Jeremy Sinon is a Project Manager in our Deployment Services division, working on Outside Plant (OSP) fiber optics projects in the Pacific Northwest. Read on to learn how he leveraged a career in public works to managing a fiber crew at Network Connex.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR CAREER PATH AND WHAT LED YOU TO YOUR CURRENT ROLE?
I worked for the City of Bellevue for 18 years, starting as a temporary worker for the street department and working my way up to crew leader. In that role, I coordinated projects with other utilities, water, sewer, signals, and storm drainage along with managing the streets crew. This experience helped prepare me for the current position I have with Network Connex.
WHAT KINDS OF EDUCATION OR ON THE JOB TRAINING HAVE HELPED YOU BE SUCCESSFUL IN YOUR CURRENT JOB?
The majority of my career education has been on the job training along with getting certified in certain areas as I moved up through the ranks. I have certifications in CDL A, Confined Space Training, Traffic Control Supervisor, Erosion and sediment control lead, CPR/AED, and FEMA Disaster Response training.
WHAT CHARACTERISTICS DO YOU THINK ARE NEEDED TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN YOUR ROLE?
I think there are a few characteristics that are needed to really give a person a good foundation to be a project manager in the world of fiber optics infrastructure:
- Being able to effectively communicate with crews, management and the customer.
- Job knowledge and being able to prioritize the workload for the crews and customer.
- Being able to adapt to the unexpected—this could be anything from an emergency response that multiple crews are needed or an issue with an individual crew member.
- The ability to listen and understand what is needed.
WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY AT WORK LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
The first thing I do is meet with the construction manager to make sure there are no issues with the current workload. Then the CM and I will meet with the crew to make sure the work for the day or the week is communicated and implemented properly. Lastly I might be fielding new projects, billing, completing tasks to support the crew, or participating in meetings with management. Each day is different but most include a combination of all those things.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?
What I enjoy most about this job is working with the other Project Managers and Construction Managers within our area. These guys all have an incredible work ethic and an amazing amount of job knowledge.
HOW DO YOU LIKE TO SPEND YOUR TIME OUTSIDE OF WORK?
I love to watch and follow all the Seattle sports teams. This usually leads to disappointment, frustration, depression, anger, and once in a while, hope….. If I need an escape, you can find me on the local golf course experiencing these emotions in public.
TELL US A FUN OR SURPRISING FACT ABOUT YOU!
I really enjoy woodworking. So far I have built a dining room table, indoor/outdoor chairs and I am currently working on my kitchen cabinets.