The North Carolina Goldsboro Global TransPark Economic Development Region has exciting news to share! SQUAN, a leading services provider of design-build infrastructure, maintenance, and repair, for both wireline and wireless network operators, developers, and other related organizations such as municipalities and utilities, has chosen Kinston for one of three deployment center locations in North Carolina. Each service deployment center, when fully staffed, is expected to employ roughly 100 employees. SQUAN-built infrastructure is in some of the best-known and architecturally significant buildings and communities across the U.S.

Technology and connectivity mesh the fabric of our world facilitating what will come next. As network infrastructure becomes more complex, the need for high-speed connectivity exponentially increases. As Smart Cities, the Internet of Things, and A.I. move from novelty to life-enhancing technology, SQUAN is at the forefront – working diligently behind the scenes with the most notable names in telecom to build the future.

Jeff Eiseman, Vice President – Major Accounts, stated, “We here at SQUAN are excited to be part of the Kinston community! Our desire is to be able to fill our employment opportunities with people from the area. We look forward to a long relationship in the Kinston community!”

County Manager Michael James says, “We are honored to welcome SQUAN to Kinston and Lenoir County. Our community is continuing to show itself to be a viable place for industry to locate. We are thankful for the investment being made by SQUAN and for the employment opportunities available to our residents.”

Mark Pope, NCGTPEDR President, expressed his excitement for companies in rural eastern NC. He shared the great news of SQUAN choosing Lenoir County and bringing roughly 100 jobs. “The decision of SQUAN to choose Lenoir County as one of three service deployment centers is a great example of how our region is a prime location for companies looking to strategically locate in Eastern NC.”

This project’s success is a result of a collaborative effort between Lenoir County, the City of Kinston, and the North Carolina Global TransPark Economic Development Region. Together, we celebrate SQUAN and what they bring to Kinston, Lenoir County, and the entire region. This achievement underscores our unwavering commitment to economic growth, job creation, and prosperity for all.

Network infrastructure solutions and services provider, SQUAN, today announced the appointment of Sandra K. (Sandy) Howe to its board of directors. Howe brings extensive experience in the global telecommunications, media, and technology industries to enhance SQUAN’s plans for strategic growth and development advancements.

With over 25 years of industry experience, Howe currently serves as a board director and past-chair, special committee of Minim (NASDAQ: MINM), a smart home solutions provider of hardware and AI-driven software products sold under the Motorola brand. She has held leadership roles at technology companies such as ARRIS, Cisco and Technetix. At ARRIS, a $6.7B telecommunications equipment company, Howe spent over a decade in senior leadership positions, playing a key role in building their leading market position in the broadband industry. Her global roles included time as Senior Vice President of Strategic Market Development, Global Marketing and, later, Senior Vice President and GM of their global retail business.

“Sandy brings a great depth of experience and understanding of the sector, which we believe adds material value to SQUAN,” said Chris Roach, CEO of SQUAN. “We are honored to have her join our board of directors.”

A well-known and highly respected industry executive, Howe also serves on the board of directors of NCTA – The Internet & Television Association, which represents the largest cable and media industry companies in all legislative and regulatory matters. For more than a decade, she has also served on the board of The WICT Network and is current chairperson. Within these roles, she serves as an advocate for diversity in the workplace and a role model for STEM.

“SQUAN’s market position and growth potential were key factors in my decision to join the Board,” said Howe regarding the new role. “I see tremendous value in bridging complementary relationships and industry experience to further the company’s strategic growth.”

SQUAN, an industry leader specializing in design/build services for telecommunications and power infrastructure, announced today that the Company has appointed Chris Roach as Chief Executive. Former CEO, Duane Albro becomes Chairman of the Board.

Chris comes to SQUAN with an extensive C-Suite executive background in critical infrastructure services and solutions with an emphasis on power and smart technologies. Having recently served as CEO of Unified Power, he brings board level experience and a legacy of building strength and scale in teams and enhancing performance through systems improvements and process enhancements. Chris holds an MBA from Michigan State University and a BSEET from DeVry University. He has also performed duties as an Advisor and active Board member.

