The First Tee of Greater Dallas
The First Tee of Dallas is an organization that provides young children with the opportunity to build character and learn valuable life skills using golf as the platform.
The V Foundation for Cancer Research
The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State basketball couch and ESPN commentator. The foundation has awarded over $115 million to facilities nationwide and awards 100% of all direct cash donations and event proceeds to cancer research.
Operation Finally Home
Operation Finally Home is an organization devoted to helping Americans honor and thank wounded and disabled veterans and widows of fallen soldiers by providing them with custom made mortgage free homes. The effort of Operation Finally Home allows veterans to get their lives back on track and become productive members of their communities.
PwC SMU Athletic Forum
The PwC SMU Athletic Forum is a community outreach program used to recognize athletes who have achieved great success in their respectable sport. The program also allows the community to support athletes through scholarships and operating initiatives at SMU. The PwC SMU Athletic Forum also holds the Doak Walker Award Presentation Banquet every year to recognize an outstanding collegiate football player who not only shows success on the field, but also is in good academic standing and is on schedule to graduate within one year of other students of the same classification. VERTICOM is a proud participant and sponsor of the SMU Athletic Forum.
Warriors4Wireless (W4W)
Warriors4Wireless (W4W) is a non-profit formed to bridge the gap between the demand for trained and deployable communication infrastructure technicians, and the thousands of qualified service men and women eager to transfer the skills they’ve learned in the military. The organization provides training, advanced certification and transitional support, giving veterans the building blocks they need for an exciting and fulfilling career in the our rapidly growing industry.
About Us
VERTICOM’s mission is to complete projects on time, on budget, and at the highest level of quality – all without compromising
safety.
Jeff Lewis
President & Founder
Jeff Lewis is the President and Founder of VERTICOM. Since 2001 Jeff has led the company’s Sales, Operations, and Finance
programs. He is passionate about leading and preparing today’s workforce to win the global race in
designing, developing, and operating the broadband networks of the future. He is a frequent speaker
and moderator at industry events across the country and brings a high-level executive summary to
the complex 5G architecture which includes Fiber, Macro, Small Cell, and DAS. He is also focused
on creating one of the most innovative places to work within telecom by implementing a world class
training and command center to support VERTICOM’s apprenticeship and career development initiatives.
Prior to founding VERTICOM, Jeff worked as the Chief Operating Officer for a wireless infrastructure
company in St. Louis. His professional work history includes four years of service with Kimberly-Clark
as a Cost and Financial Analyst and four years of service as a Management Consultant within Ernst
& Young’s Engineering, Construction and Real Estate consulting practice. He graduated from Michigan
State University with a BA in Finance and earned his MBA in International Management in two years
attending night school at the University of Dallas. He has been involved with the Texas State Wireless
Association since 2007 and became the President in 2014. Jeff is actively involved with several charities
including The First Tee of Greater Dallas of which he serves on the Board of Governors. He coaches
Varsity Football, founded a select basketball program called SPECTRUM Athletes and loves to golf
& hunt. Jeff and his wife Jill reside in Dallas with their five children.
Neal Gee
Director of Finance, Accounting, HR & IT
Neal joined VERTICOM in 2017 as our Corporate Controller and became the Director of Accounting, Finance, HR & IT in August of 2018.He is responsible for the entire back office operations which include cash management, annual budgeting and forecasting, financial reporting, evaluating the acquisition of capital assets, preparing cash flow forecasts and completing financial close. In addition, Neal is responsible for developing and maintaining timely and accurate financial and ad hoc reports to support the leadership and operating teams. He manages the HR process and reviews the company’s technology platform to make sure it meets VERTICOM’S current and future data processing and reporting requirements.
Before joining VERTICOM, Neal worked most recently as the Chief Financial Officer for a restaurant group
in Texas and prior to that, worked as a Corporate Controller in the wireless telecom space for Telecom
Network Specialists, Quanta Wireless Solutions, and Spectrum Wireless Solutions. He graduated from
Abilene Christian University with a BA in Management and Accounting, and earned both a MBA and a
MS in accounting and information systems from the University of Texas.
