The Central Office group is responsible for maintaining our telephone switch, video headend, and equipment that delivers broadband to our customers. Neil’s work day varies, he could be planning equipment upgrades, lining up work for technicians, helping resolve an equipment issue or investigating ways to improve our services. It is his responsibility to make sure that his team has the necessary skills and resources to make sure our network runs as smooth as possible. He feels blessed to work with a group of people who are customer focused and willing to go the extra mile.
What is a little known fact about you?
Almost 30 years ago I was lucky enough to take a 2 1/2 month road trip and travel out West. We made it a point to take the road less traveled and were able to see a lot of our beautiful country.
What is your favorite thing to do on your off time?
I like being outdoors. Riding ATV’s and kayaking are a couple of things that I really like, but I’m also happy to just chill with family and friends.
What is your favorite thing about your home?
The man cave where I have over 600 vinyl albums that I love listening to.
What is the scariest thing you’ve ever done for fun?
Rock climbing. It was really hard to put my trust in the rope and attachments when I was 100 feet off the ground. I did some of this when I was younger, but those days are over now!
Tell us about something on your bucket list. Why do you want to do that?
I want to travel and see as much of the world as I can, but I think rafting the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon is at the top of the list. I’ve seen the canyon from the top, but I don’t think you can grasp the total beauty unless you see it from the bottom.
What is the secret to a good life?
I believe that God has a plan for me, so I try not to stress over things I have no control over. A good belly laugh as often as possible never hurts either!
What was the last show you binge-watched? What made it interesting?
How about the best show I’ve binge-watched, Longmire. I liked the modern, Western theme and the fact that a crime was solved in every episode but there was always a bigger mystery that was slowly being revealed.
Are you into podcasts or do you only listen to music? What do you listen to and why?
I only listen to music, most of it is from the 70’s and probably didn’t get much radio play back then. I think groups from that era weren’t as commercialized, so their music and lyrics are more pure. Some of my favorites are Eric Clapton, Alvin Lee, Van Morrison, The Ozark Mountain Daredevils and The Outlaws.
Tell us about a pet peeve you have.
A cheeseburger without the cheese melted. Why grill a burger and then put a cold slice of cheese on it?
Have you ever disliked something and then changed your mind?
Horseradish. My Dad has always grown it, but I never liked it until we started adding it to our homemade cocktail sauce.
What do you remember most about your first job?
I used to help some of the local farmers put up hay in the summer when I was in my early teens. This was back when everyone square baled their hay. The bales had to be picked up and stacked on a wagon in the field and then stacked in a barn. The barns were always hot and you never knew when you were going to find a bees nest or black snake.
What makes you feel most alive?
Doing something that will make someone smile. Crosby, Stills, and Nash said it best: “If you smile at me, I will understand, that is something everybody everywhere does in the same language”