Duane led the Company through substantial growth and multiple strategic acquisitions, and he delivered stability and momentum throughout his tenure at SQUAN. After the November 2020 acquisition of ElecComm in Wilmington, Massachusetts, he and the Board decided to launch a search for a CEO who could lead the business through its next growth phase. As Chairman of the Board, Duane will continue to advise the company on critical aspects of the industry and will play an important role in evaluating additional add-on acquisitions.

“We are excited to have Chris join SQUAN at this critical juncture to bring greater focus on telecommunications and power infrastructure services as the company continues to see smart growth in these parallel sectors,” says Paul Schilpp, Managing Director at RFE Investment Partners. “We are also excited about Duane’s new role as Chairman. We are fortunate to have these respected industry veterans lead SQUAN into the future with a view on leveraging the recent acquisition of ElecComm and building value around the company’s blended view on smart infrastructure.”

SQUAN, an industry leader specializing in telecommunications design/build services for network infrastructure, announced today that it has completed the acquisition of ElecComm (ECC), an electric and communications line construction company, based in Wilmington, Massachusetts, known for its commitment and emphasis on safety and quality control. The two companies have begun the process of integrating their operations and services to provide enhanced services for the electric utility and telecommunications infrastructure sectors throughout New England and New York.

ECC is one of the largest 24/7 underground and overhead high/low voltage electric and communication line construction companies in New England and provides round the clock overhead and underground emergency outage support. Being in business for nearly 20 years, the ECC team has laid and spliced thousands of miles of cable up to 35,000 volts. ECC is UWUA Local 369 company with its core focus on safety, health, and training.

“With the support, resources and operational expertise of the ECC team, SQUAN will further expand into untapped expanses providing high-performing services and execution efforts,” said Keith Pennachio, CSO and EVP of SQUAN. “As we remain focused on growth and creating long-term value, we are confident that ECC is a great strategic addition to the SQUAN family and we look forward to capitalizing on new opportunities and reaching even greater heights together.”

“The convergence of power and telecom infrastructure is inevitable. In joining SQUAN, we see a clear path for ECC to support the company’s position as a smart infrastructure services leader,” said Sean Martin, President of ElecComm. “My father, Steve Martin and I have built a solid foundation at ElecComm. The SQUAN acquisition takes our vision to a higher level, adding greater depth of resources across a broader base of clients”.

Bolstering SQUAN’s extension, ECC will aid the progress of its core infrastructure services business in New England. Together, both companies will work towards providing additional benefits for new and existing clients as they continue to strengthen their existing presence.

About SQUAN
SQUAN combines its unique and in-depth knowledge of network engineering and fiber construction to solve complex and evolving telecommunications problems around macro networks, small-cell, DAS, 5G, IoT and smart cities for wireless, wireline and enterprise customers. SQUAN is focused on the evolution of communications networks of all types and how new technologies are changing the landscape of infrastructure. SQUAN provides design/build and advisory services for backhaul, small-cells, C-RAN, fiber, Right-of-Way, technical installs and maintenance. For more information visit: http://www.squan.com, or contact SQUAN’s Head of Strategy, Keith Pennachio at kpennachio(at)squan(dot)com.

About ElecComm
ElecComm (ECC) is one of the largest 24×7 underground and overhead high/low voltage electric and communications line construction companies in New England. ECC’s storm response team is available 24×7 for both overhead and underground emergency outages bringing power back to life for customers.

ECC is a reputable organization and is the TRUSTED company for both emergency and planned high voltage and communications work. In the 13 years its been in business, its team has laid and spliced thousands of miles of cable up to 35,000 volts. ECC is UWUA Local 369 company with a core focus on safety, health and training. The ECC workforce is highly skilled, and cross trained in order to perform every aspect of electric and communications work in the underground and overhead.

Products, service names, and company logos mentioned herein may be the registered trademarks of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

SQUAN, an industry leader in design/build services for telecommunications network infrastructure, today announced the opening of its new headquarters and warehouse facility in Carlstadt, NJ. The 30,000 square foot facility will allow for current growth, additional near-term expansion and enable immediate scale-up of logistical capacities as well as operational capabilities.

