Joel Schotzko

8701 Comstock Lane North, Maple Grove, MN 55311 ▪ (763)807-3445 ▪ jcschotzko@hotmail.com

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

In-depth knowledge of the Telecommunications industry with over 35 years of experience in various positions, including, project management, engineering, leadership, and customer support. Specific job experience of tracking and monitoring job status, leading management meetings, resolving project and customer issues, and managing and training outside plant technicians. Able to coach and motivate employees to perform to their full potential. Known as empathetic listener, responsible, and productive. Excellent both as a team player and team leader. Strong problem solving skills with great attention to detail.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Verizon Wireless, Bloomington, MN         

Project Manager II          April 2014-Present

Responsible for developing and managing Small Cell projects from initial site design through approvals for construction in the Great Plains area.

·               Serve as a team leader and consultant for Small Cell projects with broad knowledge of state-of-the-art network technology, equipment, and systems

·               Determine scope of work, prepare proposals, manage project schedules, lead weekly Market and vendor meetings, maintain database in Verizon Wireless system including Network Flow, Siterra, and other department software applications

·               Design and manage established Small Cell process to ensure deliverables meet schedule, budget, and quality goals

·               Facilitate collaboration with and between Contractors, Vendors, Radio Frequency Engineers, Equipment Engineers, Power Engineers, Construction Engineers, Real Estate, Development, Transport, Operations, Budget, System Performance, Switch, Production, Marketing, QA, and Sales

·               Identify risks and clearly communicate them to project stakeholders, define problem solving and risk mitigation strategies, and facilitate conflict resolution

Kenton Group, Anoka, MN               Jan 2013-March 2014                               

Mountain Ltd., Anoka, MN                            May 2012-Jan 2013                               

Planning Engineer                                                         May 2012-March 2014

Responsible for estimating the cost and design of projects from Century Link’s central office to the end location or the hand-off to the customer.

·               Analyzed cost alternatives for multiple solutions to develop plans for placing fiber routes and allocated equipment needed for the job.

·               Redesigned outdated field equipment with up to date equipment for fiber for Remote terminal locations.

·               Designed backbone and lateral fiber from the central office to the end user based on company cost and time restraints.

·               Obtained in-depth technical knowledge and expertise in Trunk Inventory Record Keeping Systems (TIRKS), Planning WorkStation (PWS), ASPEN, Common Planning Documents (CPD) development, and Central Office Equipment, Facility Management (COE-FM), Outside Plant-Facility Management (OSP-FM), and Google Earth.

·               Communicated and coordinated plans with Field Engineers, Outside Technicians, Central Office Technicians, and internal departments.

Bailiwick, Chaska, MN                                                                                                                                       
 

Project Manager                Sept 2011-Jan 2012
Responsible for a managing the installation of security cameras in over 80 Dollar Tree locations throughout the United States.

·               Monitored assignment from beginning to end resulting in the completion of depleting the backlog of security cameras at all 2011 new locations.

·               Delivered weekly status updates to Dollar Tree Headquarters for all locations, providing an up to date budget and schedule.

·               Found contractors to install CAT 5 Copper and Security Camera Equipment, ordered equipment needed, billed invoices, tested security cameras on-line, and obtained final approval from the customer while managing project remotely.

·               Coordinated contractors for each location in order to complete the job while staying within the budget.

·               Tested the camera operation remotely for each location making sure they were placed correctly and according to regulation.

The Dentist Choice, Maple Grove, MN

Owner                   June 2009-Present

Responsible for running the business, including financials, operations, customer services, sales, and marketing.

·               Maintain relationships with over 45 customers by retrieving, repairing, and delivering hand pieces to customers while providing exceptional customer service with their dental equipment needs.

·               Track business information and continue to stay on the leading edge of technology while continuing to improve knowledge in the dental industry.

·               Perform daily business tasks, including accounting via QuickBooks, invoicing, managing inventory, and updating business plans.

·               Plan and strategize marketing materials in order to gain a wider range and reach in the market.

Qwest Communications, Minneapolis, MN                                            1978-2009

Project Manager (FTTN)                             2007-2009

Responsible for managing placement of fiber and equipment for new service and equipment construction projects each ranging from $75,000 to $100,000.

·               Communicated on a daily and weekly basis with engineering, management and technicians to monitor job status of projects, resolve issues, and communicate changes.

·               Lead monthly project meetings with project supervisors, managers, field engineers, and directors; decreased current jobs-in-progress from 2700 to 800 within 5 months.

·               Met with technicians at job sites to monitor progress build, testing of fiber and equipment installed, ensure job was meeting project specifications.

·               Tracked job status/activity by creating daily spreadsheets utilized by department managers and engineering.

Outside Plant Supervisor                               2006-2007

Responsible for managing the daily operations and workload of up to 45 Installation & Maintenance Technicians.

·               Adjusted and prioritized technicians’ workload daily to utilize their expertise effectively and maintain efficient service and delivery to customers; maintained highest daily project completion rate 71% of time among 10 other metro regions.

·               Interacted with internal departments to resolve billing, ordering, and service delivery issues.

·               Led and conducted monthly team meetings with technicians to monitor progress, communicate safety concerns, and resolve field and customer issues.

·               Trained technicians in small groups on new equipment usage, technical skills, computer usage, and internal policies/procedures.

Senior Design Engineer        2003-2006

Responsible for the design of engineering drawings for installation of service across 3-state region.

·               Communicated daily with engineering, sales and marketing to coordinate new and expected service needs.

·               Troubleshot field and design issues and concerns with technicians at customer site.

·               Responsible for the design services of DS1/DSO, DSL services for Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.

TRAINING & CERTIFICATES

·              Training through the Dentist Choice for my Dental Handpiece Repair certifications.

·              Knowledge and use Qwest application for: RTT, LFAC, WAFA/DO, CPD, NECTAS, JDS, OSP-FM, CIMAGE, LEIS/XCSIM, TIRKS, WFA/C, WORD DOC, LMOS.

·              Training through Qwest for OSP Construction Placing, OSP Construction Tools & Equipment, OSP Pair Gain Design, OSP Work Prints, Coaching OSP Construction Splicing, OSP Feeder Route Admin, OSP Right of Way, Computer Literacy, Supervisory Skills and Problem Solving.

·              Certificates for TIRKS for Engineers & Planners, Intro to OSP-FM, Field Operations Supervisor Training, High Voltage Protection for Telecommunications, OSA Training, Qwest Medical Examiners Certificate, and Qwest Driver’s License.

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

·               Recognized by management for going above and beyond expectations

·               Presidents Club Nominee

·               Achievement Award

·               Recognized by corporate director for exceeding expectations of high-level customers

·               Theodore N. Vail Award

EDUCATION

North Hennepin Community College, February 2010

·               Project Management Certificate

Cardinal Stritch University, May 2000

·               Business Coursework