Location: Folsom, California

With Verizon Wireless Since: 2005

Miles Driven Daily:
330 Average

Current Ringtone:
“Like A Stone” by AudioSlave

Current Ringback Tone:
“3 A.M.” by Matchbox Twenty

Favorite Verizon Wireless Service or Feature:
VZ Navigator (Version 4) (Traffic Updates Rock!)

What’s the most rewarding part of your day?
Seeing hundreds of people every day along the routes that I drive in northern California and Nevada talking and texting on their phones in a variety of locations, knowing that they all have access to America’s most reliable network in part because of what I do. It really is an honor to work with all of the talented engineers and technicians, and to work for Verizon Wireless.

What do you have in common with the Test Man in the commercials?
What can I say? – The TechnoGeek look has become fashionable. I even owned several pairs of those glasses while I was in the Marine Corps (although I don’t wear them anymore).

Which traits make you a successful Test Man?
Integrity and passion are at the core of what I am and what I do. I love my job and strive every day to perform to the best of my abilities – always looking for opportunities that allow for greater efficiency and better results. Since integrity is central to the success of the network testing program, I always approach my job with the question, “How will my action(s) affect the integrity of the program, and ultimately, by extension, Verizon Wireless?”

What does “It’s the Network” mean to you?
It’s not just a tagline. We know that the reason our customers are with us is not simply because they were offered great deals on phone equipment or received outstanding service during sales and had all their questions answered fully and courteously – although those are great reasons. We’ve known all along – not just the last couple of years – that network quality is the defining factor of our success. Our customers stay with us because they know that they can rely on our network to allow them to stay in touch wherever they are – at home, traveling, or commuting to or from their work.

Why does Verizon Wireless need to test the network every day?
Many issues that arise in the network can appear to be hidden until various criteria are met and combined such as time of day or day of week, number of users, weather conditions, events which cause people to gather. It is difficult to know just what conditions may bring an issue to the surface. It is important to our success that we do not rely on our customers alone to bring such issues to our attention. We must continually test the network so that we can be proactive and resolve the issues before they detract from our customers’ experience.

What is the most unique place you have visited to test the Verizon Wireless network?
Kings Canyon and Sequoia national parks. We drive up to the entrance of Kings Canyon now on a quarterly basis, but at first my route along Highway 180 took me through it all the way out to Cedar Grove to the highway’s end. The national parks are truly some of the most beautiful areas in the country.

How does Verizon Wireless use the data you collect?
Verizon Wireless uses the data to provide a snapshot of the quality of coverage that our network provides. It provides a piece of the puzzle to show where our network is strong, and helps us better plan how and where to make improvements. In addition, because we also collect data about our competitors’ networks, we are able to see how well our competition is performing in relation to us, and we can see where they make improvements to their networks as well.

What should consumers know about the Verizon Wireless network?
Verizon Wireless is America’s most reliable network because of the many talented and hard-working engineers and technicians throughout the country who design, maintain, and continually improve the network. These people strive, innovate, and – most importantly – care every day about network quality and the customer experience. We know that today we have customers because we have a great network – tomorrow we will gain more customers because we will make it better.

What achievement/aspect of your job are you most proud of?
I am most proud that my managers, directors, and Verizon Wireless allow and encourage me to be the best that I can be. My thoughts, ideas, and suggestions are not only encouraged and solicited, but carefully considered and implemented when it makes sense to do so. At Verizon Wireless I feel as if I am a part of the solution, and that is what makes Verizon Wireless a great company to work for.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Heidi Flato
925-279-6545
Heidi.Flato@VerionWireless.com

Reliability Studies for the west