Jonathan Meyer
Director
Safety, Quality & Training
Jonathan Meyer re-joined VERTICOM in 2017 as the Director of Safety and Quality. He ensures that all
VERTICOM crews stay compliant with applicable industry safety standards as well as provides thorough
training for all crew members through the VERTICOM TRAINING ACADEMY (VTA). VERTICOM strives to put
all team members through an extensive training program with a purpose to assemble the best operating
field teams in the industry. Our training includes all aspects of safety as well as installation
method procedures that ensure our customers receive the highest quality service and a dedication
to safety.
Prior to joining VERTICOM, Jonathan gained extensive operating knowledge of the telecommunications industry
by being a field technician, project manager and senior safety inspector. He has worked for every
major carrier and performed every scope of work throughout his 13 years of service to the wireless
industry. Jonathan started off in the industry in 2004 installing two-way radio communication equipment
directly for Motorola. He has been through over 500 hours of extensive safety and quality training
in all aspects of the communications industry.
Dean Strong
Director
Construction Services
Dean joined VERTICOM in 2016 as the Director of Operations for the Construction Service Line. He is an
operations leader who delivers results, optimizes resources and drives change on project and business
initiatives. Dean has extensive project, construction and leadership experience with over 20 years
in the construction and wireless industry. He holds a strong reputation of integrity while completing
complex wireless telecom projects, excelling in a fast-paced industry with both national and global
teams.
Prior to joining VERTICOM, Dean gained experience holding senior level positions with American Tower,
two major global OEM’s, and executive level positions for national turn-key services companies.
Dean has been directly responsible for the delivery of large scale carrier network rollout programs
nationally and abroad with experience reaching in to Puerto Rico, Mexico and Panama / Central America.
Richard Markus
Director
Real Estate Services
Richard joined VERTICOM in 2013 and currently serves as the Director of the Real Estate Service Line.
He is responsible for developing customer relationships, qualifying and assigning projects to internal
resources, as well as subcontractors and overall day to day project management. In addition, Richard
handles all service line bidding and estimating, verifies the quality of all SOW deliverables and
has responsibility for company-wide and market based financial objectives as they relate to Real
Estate. Our Real Estate team currently manages not only traditional macro sites but also DAS and
small cell build outs.
Prior to joining VERTICOM, Richard gained extensive knowledge of the site acquisition processes as
a Manager within the Wireless Telecom industry. He has worked as both a Site Acquisition Manager and
a Project Manager for several telecom companies including Nexlink GS, Baran Telecom-O2 Wireless,
WFI, Delta Groups Engineering and MasTec Wireless North America. Richard’s experience also includes
overseeing construction and managing site development services on numerous projects throughout the
Midwest and Southern states.
Gerry Gonzalez
Director
Fiber Services
Gerry joined VERTICOM in 2017 as the Director of the Fiber Service Line. He is responsible for developing
customer relationships, assigning projects to internal resources, supplier onboarding and overall
day to day operations management. In addition, Gerry is responsible for all financial objectives
as they relate to the Fiber Service Line. Gerry has over 17 years of experience in fiber optic splicing,
advanced testing and reporting procedures including CD and PMD testing.
Gerry began his career in the telecom industry in 1995 as a field technician and quickly rose to
the LAN Department Manager where he lead national roll-out projects for BFI, the Social Security
Administration and a FTTH project for Eagle Communications. He has also managed large projects for
various companies such as AT&T, Charter Communications, TW Telecom, Centerpoint, Comcast and Clearworks.
Gerry acquired his Bachelor’s degree from American Intercontinental University in 2009 with highest
honors, and earned his MBA from the University of Houston in 2014.
Doug Wittrock
Vice President
Doug joined VERTICOM in 2003 as a Project Manager and become the Vice President of Operations in 2011. Since that time, he has been responsible for making sure our customers receive maximum value from the solutions we provide. These solutions included Engineering, Real Estate, Macro Construction,
Equipment Integration, Maintenance, Inbuilding, Small Cell and Fiber Services. In 2016, Doug was tasked with integrating a Fiber Engineering and Construction company into the VERTICOM operations.
At the end of 2017, Doug’s focus shifted to the continued expansion of our Fiber service
line capabilities and customer base through direct management of the Sales and Operating activities
of that team.
Doug has over 20 years of extensive experience in the deployment of wireless and broadband networks
and a unique ability to lead diversified teams. Prior to joining VERTICOM, Doug gained experience
in operations management, service development, program management and customer support with various
companies. He worked as a Project Manager for a nationwide telecom construction and equipment installation
company. He has also managed telecom construction and installations across the country for multiple
customers including US Unwired, Sprint, Verizon Wireless, Nortel, Lucent and Ericsson.