The headquarters proximity to the greater NY metropolitan area will allow for the ease of logistics control over projects across the region and other day-to-day operations. It will also be home to SQUAN’s extensive Executive and Field Operations Team, allowing them to grow into a space more equipped to fulfill the needs of the company.

SQUAN also announced the expansion of its senior leadership team. Jason McEwan will take on the role of vice president of fiber, managing the division’s day-to-day operations ensuring quality and productivity of the crews and working with customers to get SOWs released to SQUAN. Dimce Gorgovski will become executive director and general manager of the northeast. With great depth and understanding of the industry, Dimce’s forward-looking approach will help guide SQUAN into its innovative and competitive leadership position while maintaining daily operations responsibilities. He has extensive experience in telecom infrastructure, 4G, LTE, UMTS, CDMA and Backhaul, as well as a keen understanding of how to drive innovation within the organization. Jeff Eiseman will take over the role of general manager of SQUAN’s fiber construction group, responsible for building fiber splicing and design capabilities. Eiseman brings nearly 30 years of telecom experience across a broad and diverse background in the industry which supplements SQUAN’s growth strategy.

“We are very pleased to reposition our headquarters and warehouse to Carlstadt, NJ. The new space will enable SQUAN to better serve customers and increase our overall capabilities,” said Keith Pennachio, CSO and EVP of SQUAN. “We are very excited about our plans to continue to accelerate the expansion of our business and create increased value for our investors.”

The explosive growth of fiber-to-the-X and small cell/5G densification is well aligned with the total turnkey engineering and construction solutions SQUAN offers, providing the company with a significant growth path, especially with the expansion of the executive team. This convergence of recent events, coupled with professional management, has enabled the company to experience significant annual growth for the past three years. Through organic growth and acquisitions, SQUAN will continue expanding its market areas and network infrastructure service offerings to enterprises, government organizations and service providers across North America.

SQUAN also launched its newly redesigned website that features a streamlined, modern design, enhanced functionality and easy access to essential information. The new website will be updated regularly with company news, changes and other corporate milestones.

About SQUAN
SQUAN combines its unique and in-depth knowledge of network engineering and fiber construction to solve complex and evolving telecommunications problems around macro networks, small cell, DAS, 5G, IoT and smart cities for wireless, wireline and enterprise customers. SQUAN is focused on the evolution of communications networks for wireless, wireline and the componentry within. Services include backhaul, small cells, C-RAN, fiber, right of way and the design, construction and technical installation services that support them.

Products, service names, and company logos mentioned herein may be the registered trademarks of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

Article from Thrive Global.

SQUAN, a design/build services company for telecommunications network infrastructure, announced yesterday the promotion of Carolyn Hardwick from National Director, Business Development to President, Engineering.

With over two decades of experience in the telecom/wireless industry, Hardwick will support SQUAN’s business expansion efforts. Prior to joining SQUAN, Hardwick served as National Account Director at KGPCo, managing Multiple System Operators in the cable telecommunications sector. She has held director-level positions at both Bluestream Professional Services and SBA Communications Corporation managing client relations, contract negotiation, business strategy, marketing and identification of new revenue opportunities. Other roles include Site Development Manager at Southeast Towers, LLC, property and Construction Manager at AirGate PCS, Alamosa PCS and Sprint-Nextel. Hardwick also serves as President of the Women’s Wireless Leadership Forum.

She is also a member of the global organization Women in Cable Telecommunications, as well as ten state wireless association programs. Hardwick holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from The University of Charleston as well as a Bachelor of Science in Administrative Management from Clemson University.

“Carolyn’s ability to foster long-term executive-level associations, effectively lead dynamic teams and adapt to our fast-paced industry has aided her professional successes and will continue to do so in her new role as President, Engineering,” said SQUAN CSO Keith Pennachio. “Throughout the years, Carolyn has been committed to ensuring SQUAN’s drive for excellence, whether its contract negotiation, client relations, creative approaches or result-driven solutions.”

Article from Thrive Global.

