OSP Construction

GERALD A. BOEKE

**** **** *** * #** Minneapolis, MN 55407

612-***-**** (U.S.) ad7jk5@r.postjobfree.com

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

VP of Technical Operations, OSP Construction, Call/Data Center Operations, Customer Service Leadership, Sales Engineering, Cell Site and Facility Management, and Project Management

Savvy and forward-thinking professional with over 40 years of experience directing multi-faceted operations, staff, and initiatives for telecommunications companies and in the United States Marine Corps. Instrumental in delivering growth and building business through expert leadership of teams, networks, and service activities, with a focus on developing a strong customer base and industry reputation. I am Reputable for diligent leader of multimillion-dollar budgets and continuous pursuit of cost saving opportunities. I am the recipient of numerous Merit and Achievement commendations from the U.S. Marine Corps for outstanding performance.

Operational Leadership Organizational/Facilities Management Budget Development/Administration Telecommunications Expertise Relationship Building & Management Resource Management

Call & Data Center Operations Staff Management Presentations Policy & Procedure Development

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

PROJECT DIRECTOR NATIONAL ON DEMAND JULY 2018-Dec 2023

Responsible for all aspects of outside plant fiber optic construction, splicing and Quality Control of the 7,500-mile construction projects to include directional boring, aerial construction and placement of 144 backbone fiber and various sized lateral fiber optic cables. This was a distributed network installing the backhaul and subtending lateral paths to the multiple hub sites in the Co-Ops network. Directly responsible for 6 inhouse crews and up to 40 subcontracting companies for three different rural power Co-Ops in both Tupelo and Pontotoc Mississippi. (Tombigbee CO-OP, Northeast Power CO-OP and North Central)

This included the backbone fiber and FTTH off of the backbone fiber.

SR CONSTRUCTION SUPERINTENDANT LEDCOR LTS JUNE 2018-JULY 2020

Responsible for all aspects of outside plant fiber optic splicing and Quality Control of the 4,000-mile construction project to include directional boring, aerial construction and placement of both 864 and 432 fiber optic cables. This was specifically for the backhaul, fronthaul, wireless and the ODN Network for the Verizon Fiber One project. Directly responsible for 6 inhouse crews and multiple subcontractors. Developed and wrote the projects Design and Installation Specifications for the overall project as well as trained and mentored the projects quality team. Increased the yearly revenue stream by leading and training several in-house splicers. Responsible for installation, maintenance and splicing of multiple Fiber Distribution Hubs & FTTH. Under my leadership LTS has developed a long-standing, successful track record in working with the various municipalities in the Chicago Metropolitan Area. Based upon this, LTS has built very good working relationships with various City Department stakeholders.

Maintain project documentation and reporting.

Manage the project schedule to ensure the project milestones and deadlines are met.

I manage multiple telecom projects including scheduling, reporting, customer facing and vendor management.

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR COMLINK MIDWEST APRIL 2017-JUNE 2018

Responsible for all aspects of outside plant fiber optic construction to include directional boring, aerial construction and splicing. This included all aspects of the fiber network for Zayo, AT&T and Verizon including backhaul connectivity as well as connections to multiple cell sites. Directly responsible for 6 inhouse crews and multiple subcontractors. Developed the Southeast Division from the ground up into a $1.9 million yearly revenue stream. Responsible for placing bids to various vendors and service providers. Under my leadership Comlink has developed a long-standing, successful track record in working with the various municipalities in Minnesota and Tennessee. Based upon this, Comlink interfaces and has built very good working relationships with various City Department stakeholders.

Lead deployment meetings and work with cross-functional teams that could include site acquisition and construction.

Maintain project documentation and reporting.

Manage the project schedule to ensure the project milestones and deadlines are met.

I managed multiple telecom projects including scheduling, reporting, customer facing and vendor management.

TECH SUPPORT SPECIALIST HONEYWELL SEPTEMBER 2016 – APRIL 2017

The Technical Support Specialist, Golden Valley, MN is responsible for providing error free technical support resolutions as well as accurate, timely referral information to our customers on the Thermostat Tier I and Tier II support line. Provides customer-based support on customer calls, emails or requests submitted via the customer portal. This position will gather information and utilize web and product spec materials to guide customers through a Honeywell product. The Specialist will troubleshoot customer problems using materials provided, training and knowledge to facilitate the identification, investigation, resolution, root cause analysis and replication of technical issues. I access customer networks to troubleshoot and resolve issues. I apply the Knowledge Management best practices as trained to support the knowledge sharing mindset with the customer.

