At CBRE I Direct Line, we believe in empowering our people to build fulfilling careers, fostering environments where growth is not just a possibility, but a daily reality. Meet Morgan Mathis, an Installer II, whose journey exemplifies dedication, skill, and continuous learning.
Join us as we dive into Morgan’s experiences, exploring his daily responsibilities, career trajectory, and what makes working at CBRE I Direct Line so unique.
Connecting the Future, One Fiber at a Time
Hi Morgan! What’s your role at Direct Line, and how long have you been with the team?
I’m currently an Installer II at Direct Line and have been with the company for almost two years. I started as an Installer I and have applied for a higher position as a Tech, so I’m really looking forward to that next step!
That’s fantastic career progression! How did you discover Direct Line?
I found Direct Line online, I believe through Indeed or ZipRecruiter, while I was looking for a job at the time.
You mentioned your growth from Installer I to Installer II. Can you tell us more about that journey and the different roles you’ve experienced?
Absolutely. I actually started as a temp for six months before being officially hired. When you start, you don’t know much, especially with these massive buildings where it’s easy to get lost! My advice to new people is always to learn your way around first. Once you know where you’re going, the job itself becomes a lot easier.
What does a typical day look like for an Installer II at Direct Line?
Every morning, our day starts with a safety stand-up meeting. We fill out our Pre-Task Plans (PTPs), discuss potential hazards, ensure everyone’s on the same page, and check that we have all our Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Safety is paramount here.
After that, my main duties involve supporting our leads on various projects. Right now, a significant focus is on our new cable building. We’re running all the fiber and making connections for the BDFs (Building Distribution Frames) to ensure communication across all buildings on site. This involves bundling fiber, running it, and patching it. We also spend a lot of time on quality control (QC) to make sure everything looks good and is perfectly labeled and terminated end-to-end. I also assist with audits and filming in the fiber pathways to document where everything goes.
It sounds like a lot of on-the-job learning. Has Direct Line supported your professional development in other ways?
It’s mostly been hands-on learning, working alongside experienced colleagues who’ve taught me a tremendous amount. Recently, I completed lift training on site, which means I can now use lifts instead of ladders for tasks, which is a huge help! The leads here have been incredibly supportive, especially one who’s taught me a lot about how the buildings function. He even creates little pamphlets to help us understand complex systems, which is fantastic for continuous learning.
What specific technical skills are most critical for success as an installer in your role?
Troubleshooting fiber is definitely key. You need to understand things like dBs (decibels) and light levels to quickly solve issues. When buildings are complete, everything needs to be working instantly, so knowing the pathway of the fiber – which room it runs to, which switch, which rack – is incredibly helpful for quick problem resolution. Learning not to rush is also vital, because if you run it incorrectly, you have to do it all over again.
What do you love most about your job at Direct Line?
I’d say problem-solving is my favorite part. I’ve always considered myself good at figuring things out. When people get overwhelmed by the sheer number of connections and the complexity, I enjoy diving in and figuring out why a fiber isn’t getting enough light or why something isn’t working as it should. Troubleshooting is definitely my “bread and butter.”
Direct Line places a strong emphasis on core values, especially safety. How do you see these values in action daily?
Safety is absolutely a number one issue here, and it’s front and center. In previous construction jobs, safety was often an afterthought, but here, it’s proactive. We constantly update our PTPs, ensuring everyone is aware of changing conditions and potential hazards. Beyond safety, respect and integrity are huge. Everyone on the team respects each other. If you make a mistake, it’s encouraged to raise your hand and say, “Hey, I messed up.” That transparency saves hours of troubleshooting down the line and builds trust within the team.
Any final advice for someone considering a career as an installer at Direct Line?
Be prepared to be overwhelmed at first, but take it one bite at a time. Don’t try to shove the whole pizza in your mouth at once! Focus on learning your way around, understanding the processes, and always be ready to problem-solve. It’s a challenging but incredibly rewarding field, and there are always opportunities to grow and learn.
Morgan’s dedication to his craft, his proactive approach to learning, and his commitment to the team’s success perfectly align with the values we uphold at Direct Line. His journey from Installer I to a pivotal member of the team underscores the incredible opportunities for growth and impact within our organization.
