This month’s Employee Spotlight features our Marketing Assistant, Vanessa Hayden. She brings extensive marketing experience, and great expertise in storytelling that will help boost the rapidly expanding demands of the marketing department.

What is your position at Vision Net and what do you do?
I am the Marketing Assistant and what I do varies from day-to-day, which I love! The majority of my job entails writing, a life-long passion of mine, so I enjoy using those skills to inform our clients, community, and partners on what we do, and how we continue to innovate so Montanans can thrive.

What made you choose Vision Net?
I have always been impressed with the services and solutions Vision Net offers. At a previous employer, we took advantage of the services they offered our small but mighty team; we could stay connected in and out of the office, and the tools and technology Vision Net provided us increased our productivity. When I learned there was an opportunity to be a part of a dynamic and forward-thinking team, I enthusiastically applied!

What’s your favorite Vision Net perk?
The opportunity for growth and advancement; as a company that began in Montana by offering tele-conferencing services and has since grown to be one of Montana’s largest technology firms, growth is what we’re about, and I look forward to a rewarding career with Vision Net.

What do you find the most challenging about your job?
Since I don’t come from a technology background, I have enjoyed learning about this industry and its many acronyms. I enjoy learning; I think there are always opportunities to learn and grow, so this has been a wonderful challenge for me to continually master.

What’s something that you’ve learned at Vision Net?
I have learned the power that a unified and focused team can create and build technology that truly helps our state innovate and thrive. We live in an increasingly-connected world, and our rural communities depend on reliable networks to learn, shop, and innovate. As recent events have shown, high-speed, fiber-driven internet is vital to all facets of life, and my colleagues at Vision Net continually amaze me with what they develop.

If you could add one thing to the Vision Net office, what would it be?
Easy question; afternoon cheese and veggie platter!

How would you describe Vision Net company culture?
Collaborative, innovative, and growth-minded. As a technology company, Vision Net understands that in this world, if you don’t innovate, you stagnate. What worked yesterday won’t work today, so we work together to proactively anticipate needs and prevent errors.

What is your favorite book and why?
Tina Fey’s Bossy Pants; I read it when I need a good laugh, encouragement, or just a reminder that life is for living!

What is your favorite movie and why?
That is a rabbit hole for another day, but I could watch the Back to the Future trilogy anytime! In the 35 years since its release, it has continued to influence, inspire, and entertain. And even though I know Marty makes it back to 1985 when the lighting strikes the Clocktower, I still feel dramatic tension in that moment; that’s the mark of great acting, directing, and an amazing score!

What is one food that you cannot resist?
Anything spicy! I enjoy the variety of spices found in Italian, Thai, Mexican, Spanish, Filipino, and Cajun foods. In high school, I was an exchange student in Japan, where I developed an appreciation for spicy foods and today, I still add at least twice the garlic listed for a given recipe.

Do you have any talents or hobbies?
I enjoy cycling and enjoy the challenge of trails and paths both new and familiar. This past winter, I tried skiing and fell in love instantly and I’m looking forward to trying it again. I’m a Fiesta Ware addict, and a ‘hobby’ of mine is collecting pieces to complete my ever-growing collection. One of my life-long goals is to be a contestant on Jeopardy and I’ve taken the online test a few times; with enough luck and the perfect amount of 90s pop culture questions, I’ll be on Jeopardy eventually! And finally, as someone who enjoys writing, I hope to one day have my work published; I devote a few hours each week to my writing, and here’s hoping I’m creating something that grabs the attention of a publisher.

How do you define success?
Success is measured by how we affect others; if we provide the world, our communities, and our loved ones with care and compassion, we’ll succeed in this world. And as George Bailey learned in the final scene of It’s A Wonderful Life taught us, “No man is a failure who has friends.”

Our tradition of highlighting the talented individuals who work here at Vision Net continues. This month, the spotlight shines on our skilled E-911 Supervisor, Bill Daniels. He has been working at Vision Net for over 14 years and has a lot of knowledge to share.

What is your position here at Vision Net and what do you do?

E-911 Supervisor. The team I supervise is responsible for maintaining and monitoring Montana’s IP-based Emergency Services network (or ESINet), Network centers in Billings and Missoula, and the 911 call-taking equipment in many of those counties.

E-911 in a Nutshell.

E-911 means Enhanced 911, and that means, in addition to a person’s 911 call coming into a PSAP (Public Safety Answering Point), their location information is also delivered to the 911 call taker.