MERCHANDISING ASSOCIATE HOME DEPOT APRIL 2016 – APRIL 2018

Customer Service Associate responsible for Sales and Customer service in the Plumbing, Kitchen and Bath and Electrical departments. I have received multiple awards for exceptional customer service and sales. Lead the St Louis Park MN store in customer sales leads for the 2nd quarter. Nominated as the Employee of the Month/Quarter for the 2nd Quarter 2016.

CONSULTING AND VOLUNTEER WORK JANUARY 2015 – JANUARY 2017

Outside Plant Construction consulting work involved several projects and activities for Del Sur del Norte, a company that does telecommunication and electrical infrastructure upgrades in rural Nicaragua.

The volunteer work includes business planning and fundraising for The Collective Artist Network of Nicaragua (CANN). I am also, the Adjutant of the local American Legion Post.

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS TW TELECOM JANUARY 2014 – JANUARY 2015

Manage daily Operations as well as planning for the Orange County CA market.

Support and direct teams responsible for Installation, Construction, Maintenance, Design Engineering, Provisioning, Project Management and Operational Support of Fiber customers. This included over 147 yearly fiber installation projects. This included both backhaul connectivity and fiber for a ODN services.

Responsible for motivating, challenging, and encouraging Fiber Services Technicians in provisioning, maintenance, and emergency repairs to over 400 Cell Towers.

Increased the network fiber miles by 27% from 410 to 520 route miles.

Increased the on-net fiber connected buildings from 273 to 419 buildings.

I was responsible for a $17,000,000 project for the County of Orange in California. This included designing the fiber path and building a 48-count fiber Ethernet ring that connected 286 county buildings. Additionally, I was responsible for the OSP construction that included ordering, laying, and splicing the fiber. I was also required to submit and obtain the necessary multi city permits. This project was completed 4 months ahead of schedule and $1.5 million under budget. I conducted monthly audits to ensure that all safety and installation standards were met.

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS CLASS OPERATIONS, TIME WARNER CABLE, BUSINESS CLASS December 2010 – January 2014

Manage daily Operations as well as planning for the Kansas City and Nebraska Division of TWC Business Class.

Support and direct teams responsible for Installation and Maintenance, Sales Engineering, Provisioning, Project Management and Operational Support of Fiber and Broadband business customers.

Responsible for motivating, challenging, and encouraging Fiber Services Technicians in fiber construction, provisioning, maintenance, and emergency repairs to over 400 Cell Towers

Responsible for budget allocation and forecast input as well new product deployment, process development and execution.

Responsible for the installation, operations and maintenance of an area wide WiFi service.

AT&T / BLACK AND VEATCH/Glotel, Midwest Region 2010

Sr. Regional Construction Manager

Managed 15-20 cable and outside plant construction technicians for Minnesota, Iowa and Nebraska.

Provide leadership for construction personnel and cell site Technicians.

Resolved order and transmission problems, fiber, and electronics provisioning and all other cable requirements to exceed both internal and external customer expectations for communication needs.

Responsible for completing construction service and equipment installation, network infrastructure and project undertakings.

Managed contractor cost analysis, effectively managed personnel, safety measurements, quality, and the productivity of the outside construction forces as required to meet internal and external measurement expectations.

Responsible for motivating, challenging, and encouraging our field forces to excel in all construction order provisioning, maintenance, and emergency repairs to the outside plant.

Operate as a pivotal member of a construction team in bringing in results exceeding service and corporate measurements.

EXECUTIVE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANT February 2010 – Present

I provided engineering technology and design recommendations for client’s switch and fiber networks.

Assisted in the development of the client’s annual budget that would ensure the effective and efficient use of financial resources as well as improved customer service and network performance.

Presented a cost analysis to justify the installation of Business Telephone Systems (CPE) for local businesses.