The Covid-19 pandemic has affected nearly every aspect of our lives today. Many of us now have new challenges that come with working from home, homeschooling, and sheltering in place. As a part of my series about how women leaders in tech and STEM are addressing these new needs, I had the pleasure of interviewing Carolyn Hardwick. Carolyn is employed as Vice President and General Manager of Engineering at Squan. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, she began her career in telecommunications with Airgate PCS (Sprint) in 2000 in Charleston, South Carolina. Her tenure includes 8 years in wireless site development, 11 years in business development with account management, and her most recent experience in engineering and operations. Carolyn holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Management from Clemson University and completed the Master of Arts in Teaching program in 2005 at the College of Charleston. She is a published author and member of the North American Case Research Association. Hardwick currently serves as President for WWLF, the Women’s Wireless Leadership Forum. She has been a member of WWLF since 2003, serving as Executive Director of Ways and Means from 2013–2016, and WWLF Vice President from 2017–2018.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career path?
I was a teacher in South Carolina and sought a summer job in 2000, at which time I was also attending graduate school. I was a friend of the VP of Engineering at AirGate PCS (Sprint), and I was hired as a project coordinator to assist with the build-out of an 800-site project along coastal NC, SC, and GA. At the end of the summer, I was offered a full-time position at AirGate to eventually become a project manager in site development.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started at your company?
The most interesting story is my transition from National Business Development Director to Vice President of our Engineering Division. Moving into an operations role has been an exciting challenge, but I have thoroughly enjoyed collaborating with our engineering managers and our senior leadership team at SQUAN as the division grows its client base, service offerings, and revenue.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
I am thankful for my first mentor in telecom, Johnny Crawford (currently at Vertical Bridge). Johnny was the VP of Engineering and Operations at Airgate PCS when I started, and he encouraged me to learn as much as possible, resulting in professional growth. Johnny did not let my initial lack of technical experience limit the goals I set for myself.

Ok, thank you for all that. Now let’s move to the main focus of our interview. The Covid-19 pandemic has affected nearly every aspect of our lives today. Can you articulate to our readers what are the biggest family related challenges you are facing as a woman in STEM during this pandemic?
The biggest challenge is distancing myself from friends and family, as well as co-workers and colleagues in the industry. As an extrovert, there is a void not being able to interact with people in face-to-face settings.

Can you share what you’ve done to address those challenges?
Like many others, I have initiated Zoom calls with family, friends, and colleagues in order to stay “live” and receive updates.

Can you share the biggest work related challenges you are facing as a woman in STEM during this pandemic?
With WWLF, our tagline is “Keeping Women Connected”. As President of the organization, this is a huge challenge. How can we keep our members connected with each other and foster leadership virtually? We want to continue to be a valued resource for our members and sponsors.

Can you share what you’ve done to address those challenges?
We have modified our educational efforts to include more webinars, and we started a monthly newsletter to include relevant links to current topics. Because we are unable to host regional Impact meetings, some WWLF CityReps have organized Zoom meetings to connect with their groups. At the appropriate time and under the guidance of national experts, we will reconvene for our quarterly meetings and annual conferences.

Can you share your advice about how to best work from home, while balancing the needs of homeschooling or the needs of a family?
The best advice I can give about working remotely is to have structure and a schedule. I am a list-maker and set daily action items. I set appropriate boundaries for myself and my team so that we accomplish tasks within reasonable parameters.

Can you share your strategies about how to stay sane and serene while sheltering in place for long periods with your family?
It’s important to maintain a healthy level of exercise, rest, and “health breaks” throughout the day. As mentioned before, sheltering-in-place is difficult for extroverts and those who are accustomed to in-person meetings. When possible, I allow myself time to walk to a local park so that I can interface at safe distances with people.

Many people have become anxious from the dramatic jolts of the news cycle. The fears related to the coronavirus pandemic have understandably heightened a sense of uncertainty, fear, and loneliness. From your perspective, can you help our readers to see the “Light at the End of the Tunnel”? Can you share your “5 Reasons To Be Hopeful During this Corona Crisis”? If you can, please share a story or example for each.
Historically speaking, there have been other national disasters and devastating situations when humans have had to endure to get to the other side of a dreary phase. For me, my faith gives me hope to endure. When I think about this period in time, it helps to know that other groups have endured hardship. We are fortunate to have medical facilities, homes for shelter, and the ability to work remotely.

