Coworking is a weekly segment where we spotlight Tech Brew readers who work with emerging technologies. Click here if you’d like a chance to be featured.
How would you describe your job to someone who doesn’t work in tech?
As the president and COO of GeoLinks, I am given the opportunity to have a unique view of not only our company but also the telecommunications industry as a whole. I have the privilege and luxury to hire, work alongside, and lead an incredibly talented team. I firmly believe in hiring remarkable people, providing the space they need to succeed, and then ultimately trusting in their expertise to deliver the best possible results for our customers as possible. In addition to overseeing the company’s overall operations and hiring, my role addresses how GeoLinks can connect people, businesses, and municipalities across suburban, rural, and urban communities.
Bringing internet access to areas that were previously underserved and witnessing the positive impact that our work has on the lives of individuals, businesses, and entire communities is truly fulfilling. Whether it’s providing connectivity to a school library or helping a local business expand operations, I’m proud that my job enables me to lead a team of the best and brightest engineers, field technicians, and salespeople who are equally passionate about their work and dedicated to making a difference. Overall, I see my job as one that is all about opportunity and creating positive change.
What’s the most compelling tech project you’ve worked on, and why?
My mind instantly goes to our partnership with ALERTCalifornia, a public safety program helping mitigate natural disasters across the state. GeoLinks powers the project’s fire camera sensors, transporting critical data that enables firefighters to confirm ignition locations, verify 911 reports by imaging fire behavior, and deploy informed responses, public warnings, and evacuation plans. Our innovative work with ALERTCalifornia, which recently received the Central Coast Innovation Awards for Most Disruptive Technology in 2023, has the potential to save lives and prevent the spread of wildfires.
What technologies are you most optimistic about? Least? And why?
I’m very optimistic about the future of fixed wireless and hybrid fiber-network build-outs, particularly demonstrated through our flagship ClearFiber network. This technology allows us to provide high-speed internet to locations left behind by big telecom companies. Built utilizing custom solar-relay stations, GeoLinks’s technology can reach rural communities and anchor institutions without requiring a connection to the electric grid, enabling the service to expand to territories that no other competitor can.
Overall, I don’t think there are any bad technologies. As long as people continue to embrace new tech and apply it where and when appropriate to solve problems, all technologies have the potential to be useful and create a positive impact. From fiber to wireless and even technologies like artificial intelligence, it’s all very exciting to me and represents a new path toward solving problems and advancing ecosystems globally.
Keep up with the innovative tech transforming business
Tech Brew keeps business leaders up-to-date on the latest innovations, automation advances, policy shifts, and more, so they can make informed decisions about tech.
What’s the best tech-related media you read/watch/listen to?
Besides Tech Brew, of course, I have to admit that I am pretty agnostic when it comes to tech-related media. I believe in being informed, so I turn to multiple channels and publications to get a well-rounded view of the latest developments in the industry. While I do listen to podcasts and watch videos related to tech, I find that I am a very hands-on guy. Instead of relying on others to tell me how great something is, I prefer to do a lot of research and development myself.
If I come across a particular technology or product that is being highlighted by a certain publication or podcast, I am always the first one to reach out and ask to do some R&D for myself. So, while I appreciate recommendations from others and do rely on outlets to inform me of what’s on the market, I believe that the best way to truly understand the capabilities of a tech product is to get it into our hands and test it directly with our engineers.
What’s something about you we can’t guess from your LinkedIn profile?
My passion for reading. You’ll often catch me reading all kinds of books, manuals, and articles that relate to my work or personal interests. I don’t limit myself to a single genre—from biographies to different kinds of fiction, historical pieces, true crime, and more—I enjoy it all. I believe that the more you read, the more knowledge you acquire and more unique perspectives you gain.
What do you think about when you’re not thinking about tech?
When my mind isn’t consumed with thoughts of technology, I tend to think about the bigger picture: How can we make the world a better place? What can I do to positively impact the lives of others? These questions are always at the forefront of my mind. It’s not just about improving things in a technical sense, but rather, looking at ways we can help one another. I’m always considering ways to spread kindness, create positive change, and do my part in making a lasting difference. I firmly believe that if we each make an effort, even in small ways, we can collectively create a brighter future for ourselves and those around us. I’m very lucky that I serve in a role that is directly tied and related to creating positive change.