Assisted in the management oversight and leadership of installation and maintenance for the client’s service equipment.

ESCHELON/INTEGRA TELECOM, Minneapolis, Minnesota 1999-2010

Sr. DIRECTOR/VICE PRESIDENT OF NETWORK OPERATIONS

As a Competitive Local Exchange Carrier (CLEC) providing service to 14 western U.S. states with a customer base of 250,000 plus Business Class Customers, I

Spearheaded a team of 125+ associates in operations, maintenance, and performance of facilities-based network, including all local, long distance, voice, data (I/P) and VoIP elements. Direct activities of 24/7 call center, repair center, central office, metro and long haul fiber active network, and field service installation teams. Play key role in all network engineering, technology, and design decisions. Oversee management of network performance and service levels and evaluate/recommend hardware. Assess new technology, creating cost-centered business cases analyses and consulting with corporate leaders to determine action.

Build and manage ongoing relationships with key partners and peers, from suppliers and regulators to active and potential customers, industry groups, and competitors. Source competitively priced products/services and proactively promote company brand and image within the telecom industry. Coordinate network reliability/cost efficiency studies, as well as competitive evaluations of network design and configurations.

Develop and administer annual capital plan and $125M annual budget, (capital and expenses) with review/approval control over all expenditures. Apportion financial resources and present budget to senior management. Serve as technical consultant to Legal & Regulatory team, providing vital expertise and information to maximize Company’s position on public policy and interconnection issues.

Selected Highlights

Led initial network growth, including installation of company’s first call center.

Delivered $20-$22M savings and received Eschelon exemplary service award for implementation of entire network 2 full years ahead of schedule. Initiative included installation of switch centers and new operation center.

Recognized for contributions and expertise with promotions from original position as Director of Network Operations to role as Sr. Director (2005), then to current VP position.

21ST CENTURY TELECOM, Chicago, Illinois 1998-1999

Broadband (local/long-distance telephone) and Internet service provider and cable television operator. Acquired by RCN Corp. in 1999.

Senior Manager, Switch Operations

Led 75-member team in activities for distinct operational, network operation, complex transition, and repair call center businesses. Piloted and supervised switch installations. Established operating framework that included goals, policies, and procedures for all 5 divisions.

Selected Highlights

Advanced potential and reach through ground-up design, engineering installation, and operation of company’s Voice and Data network.

Ensured ongoing success through development of 5 corporate organizations and their structures.

JONES COMMUNICATIONS, Alexandria, Virginia 1995-1998

Broadband (local/long-distance telephone) and Internet service provider and cable television operator. Acquired by Comcast in 2001.

Manager, Switch Network Operations

Directed daily network operations and reliability actions while managing Switch and Fiber Network performance and service levels. Analyzed/recommended alternative hardware, switches, and facilities, as well as applications for new technologies, with a focus on ensuring fulfillment of customer and shareholder expectations. Delivered cost analyses for new products. Proactively sought and shared state-of-the-art technology expertise with corporate decision-makers.

Selected Highlights

Increased revenue 20% over 3 year by delivering Voice Switch installation project 3 months ahead of schedule, which enabled initial product launch earlier than expected.

Lowered expenses through establishment of an in-house test lab to repair/refurbish equipment for subsequent re-installment at customer sites.

Played key role (lead in Alexandria) in company’s becoming the first cable company to offer voice-grade service to customers.

ADDITIONAL HISTORY

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

Staff Director, Telecommunications – Marine Corps Base, Quantico, Virginia (1992-1995)

Commanded recruitment, selection, training development, and performance of 300+ Marines and civilian employees.

Prepared and managed $200M annual network capital budget. Approved and tracked spending and ensured equipment and cots were consistent with Corps strategies, goals, and objectives.

CAREER NOTE: Previous roles with the Marines – Telecommunication Network Planner for Operation Restore Hope and Marine Air Ground Task Force Instruction Team.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

Master of Arts in Business Management

National University, California

Building and Industry Consulting Service International (BICSI) LAN Master Certificate

MPLS and Ethernet over Copper Design VOIP Overview for Managers and Administrators

Vital Work Executive Leadership & Communications Human Resources Fundamentals in Leadership

Résumé

Contact this candidate