I also make every effort to see the silver lining of this challenging time. It helps to journal to express the emotions I’m feeling. When possible, I think of at least one reason to be grateful each day. For example, I have had extra time to organize a closet or donate unused items to a shelter.

Another reason to be hopeful is to have a support network of family, friends, and industry colleagues. We’ve heard the phrase, “we are all in this together”, and there will be a time when we turn the corner. In the meantime, I am encouraged by a conglomeration of friends and family for guidance and support.

Lastly, I can be hopeful that I am using this time at home to learn something new, read a book which has been on my shelf, try a new recipe, or find something which will enrich my life during these days of quarantine.

From your experience, what are a few ideas that we can use to effectively offer support to our family and loved ones who are feeling anxious? Can you explain?
There are some wonderful online resources for daily devotionals or words of wisdom. A person can sign up to receive daily affirmations for professional or personal inspiration. I am hopeful that everyone has resources within their faith organization, family, company, or community for support.

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
One of my favorite life lesson quotes is by Diane Ackerman, who said “I don’t want to get to the end of my life and find that I have just lived the length of it. I want to have lived the width of it as well.”

For me, this is a call to make every day count. I challenge myself to learn, to grow, to help others, and to set an example to the next generation in a positive way.

How can our readers follow you online?
LinkedIn profile linked in form.

Thank you so much for sharing these important insights. We wish you continued success and good health!

Excerpted from Inside Towers.

Anyone who has survived, struggled, and eventually thrived in the wireless infrastructure field for over 20 years is bound to see some changes. Carolyn Hardwick, Vice President and General Manager of Engineering at Squan, is certainly no exception to that rule. Launching her career in telecommunications with Airgate PCS (Sprint) in 2000, she holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Management from Clemson University, and completed the Master of Arts in Teaching program in 2005 at the College of Charleston.

In addition to her corporate role, Hardwick currently serves as President of the Women’s Wireless Leadership Forum (WWLF), an association founded to foster the development of women in the world of telecom.

“I entered telecom during a time when there were very few women in leadership and executive roles,” Hardwick told Inside Towers. “During my 20-year tenure, not only have I seen more women enter the industry, but females are taking advantage of opportunities to receive additional training for future openings.”

With groups like the WWLF offering educational webinars, mentoring, and regional IMPACT meetings to aid members in their career growth, she feels women are stepping forward with the intention to map careers towards management roles.

“A few years ago, the buzzword “diversity” brought an awareness that, although there were thousands of women entering industries such as engineering and communications, few were on a trajectory which resulted in management or C-level positions,” Hardwick said. “One of the most important steps to take is to let your manager and human resources team know of your intention to learn, train, and be willing to shoulder additional tasks.”

For the last ten years, Hardwick has primarily focused on business development and account management. Since she began her tenure with Squan in August 2019, she worked closely with the Engineering division, supporting their clients and projects on an extremely focused level. When Squan’s Chief Executive Officer, Duane Albro, approached her about transitioning into the Engineering Vice President and General Manager position, she pondered whether she could assume this new type of role of managing clients, the Engineering project team, and all of the details associated with running the national division.

“After discussions with our executive team,” Hardwick said, “I knew that I was ready to assume the challenge and the opportunity. Within one quarter of the position, our team has achieved milestones not previously recorded, and there is tremendous collaboration amongst our team.”

Her advice to women in the telecom field is to make sure that they are not hindered by their own insecurities. “If we want to succeed and move upward, then we must take the first steps with confidence, not hesitation,” she said.

SQUAN, an industry leader in design/build services for telecommunications network infrastructure, announced today the appointment of Amanda Cahill as its new national business development director. Although her primary focus will be to lead business development efforts, Cahill will be charged with ensuring excellence in SQUAN’s client engagements, creative marketing strategies, proposal delivery, and execution. She will also lead SQUAN’s growth and expansion efforts as fiber and wireless carriers continue to strengthen and converge.

“Well versed in telecommunications infrastructure, as well as, successfully supporting business expansion efforts by building long-standing business relationships throughout her career, Cahill’s prior professional experience makes her the perfect fit for this role,” said SQUAN’s CSO, Keith Pennachio. “Her abilities to lead teams and acclimate to our evolving industry have all attributed to her professional successes.”

