Meet Justin, a Project Manager at Network Connex who supports our customer’s small cell program across seven markets. From coordinating design and permitting to managing materials and project timelines, Justin helps keep critical wireless infrastructure projects moving forward. By working closely with customers, municipalities, and industry partners, he plays a key role in bringing enhanced connectivity to communities across the country.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR CAREER PATH AND WHAT LED YOU TO YOUR CURRENT ROLE?
I started my career when we were Advantage Engineers (now Network Connex’s Professional Services division) as a Geotechnical Specialist. I was in that role until 2014 when I was called to assist on a telecommunications project in the Columbia, MD office and the rest is history. I slowly gained experience working on both Verizon and T-Mobile antenna modification and new build projects when in 2020, I was offered to run a T-Mobile small cell project for the DC market. Since then, I have helped grow our footprint for the small cell program to include six additional markets in the Northwest and Mid-Atlantic regions.
WHAT KINDS OF EDUCATION OR ON THE JOB TRAINING HAVE HELPED YOU BE SUCCESSFUL IN YOUR CURRENT JOB?
While not related to my role, my time in university has taught me valuable skills applicable in the workforce whether it be social in nature, time management, how to work as a team player, and just being in a willingness to learn, grow, and take pride in my job. My biggest success though has come from mentors and other peers at Network Connex over the years training me with on job experience and helping me through trial and error, as well as being role models to learn from.
WHAT CHARACTERISTICS DO YOU THINK ARE NEEDED TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN YOUR ROLE?
You definitely need to have attention to detail, being willing to work with other team members, have good time management and productivity skills, meet deadlines, be willing to ask for help, and be coachable. If there is one thing I have learned and heard from multiple mentors and supervisors over the years, is to be coachable and admit that you don’t know it all. There is always more to learn and more roles to grow into as you advance your career.
WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY AT WORK LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
My typical day consists of answering emails, attending meetings internally with my project teams and with my client, T-Mobile. Outside of this, I am working on financial reviews and reports, keeping data and dates current in Site Tracker, driving the project team to completion goals and priorities and stepping in where needed to assist the team to make sure all deadlines are hit successfully.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?
I love being able to solve challenging issues for the client that come up on the project and have Network Connex be one of the first T-Mobile turns to for our expertise and experience.
HOW DO YOU LIKE TO SPEND YOUR TIME OUTSIDE OF WORK?
I love spending time with my wife and two girls, traveling, cheering on the Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles, searching out the newest spots for great local food and craft beer.
TELL US A FUN OR SURPRISING FACT ABOUT YOU!
I went to college for Meteorology and I still use my degree as my personal hobby, studying, tracking, and forecasting weather. I geek out over big storms no matter the time of year!