What is your current role?
Site Technical Trainer.
How long have you been with CBRE | Direct Line?
About 7.5 years.
What kind of education and training did your career require?
In college, my focus was on Business and IT, but the most helpful training I have received is probably my BICSI INSTF certification. I also took many courses in engineering and architectural drafting, which were very helpful when authoring the Basic Plans and Elevations course for DLU. I’ve had various roles in ICT, including supporting programs by generating “as-built” documentation and accomplishing installations since 1997. My hands-on experience has provided me with many real-life scenarios that enhance my teaching.
What do you think is needed to be successful in your role?
I believe having strong communication skills has allowed me to expound on what can be bland content when teaching the technical aspects of ICT.
What does a typical day look like for you at CBRE | Direct Line?
Many days are filled by conducting observations across 11 data centers spread across three campuses, monitoring communications on site chats to keep track of work progress, attending email communications, and participating in status meetings throughout the week. However, the best days are usually in the classroom, particularly conducting new hire onboarding where the emphasis is to teach the DL Way. We identify CBRE | Direct Line core values and explain how important they are to how we execute our work for clients and uphold the company’s reputation in the industry.
What would you like to say to someone interested in applying to work at CBRE | Direct Line?
I and many other colleagues have been able to build a career in ICT. Opportunities have steadily increased in nearly eight years with the company.
Tell us about your career path at CBRE | Direct Line.
I saw the growth and potential of the data center market in ICT, and CBRE | Direct Line provided me with an opportunity early on as I expanded my knowledge and career. I quickly became a lead technician and was then again promoted to site technical trainer with DLU. I also served as the superintendent for non-standard installations until the reorganization of our client’s business and growth of CBRE | Direct Line’s business necessitated resuming my role with DLU.
What inspired you to pursue a career in technology?
It was always my goal to be involved in technology, but my career in ICT was accidental. I began my professional career as an engineering technician supporting the Trident Submarine Program Office’s Fleet Support Program of the United States Navy. The contractor I worked for had a need for someone to generate “as-built” documentation on a United States Courts data communication system contract. When they found I was always ahead with my deliverables, they sent me out to assist with the fiber and equipment installation.
What do you love most about what you do?
New hire onboarding and watching the growth of so many technicians in the industry, particularly with CBRE | Direct Line.
What are your interests outside of work?
I go sailing as often as I can. It’s my passion, and one day I will retire to the sea for as long as I can. Most likely on my Catalina 30, “Duchess.”
Tell us a surprising or fun fact about you.
I am involved with a local charity called “We Rock Cancer,” which provides free skin cancer screenings. I volunteer behind the scenes at their yearly rock concert fundraiser and help with screenings when I can. CBRE | Direct Line has been very supportive of me with the DL Cares program.