Mishika Howard
Chief of Staff
Mishika rejoined VERTICOM in 2018 and currently serves as the Chief of Staff reporting directly to the
President and Founder. She is responsible for companywide program management as well as leading key
strategic initiatives on behalf of the President.
Mishika spent six years helping grow VERTICOM from 2010 through 2016 and during that time developed
excellent project management skills, deep wireless industry process knowledge and an appreciation
for utilizing technology to increase organizational efficiency. She interacted with customers on
a daily basis and moved from project coordinator to Assistant Operations Manager. In her new role
at VERTICOM, she will lead the development and enhancement of the company’s standard operating procedures
which includes all aspects of the VERTICOM technology and people platform or VTAPP. She will lead
this initiative across all service lines, solution sets, back office as well as the sales and marketing
departments. She will also drive the internal training platform for our management career development
program.
She is an excellent people person, drives culture and has a deep understanding and appreciation for
the use of technology. Prior to rejoining VERTICOM, Mishika led the company wide implementation of
the Concur Expense reporting platform at GDT, the nations largest Cisco equipment reseller. She holds
a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Systems from UT-Arlington.
Joaquin Salas, P.E.
Director of Engineering
Joaquin joined VERTICOM in 2018 and currently serves as the Director of Engineering. He is responsible for developing customer relationships, assigning projects to internal resources, supplier onboarding and overall day to day operations management of the Engineering Service Line.
Joaquin is a Professional Civil Engineer in the State of Texas. He has worked in various industries including working for various wireless carriers as a Management Consultant. He also has experience in producing plans and specifications for Mining, Municipal, Land Development, and the Corps of Engineers. He understands the entire wireless project life cycle from site acquisition and site development to construction As-Builts.
program.
Over the years, he has obtained extensive safety, quality and process training and has a passion for operational efficiency through SOP standardization to reduce cycle times and optimize the customer experience. Joaquin Salas is a Texas native and is a graduate of Rice University, with a degree in Civil Engineering.
Jeff Lewis
President & Founder
Mishika Howard
Chief of Staff
Doug Wittrock
Vice President
Dean Strong
Director
Construction Services
Gerry Gonzalez
Director
Fiber Services
Richard Markus
Director
Real Estate Services
Joaquin Salas, P.E.
Director
Engineering Services
Neal Gee
Director
Finance, Accounting, HR & IT
Jonathan Meyer
Director
Safety, Quality & Training
Ben Buck, Regional Manager, AROK Market, Construction Services
Ben Buck
Regional Manager, AROK Market, Construction Services
Ben joined VERTICOM in 2006 and currently serves as the AROK Market Regional Project Manager for the
Construction Service Line. He is located in the Oklahoma City office and is responsible for the Oklahoma
and Arkansas markets. Ben oversees the A & L as well as the civil construction phases of each site.
He performs bid walks, equipment layout design assessments and tower audits. All Construction Managers
in the Oklahoma and Arkansas markets report directly to him.
Prior to joining VERTICOM, Ben worked in all phases of construction. One of the most memorable projects
he was involved in was the microwave installation and path design for Alcatel Lucent on the “Homeland
Defense” project after the tragedy of 9/11. Ben is certified by Comtrain and Anritsu.
Shane Abbott, Regional Manager, Fiber Services
Shane Abbott
Regional Manager, Fiber Services
Shane joined VERTICOM in 2016 and currently serves as the Fiber Service Line Senior Project Manager.
He performs bid walks, feasibility route planning, engineering and manages fiber construction including
aerial, underground, splicing and testing. Project Managers and Construction Managers in the Fiber
Service Line report to him.
Prior to joining VERTICOM, Shane owned and operated a fiber engineering and construction company
for 7 years and managed another for 6 years. Shane has more than 16 years of experience in the telecom
industry designing and building fiber optic networks for AT&T, Verizon, Suddenlink, Charter, Comcast,
Time Warner, Logix, TXDOT & various municipalities across the states of Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana.
Those projects have ranged from long haul projects in rural America to CBD fiber builds in large
cities like downtown Houston, Dallas, and Oklahoma City.