We are working with our partners to bring the next evolution of 911 to Montana, and it’s called NG-911, or NextGen 911. It will allow new features, like the ability to text to 911 (which many places already have), send video or photos, as well as many other types of data. More importantly, it will bring better location information, especially for wireless and VoIP callers.

How has this pandemic been impacting your job?

We’re not making as many visits to our sites, obviously, and we’re working from home. Beyond that, I wouldn’t say that it’s impacting the job itself much. We spend a lot of time on the road, plus being on-call after hours, so we already have the tools and procedures to support the ESINet and our PSAP customers remotely; tools we’ve used for years. I have just as much access to monitor and maintain the 911 network that I would from my office. The one thing that is different and I miss is the face to face time with my teammates and co-workers. We exchange a lot of information, and it’s sometimes hard to do in group Instant Messaging… especially when I feel like I’m always 2 or 3 sentences behind everyone else! 

How has working from home been?

In a lot of ways, it’s not much different. I still keep the same routines; I get up, shower, get dressed (including a Vision Net shirt), fix my morning coffee and head into the office. My commute is just a lot shorter... but the dogs love it. I also get to have lunch every day with my wife, Karen, so that’s a bonus.

It came to our attention that you had trouble with H1N1 in the past, how this makes the difference facing the COVID-19 threat?

Mostly, how seriously I take it. I was young and healthy in 2009 when H1N1 struck. When I got sick, I figured it was just allergies, a little hay fever, or a touch of bronchitis. By the time I finally got medical attention, I was past H1N1 and straight into full-blown pneumonia. I spent 14 days in Benefis hospital, had a thoracotomy and was off work for another two full months. Even when I finally came back, it was a couple of months before I had my strength back. But bigger than how it impacted me and my family, I think about how many people I might have exposed; that’s where the current situation really hits home. In Public Safety, we do our best to protect the public; people around us, our families, our teammates and co-workers, and the public in general. In retrospect, I failed to do that, both for myself and others. It’s difficult to live with at times.

What’s your favorite Vision Net perk?       

The opportunity to grow. Seems strange coming from a guy who’s basically had the same job for over 13 years, but it’s true. I’ve been afforded outstanding opportunities to grow, personally and professionally. Not only have I been given the opportunity to learn many advanced hardware and software platforms, but I also get to go to conferences and workshops several times a year to meet and network with other Public Safety professionals from around the US and the world as a member of NENA. We work closely with our partner companies and customers to address their needs. We see problems; we tackle problems.

Besides that, there are the programs that Vision Net has launched for our growth and well-being: Employee Assistance programs, Wellness, and leadership just to name a few. We’ve had opportunities in the past to take CPR and First Aid as well.

What are 3 words to describe Vision Net?

Opportunity. Forward. Challenge.

What advice do you have for prospective Vision Net candidates?

This isn’t a cookie-cutter job. I can’t think of many classes you could take that would let you walk in and just excel. This is a job where you’re going to have to spend the time to learn Experience. You’re going to have to think ahead, to see problems before your customers know that they have one and get them solved. It’s very proactive as opposed to reactive.

What do you like most about your job?

I get to work with a lot of different people. I have a great group of people here at Vision Net that I get to work with daily. I’m amazed at their knowledge, skill, and dedication… and how much smarter they are than I am! I love working in the 911 community. My family has been in public safety for the last 3 generations (mostly law enforcement, but also fire and EMT), so I really feel at home here.If you could add one thing to the Vision Net office, what would it be?

We actually started doing that over the last few years. I’ve worked for companies in the past that were very community-oriented. Vision Net has always been involved locally, but we’ve really picked up the pace by doing things like supporting Special Olympics; not just financially, but we have had a pretty big presence at the Olympics themselves the last couple of years. It’s very cool.

What has been the most important innovation you have witnessed in your lifetime?

I’d have to say global communications. I grew up in the 60’s, and I remember things like party lines and rotary phones. To be able to take a very small device and talk to literally anyone, anywhere in the world (or even in orbit) is completely astonishing. Compare that to picking up the big black phone on the wall and having to listen to see if anyone else was using it before you could make a call.

What is your favorite book and why?

This could be a very long list, but I’d have to go with Childhood’s End by Arthur C. Clarke. I love Clarke’s work. It’s great fact-based science fiction. Say the subject of the book is about an elevator that would take cargo and people up to low earth orbit; the afterward in the book would include something like ‘Here’s the math, why it would work, and I proposed this to the Royal Planetary Society in 1967. However, Clarke really touched on the humanity, the human story rather than three-eyed monsters and space battles. That was always the important part of his story, the people involved, and how they’re affected.

