/R7 & HP data switch (Comware + ProVision) experience. This includes configuration and testing to confirm layer 1,2 & 3. I also assisted in designing best practice VOIP networks with the customer's IT person who may not understand 802.1q, SIP and or QOS when converging with VOIP for the first time. Applications: Alcatel- 8400 IC Suite (ACSE). This was Alcatel's conferencing, IM, phone apps, fax server etc. ShoreTel- I install various other applications like 911 Emergency notification, conferencing and IM. AVST- I work with and have experience with this voicemail solution.

I started with installing and terminating miles of data cables and network room build-outs. I helped design and install small and large Hybrid PBX systems (Digital, Analog, VoIP), and maintained the Siemens HiPath, Siemens 9006 and the Ericsson PBX’s.

Building complex homes from start to finish, had oversight over a crew of men. This often included oversight over multiple crews building homes. Responsibilities included analyzing the blueprint for lumber takeoff, coordinating the days and weeks activities, spearheading the more complex aspects of building a home like setting up the frame, stairs and roof lines.There were often times we would take on finished carpentry and deck jobs during the off-season.

Building homes, building decks, on some occasions we did roofing and siding jobs.

Worked for Bob Probst (a.k.a. the Cobbler) on various construction projects. Eventually met my next employer at Heartwood Homes through him.

Started working for Tye Schryer as a laborer after school and summer vacation from 1985-1988. Tye was a Canadian lumberjack who was building his own log cabin.. I swept up and hammered nails. I worked for Tye from 6th through 9th grade and gained invaluable experience working in their wood mill, working a planer, the kiln, router, sanders, saws and more. We also built many decks, and I would help dig the holes! Tye was a great first wood working mentor to whom I owe a debt of gratitude! Also in this same time frame I worked with NBB roofing and Cunningham Masonry when Tye had nothing for me to do. These experiences also helped shape my work ethic and grit as these guys were no slackers!From 1988 to 1991 (10th - 12th grade) I worked for a few other construction friends like Wayne Goetsch. Wayne was also a great mentor because he taught me the value of saving to always buy an important tool out of every other paycheck. We worked a lot in NJ and NY on commercial projects, including all night KFC new builds, and other metal stud and drywall & spackling projects. Also during this time frame I worked with Fleischer Brothers Roofing at times on projects. Jerry was hilarious. We had fun on the 2 way radios on our road trips!