Chad Sigler, Project Manager, NTX Market, Fiber Services
Chad Sigler
Project Manager, NTX Market
Fiber Services
Chad joined VERTICOM in 2010 and currently serves as a Project Manager for the Construction & Fiber Service
Lines in the Dallas office. Chad manages new site builds, small cell, DAS, the civil side of all
projects in North and South Texas as well as all equipment installs and upgrades. In addition, he
manages bidding & estimated along with deployment of new construction on Fiber projects. Chad communicates
directly with customers on a daily basis to ensure projects are completed safely, accurately and
in a timely manner while meeting budget requirements. Additionally, Chad oversees all logistics for
arrival and departure of materials in the warehouse in order to accommodate site development and
upgrades.
Prior to joining VERTICOM, Chad gained ten years of extensive field operating experience working
for an engineering company doing new site builds, modifications and over builds throughout the Midwest.
RJ Rutherford, Project Manager, NTX Market, Construction Services
RJ Rutherford
Project Manager, NTX Market
Construction Services
RJ joined VERTICOM in 2017 and currently serves as a Project Manager for the Construction Service Line
in our Dallas office. RJ’s responsibilities include customer facing & updates, daily crew scheduling,
job cost management, verifying field safety, quality and close-out documents. He also coordinates
Construction Managers and handles bidding & estimating along with subcontractor onboarding as needed
in his Project Manager role.
Prior to joining VERTICOM, RJ owned and operated a telecom construction services company for 3 years
and has helped manage other similar companies 2 years prior to that. He has extensive hands on experience
with many with Sprint, AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile SOW’s. RJ has a diploma from Stratford Career Institute
in Contractor / Construction Management and is a strong advocate for Field Foreman & Technicians
career development through quarterly training classes.
Royce Pyle, Project Manager, STX Market, Fiber Services
Royce Pyle
Project Manager, STX Market
Fiber Services
Royce joined VERTICOM in 2016 and currently serves as a Project Manager for the Fiber Service Line. Royce
manages fiber construction for aerial and underground placement along with crew management, site
engineering and bid walks. He communicates with customers directly to ensure projects are completed
in a timely manner while meeting quality and safety standards. Construction Managers and Sr. Construction
Managers in the Fiber Service Line report to him.
Prior to joining VERTICOM, Royce gained 4 years of experience in project management working for
a fiber engineering and construction company. Royce has worked for companies such as AT&T, Multiband
and Datavox gaining more than 10 years experience in the telecom industry, dating back to 2006, building
fiber optic networks for AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile and more across Texas.
Brandon Preat, Project Manager, STX Market, Fiber Services
Brandon Preat
Project Manager, STX Market
Fiber Services
Brandon joined VERTICOM in 2016 as a Project Manager for the Fiber Service Line in the STX Market. Brandon
manages the bidding and estimating of new construction and oversees fiber construction for aerial
and underground placement for AT&T Light Gig, new site builds. He communicates with the customer
and homeowners to ensure work is completed in a timely manner and meets quality and safety standards.
Construction Managers and Sr Construction Managers report to him.
Prior to joining VERTICOM, Brandon gained knowledge in all aspects of the industry working for a
fiber engineering and construction company for 2 years by learning to operate a directional drilling
machine, locating, leading a crew and later becoming a project manager overseeing AT&T projects.
Brandon also has experience managing projects for other carriers such as Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile
and more. He started in telecom industry in 2008 working for Comcast and has experience in the Oil
& Gas Industry.
Quentin Brown, Quality Manager
Quentin Brown
Quality manager
Quentin Brown joined VERTICOM in 2011 as a lead tower technician. He was promoted to a field construction
manager position shortly after and now he holds VERTICOM’S Quality Manager position. He has worked
on numerous A&L projects since being at VERTICOM where he has excelled. Quentin is responsible for
making sure that all crew members, as well as the management are properly trained and up to date
on all current quality standards within the telecommunication industry. He currently performs quality
audits and maintains the fleet program here at VERTICOM.
Prior to arriving at VERTICOM Quentin worked as a microwave field technician for 4 years where he
performed installations and tower modifications for various carriers throughout the industry. He
graduated from Tulane University with a B.A. in Information Technology and a minor in Sociology.
He brings vast experience and leadership to the VERTICOM team.
