Meet David Cervantes, a Superintendent in the Phoenix market. Since 2022, he has been doing work in Data Centers. Over the past three years, he and his team have built out sites for major cloud providers. He is currently leading a team working at a major data center build site. He is excited to get started on his next project!
TELL US ABOUT YOUR CAREER PATH AND WHAT LED YOU TO YOUR CURRENT ROLE?
Before I started in the telecom trade, I worked for a real estate title company. One day, I was talking with one of my cousins and mentioned that I was looking for a change. Now, almost 16 years later, I’m still in the telecom trade. I believe what has helped me grow and succeed is applying leadership skills I admired in past foremen and managers, while also learning from different leadership styles to shape the kind of leader I strive to be for my crew.
WHAT KINDS OF EDUCATION OR ON THE JOB TRAINING HAVE HELPED YOU BE SUCCESSFUL IN YOUR CURRENT JOB?
Before entering the trade, I took some community college courses focused on computer science. I already have previous knowledge of networking and network topology. I knew what RJ45 connectors were, was familiar with switches and servers, and had a strong foundation in copper cabling, though I had limited experience with fiber at the time.
WHAT CHARACTERISTICS DO YOU THINK ARE NEEDED TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN YOUR ROLE?
Strong communication skills, being adaptable and flexible, being friendly, and the ability to be firm when needed.
WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY AT WORK LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
Number ONE: coffee. Next, I greet the crew and take care of any job logs or permits. Then we talk about what needs to be accomplished for the day and what I’d like to see worked on. I attend meetings and check in on the crew’s progress throughout the day. Finally, we clean up and close out for the day.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?
I didn’t mention above, but I describe what we do as ‘Adult Legos’. I enjoy the build out portion of the job.
HOW DO YOU LIKE TO SPEND YOUR TIME OUTSIDE OF WORK?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife at our kids’ extracurricular activities. My daughter (14) is a competitive dancer, my older son (11) is a competitive swimmer, and my youngest son (6) looks like he will follow in his brother’s footsteps and swim as well.
TELL US A FUN OR SURPRISING FACT ABOUT YOU!
I am a simple man with two goals in life. Enjoy our adventures in life with my wife and raise decent human beings.