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Smithville Spotlight: Brad H., Outside Plant Engineer

By Chris Dobson Published July 28, 2020

Keeping Hoosiers connected is our mission here at Smithville. Brad H., Outside Plant Engineer, ensures we can do just that. His work helps to maintain accurate plant records and ensure new fiber projects are engineered and mapped correctly.

Before we learned about his background and skills, we asked some hard-hitting questions:

      • Hometown: Dolan, IN
      • Favorite TV Show: Street Outlaws: No Prep Kings
      • Favorite Movie: The Goonies & any Star Wars movie
      • Favorite Food: A good sirloin steak on the grill
      • What he likes to do in free time: Work on his restored 1971 Chevy C10 truck
      • Dream vacation destination: Alaska
      • Favorite quote: “Your future is whatever you make it.” -Doc Brown, Back to the Future

 

Brad started his career at a small panel manufacturing plant in Mooresville, IN, where he utilized and honed his skills in architectural design. He came to Smithville in 2015, after 20 years there in a management position. After a year as Outside Plant Engineering Technician he was promoted to Outside Plant Engineer. Since coming to Smithville he has been able to work on many exciting projects. “Probably the most rewarding thing that I have accomplished would be the fiber to the home overbuild projects that I have designed – Greenbrier Meadows, Prominence Point, Arrow Head, Deer Run, Ellettsville North, Thomas Reeves and Hartstraight Rd.” These projects upgraded existing DSL service to fiber optics, offering the latest technology for growing customer demands for streaming, gaming, and working from home.

A typical day for Brad involves working on many different projects. He may be answering questions about new or existing lines, designing new Enterprise fiber construction plans, keeping fiber records up to date, or working with contractors on a fiber construction build. No matter the assignment, though, working with the people at Smithville is rewarding. “My favorite aspect of working at Smithville would have to be working with such a great and talented group of people. Someone on the outside looking in would be surprised by the friendly and caring atmosphere from not only all the employees, but from leadership as well.”

The work environment at Smithville is something special, and something that Brad hadn’t seen before. Employee events and initiatives help keep everyone connected, even though they may be in separate departments. “Smithville is a more family-friendly atmosphere. Events such as Fun in the Sun and the Night of Champions, where employees can invite and involve family members, are appreciated. You don’t see that kind of atmosphere just anywhere.”

When asked to describe his time here at Smithville in three words, Brad said “exciting, challenging, and friendly.” That describes what has made his time here at Smithville productive and rewarding. We can’t wait to see what project Brad works on next and are looking forward to the future.