Larry Mathews, Regional Manager, MOKAN Market, Real Estate Services
Larry Mathews
Regional Manager, MOKAN Market
Real Estate Services
Larry joined VERTICOM in 2017 and currently serves as the Regional Manager for the Real Estate Service
Line in Missouri & Kansas. He is responsible for overseeing all aspects of site development services
including management of internal resources and vendors, quality of SOW deliverables, project profitability,
as well as maintaining and growing customer relationships. His Real Estate team currently manages
traditional macro sites, DAS and Small Cell projects.
Prior to joining VERTICOM, Larry gained extensive knowledge of the site acquisition processes as
a Manager within the Wireless Telecom industry. He has worked as both a Site Development Manager and
a Project Manager for several telecom companies including WFI, Verizon, Cricket, and Ericsson. Larry’s
experience also includes overseeing construction and managing site development services on numerous
projects throughout the Central Region.
Victor McAlister, Regional Manager, AROK Market, Real Estate Services
Victor McAlister
Regional Manager, AROK Market
Real Estate Services
Victor joined VERTICOM in 2018 and currently serves the Real Estate Service Line as a Regional Project
Manager in the Arkansas & Oklahoma Markets. In addition, Victor supports all Small Cell Real Estate
projects company wide. He is a seasoned veteran in the Wireless Telecommunication industry with nearly
20 years of experience.
Victor is a Small Cell subject matter expert and has worked side by side with wireless carriers to
assist with legal negotiations for master leases between utility companies and municipal jurisdictions
for pole attachment and ROW agreements. Victor can self-perform and managed all types of wireless
projects including site acquisition, new site builds construction as well as mount mappings and analysis.
With extensive DAS training, OEM certifications and practical field experience, Victor has become
a leader in the DAS and Small Cell field. Victor has an exceptional ability to represent the wireless
carrier to institutional owners, such as shopping centers and other large venues, to successfully
complete lease agreements. Victor is efficient in understanding the iBwave propagation tool and working
alongside construction integrators to ensure a successful on-air installation.
Prior to entering wireless telecommunications, Victor had a successful career in commercial real
estate, development and property management. Victor still maintains his Oklahoma real estate proprietor’s
broker’s license, with reciprocity available in many States. He also holds an active Texas Right-of-Way
Agent license.
Steven Herlinger, Project Manager, TX Market, Real Estate Services
Steven Herlinger
Project Manager, TX Market
Real Estate Services
Steven joined VERTICOM in 2016 and currently serves as a Project Manager for the Real Estate Service Line in the Dallas office. He manages new site builds and small cells projects in North and South Texas. Steven leads both in house team members and subcontractors and acts as the single point of contact with customers. He is a subject matter expert in Leasing, Zoning and Permitting Wireless Communications Facilities. He communicates directly with customers daily to ensure projects are completed accurately and in a timely manner while meeting budget requirements. Steven carries an active Managing Brokers License in several states.
Prior to joining VERTICOM, Steve gained over 25 years of extensive real estate, construction & operating experience working for AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon and Sprint managing new site builds, modifications, Small Cell, IDAS & fiber installation projects throughout the Midwest, East Coast, West Coast & Alaska.
Ricardo Romero, Project Manager, NTX Market, Fiber Services
Ricardo Romero
Project Manager, NTX Market
Fiber Services
Ricardo joined VERTICOM in 2016 as a Project Coordinator for the Fiber Service Line in the NTX Market. Soon after, he was promoted to a Project Manager. Ricardo manages the bidding and estimating of new construction and oversees fiber construction for underground placement for AT&T Light Gig, BAU and new site builds. He communicates with the customer and homeowners on a daily basis to ensure work is completed in a timely manner, while meeting quality and safety standards. Construction Managers and Sr Construction Managers report to him.
Prior to joining VERTICOM, Ricardo gained knowledge in all aspects of the industry working for a fiber engineering and construction company for 2 years by working hand to hand with drilling operators, locators, laborers and later becoming a Supervisor over crews. Ricardo has experience overseeing projects for other customers such as Verizon, LOGIX, ZAYO, FPL, and ONCOR.
Jeff Lewis
President & Founder
Jeff Lewis is the President and Founder of VERTICOM. Since 2001 Jeff has led the company’s Sales, Operations, and Finance
programs. He is passionate about leading and preparing today’s workforce to win the global race in
designing, developing, and operating the broadband networks of the future. He is a frequent speaker
and moderator at industry events across the country and brings a high-level executive summary to
the complex 5G architecture which includes Fiber, Macro, Small Cell, and DAS. He is also focused
on creating one of the most innovative places to work within telecom by implementing a world class
training and command center to support VERTICOM’s apprenticeship and career development initiatives.