Prior to joining SQUAN, Cahill was the business development manager at Flash Technology, where she was responsible for prospecting potential customers, managing client relations, contract negotiations, defining long-term organizational goals and establishing sales account strategies for wireless telecommunications carriers, wind energy companies, utility oil and gas providers and communication tower owners. She also has experience as a sales executive for Smartlink and a marketing coordinator for VERTICOM.

In addition to her role with SQUAN, Cahill will continue to serve as the executive director of ways and means and co-director of membership for the Women’s Wireless Leadership Forum (WWLF). There, she will continue to foster industry relationships to drive fundraising and sponsorship efforts for the organization. She is also actively involved in several state wireless associations, as well as an active member in NATE, The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association’s non-profit trade association dedicated to providing a unified voice for companies in the diverse tower and communications infrastructure construction, service and maintenance industries.

About SQUAN
SQUAN combines its unique and in-depth knowledge of network engineering and fiber construction to solve complex and evolving telecommunications problems around macro networks, small-cell, DAS, 5G, IoT and smart cities for wireless, wireline and enterprise customers. SQUAN is focused on the evolution of communications networks of all types and how new technologies are changing the landscape of infrastructure. SQUAN provides design/build and advisory services for backhaul, small-cells, C-RAN, fiber, Right-of-Way, technical installs and maintenance.

Products, service names, and company logos mentioned herein may be the registered trademarks of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

SQUAN, an industry leader in design/build services for telecommunications network infrastructure, today announced it has made two key internal executive moves to bolster the Company’s efforts to continue executing against its long-term strategic objective of completing its transition from a construction company to a full-service network life-cycle business. SQUAN’s leadership is pleased to have promoted Carolyn Hardwick to the role of Vice President & General Manager, Engineering in an effort to ensure this division’s continued development and growth. The Company also expanded the role of Wireless VP, Dave Rundella to cover the South Region, a critical growth division of SQUAN’s broader wireless group experiencing increased expansion at an exponential rate.

Stated Keith Pennachio, SQUAN CSO/EVP, “In shifting Carolyn to the leadership role over our Engineering group, we have added greater focus on the converging scopes of work we are seeing from our broad client base.”

With 2020 upon us, Carolyn will take over management of SQUAN’s Engineering Group and Dave will provide SQUAN with the ability to expand its client base and manage operational efficiencies in the South Region.

SQUAN is poised to put greater focus on merging wireline and wireless services as the Company sees a wide range of opportunities as it relates to the converging needs from clients for 5G and IoT initiatives. This move is in line with SQUAN’s drive toward converged network infrastructure services as well as diverse market areas and an expanded customer base.

The explosive growth of fiber-to-the-X and small cell/5G densification, is well aligned with the total turnkey engineering and construction solutions SQUAN offers, providing us with a significant growth path especially with Carolyn leading the charge. This convergence of events, coupled with professional management, has enabled the company to experience significant annual revenue growth for the past three years.

Additionally, a key component of the Company’s 2020 growth plan was the reorganization of these two roles in order to best utilize the skill sets of its executive team. Through organic growth and acquisitions, SQUAN will continue to expand its market areas and network infrastructure service offerings to enterprises, government organizations and service providers across North America.

“With Carolyn assuming the leadership role of the SQUAN Engineering Group, we see a very clear path to professional services diversification. Her thought leadership and diverse background elevates the Company’s emphasis on programmatic initiatives; and we are confident that her vast industry experiences best position her to take on this integral management position,” concluded Pennachio.

About SQUAN

SQUAN combines its unique and in-depth knowledge of network engineering and fiber construction to solve complex and evolving telecommunications problems around macro networks, small cell, DAS, 5G, IoT, and smart cities for wireless, wireline, and enterprise customers. SQUAN is focused on the evolution of communications networks for wireless, wireline, and the componentry within. Services include backhaul, small cells, C-RAN, fiber, right of way, and the design, construction, and technical installation services that support them.

Products, service names, and company logos mentioned herein may be the registered trademarks of their respective owners. All rights reserved.