Prior to founding VERTICOM, Jeff worked as the Chief Operating Office for a wireless infrastructure
company in St. Louis. His professional work history also includes years with Kimberly-Clark as a
Cost and Financial Analyst and as a Sr. Manager within Ernst & Young’s Engineering, Construction
and Real Estate consulting practice. He graduated from Michigan State University with a BA in Finance
and earned his MBA in International Management in two years attending night school at the University
of Dallas.
He has been involved with the Texas State Wireless Association since 2007 and became the President
in 2014. Jeff is actively involved with several charities including The First Tee of Greater Dallas
of which he serves on the Board of Governors. He coaches Varsity Football, founded a select basketball
program called SPECTRUM Athletes and loves to golf & hunt. Jeff and his wife Jill reside in Dallas
with their five children.
Neal Gee
Corporate Controller
Neal joined VERTICOM in 2017 as our Corporate Controller and oversees the Accounting/Finance, HR & IT
departments. He is responsible for the entire back office operations which include cash management,
annual budgeting and forecasting, financial reporting, evaluating the acquisition of capital assets,
preparing cash flow forecasts and completing financial close. In addition, Neal is responsible for
developing and maintaining timely and accurate financial and ad hoc reports to support the leadership
and operating teams. He manages the HR process and reviews the company’s technology platform to make
sure it meets VERTICOM’S current and future data processing and reporting requirements.
Before joining VERTICOM, Neal worked most recently as the Chief Financial Officer for a restaurant group
in Texas and prior to that, worked as a Corporate Controller in the wireless telecom space for Telecom
Network Specialists, Quanta Wireless Solutions, and Spectrum Wireless Solutions. He graduated from
Abilene Christian University with a BA in Management and Accounting, and earned both a MBA and a
MS in accounting and information systems from the University of Texas.
Jonathan Meyer
Director
Safety, Quality & Training
Jonathan Meyer re-joined VERTICOM in 2017 as the Director of Safety and Quality. He ensures that all
VERTICOM crews stay compliant with applicable industry safety standards as well as provides thorough
training for all crew members through the VERTICOM TRAINING ACADEMY (VTA). VERTICOM strives to put
all team members through an extensive training program with a purpose to assemble the best operating
field teams in the industry. Our training includes all aspects of safety as well as installation
method procedures that ensure our customers receive the highest quality service and a dedication
to safety.
Prior to joining VERTICOM, Jonathan gained extensive operating knowledge of the telecommunications industry
by being a field technician, project manager and senior safety inspector. He has worked for every
major carrier and performed every scope of work throughout his 13 years of service to the wireless
industry. Jonathan started off in the industry in 2004 installing two-way radio communication equipment
directly for Motorola. He has been through over 500 hours of extensive safety and quality training
in all aspects of the communications industry.
Jonathan Meyer
Director
Safety, Quality & Training
Jonathan Meyer re-joined VERTICOM in 2017 as the Director of Safety and Quality. He ensures that all
VERTICOM crews stay compliant with applicable industry safety standards as well as provides thorough
training for all crew members through the VERTICOM TRAINING ACADEMY (VTA). VERTICOM strives to put
all team members through an extensive training program with a purpose to assemble the best operating
field teams in the industry. Our training includes all aspects of safety as well as installation
method procedures that ensure our customers receive the highest quality service and a dedication
to safety.
Prior to joining VERTICOM, Jonathan gained extensive operating knowledge of the telecommunications industry
by being a field technician, project manager and senior safety inspector. He has worked for every
major carrier and performed every scope of work throughout his 13 years of service to the wireless
industry. Jonathan started off in the industry in 2004 installing two-way radio communication equipment
directly for Motorola. He has been through over 500 hours of extensive safety and quality training
in all aspects of the communications industry.
Dean Strong
Director
Construction Services
Dean joined VERTICOM in 2016 as the Director of Operations for the Construction Service Line. He is an
operations leader who delivers results, optimizes resources and drives change on project and business
initiatives. Dean has extensive project, construction and leadership experience with over 20 years
in the construction and wireless industry. He holds a strong reputation of integrity while completing
complex wireless telecom projects, excelling in a fast-paced industry with both national and global
teams.
Prior to joining VERTICOM, Dean gained experience holding senior level positions with American Tower,
two major global OEM’s, and executive level positions for national turn-key services companies.
Dean has been directly responsible for the delivery of large scale carrier network rollout programs
nationally and abroad with experience reaching in to Puerto Rico, Mexico and Panama / Central America.
Richard Markus
Director
Real Estate Services
Richard joined VERTICOM in 2013 and currently serves as the Director of the Real Estate Service Line.
He is responsible for developing customer relationships, qualifying and assigning projects to internal
resources, as well as subcontractors and overall day to day project management. In addition, Richard
handles all service line bidding and estimating, verifies the quality of all SOW deliverables and
has responsibility for company-wide and market based financial objectives as they relate to Real
Estate. Our Real Estate team currently manages not only traditional macro sites but also DAS and
small cell build outs.
Prior to joining VERTICOM, Richard gained extensive knowledge of the site acquisition processes as
a Manager within the Wireless Telecom industry. He has worked as both a Site Acquisition Manager and
a Project Manager for several telecom companies including Nexlink GS, Baran Telecom-O2 Wireless,
WFI, Delta Groups Engineering and MasTec Wireless North America. Richard’s experience also includes
overseeing construction and managing site development services on numerous projects throughout the
Midwest and Southern states.
Gerry Gonzalez
Director
Fiber Services
Gerry joined VERTICOM in 2017 as the Director of the Fiber Service Line. He is responsible for developing
customer relationships, assigning projects to internal resources, supplier onboarding and overall
day to day operations management. In addition, Gerry is responsible for all financial objectives
as they relate to the Fiber Service Line. Gerry has over 17 years of experience in fiber optic splicing,
advanced testing and reporting procedures including CD and PMD testing.
Gerry began his career in the telecom industry in 1995 as a field technician and quickly rose to
the LAN Department Manager where he lead national roll-out projects for BFI, the Social Security
Administration and a FTTH project for Eagle Communications. He has also managed large projects for
various companies such as AT&T, Charter Communications, TW Telecom, Centerpoint, Comcast and Clearworks.
Gerry acquired his Bachelor’s degree from American Intercontinental University in 2009 with highest
honors, and earned his MBA from the University of Houston in 2014.
Doug Wittrock
Vice President
Doug joined VERTICOM in 2003 as a Project Manager and become the Vice President of Operations in 2011.
Since that time, he has been responsible for making sure our customers receive maximum value from
the solutions we provide. These solutions included Engineering, Real Estate, Macro Construction,
Equipment Integration, Maintenance, Inbuilding, Small Cell and Fiber Services. In 2016, Doug was
tasked with integrating a Fiber Engineering and Construction company into the VERTICOM operations.
At the end of 2017, Doug’s focus shifted exclusively to the continued expansion of our Fiber service
line capabilities and customer base through direct management of the Sales and Operating activities
of that team. Doug also leads our Inbuilding Wireless service line.
Doug has over 20 years of extensive experience in the deployment of wireless and broadband networks
and a unique ability to lead diversified teams. Prior to joining VERTICOM, Doug gained experience
in operations management, service development, program management and customer support with various
companies. He worked as a Project Manager for a nationwide telecom construction and equipment installation
company. He has also managed telecom construction and installations across the country for multiple
customers including US Unwired, Sprint, Verizon Wireless, Nortel, Lucent and Ericsson.
Mick Davies
Vice President
Mick joined VERTICOM in 2017 as Vice President and leads the Sales & Operations for the Construction
& Real Estate Service Lines. He has over 25 years of wireless industry experience. He is responsible
for all production and deployment along with sales for his service lines. His focus is to leverage
VERTICOM’s new operating platform and expand our geographic footprint per our customer’s request.
Mick has extensive knowledge and a proven track record leading large diverse teams. He also has great
long-term customer and vendor relationships within the wireless & fiber industries.
Prior to joining VERTICOM, Mick gained experience in operations management, service development,
program management and customer support while working with Ericsson in different roles over a 22
year period. In his last role with Ericsson as Head of Service Line Build for North America, Mick
realized the importance of strong Regional Operating Companies like VERTICOM. He now will help VERTICOM
strengthen its leadership position and brand as the best end to end Turnkey service provider of wireless
and broadband services in the South Central United States.