What is one food that you cannot resist?

Anything spicy, especially in chocolate. Some Sriracha in Pots De Crème (a rich chocolate custard), guajillo or chipotle in Mexican chocolate, ancho or cayenne (or both) in hot chocolate. We even put cayenne in our morning coffee.

Do you have any talents or hobbies?

I play bass, as well as acoustic guitar… poorly, but I’m taking this time to actually take lessons on-line. I was also pretty good at the tenor saxophone way back when. I also like to spend time practicing with my bow.

How do you define success?

Easy. Tonight, when you go to bed, close your eyes. How do you feel? How do you feel about what you did or what you accomplished today? Did you help someone, or is something better just because you made it so? To paraphrase (I believe it was Confucius), your Vocation and your Conscience should be in harmony, and not conflict.

For this month’s Employee Spotlight we spoke to Chris Smyth, our NOC technician. He has been working for Vision Net for almost 14 years and we are glad to have him here. During the interview Chris talks about the pandemic impacts and why Fiber optics is so important. In light of the pandemic he has been assigned to work at home. We want to thank him and all of our employees for their efforts during these unprecedented times.

What is your position here at Vision Net and what do you do?

I work for our Network Operations Center as the Tier 2 – Wholesale Technician. I perform daily tasks as related to Vision Net and am a Liaison between the Network Operations Center and our Wholesale Department.

How this pandemic has been impacting your job?

I know many out there have not been so lucky to work for a company that is willing or able to adapt to the situation and stay operating but during my time here I have known Vision Net to be one of those companies that can overcome any challenge it is presented. Many of our customers have come to rely upon this ability to adapt, and many of them would otherwise not be able to maintain work at home without our continued support.

What has been the most important innovation you have witnessed in your lifetime?

Fiber optics. Without fiber optics and fiber optic networks we quite literally wouldn’t have the level of communication or bandwidth available to operate today's streaming services or transfer large amounts of data across vast distances.  What once might take weeks to send (pictures, video, any kind of data) can be done in an instant.  One major example of this is doctors use Vision Net’s fiber optic network to send medical data to other hospitals which those doctors can use to save lives. Many people here often owe their lives to these doctors who really couldn’t do it without our fiber optic network.

What made you choose Vision Net?

Vision Net as always been the leading provider of cutting-edge technologies and experienced people. As a leader myself I wanted to be part of a winning team. Vision Net is not only a winning team, but we are a family of sorts. A well-oiled machine with people that fit. It was this well-oiled philosophy which really drew me to Vision Net. The benefits don’t hurt either.

What’s your favorite Vision Net perk?

I would say that the company offers many perks that other companies do not, like plenty of vacation, sick time, employee resources.

Vision Net has always been a leader in company perks. We do have a pretty nice break room, and the company barbecues and social setting are a very amazing unwritten perk.

What are 3 words to describe Vision Net?

Cutting-edge technology, customer oriented business, there are more than 3 words that I can use.

What advice do you have for prospective Vision Net candidates?

Vision Net has people from all walks of life, and we value when someone is real and from the heart. No matter your experience, everyone has a gift to contribute and Vision Net can use those gifts to further its position as a technology leader in the state. Don’t be afraid to work outside the box or submit that idea because we are a team that ultimately moves forward by people who speak up with those good ideas.

What’s the first thing you do when you get to work each morning?

I grab my coffee and get caught up on e-mails and issues that we may need to address from the NOC perspective.

What do you like most about your job?

I consistently get to assist others and provide valuable information to people who otherwise would be stuck. Solving problems and providing solutions is a very fulfilling position.

What do you find the most challenging about your job?

Sometimes there are problems that seem impossible to solve. But it’s also those very challenges that help me to rise up and become an even better employee.

What’s something that you’ve learned at Vision Net?
Vision Net has really taught me what it means to be a part of a successful team. It is also one of the reasons I came to work here was because I wanted to be a part of a successful team.

How would you describe Vision Net company culture?
Vision Net is a family of sorts and we take care each other. It’s a unique culture in that you’re not just a number here but you’re a name. And everyone knows everyone else. Everyone here cares about everyone else.

What is your favorite movie and why?
Brewster’s Millions. The primary reasoning behind this is the premise of the movie is a old man trying to show his grandson that money isn’t everything and he does this by making him spend 30 million dollars but have nothing to show for it after 30 days to get 300 million.

What is one food that you cannot resist?

Tacos.

Do you have any talents or hobbies?

I have many talents and hobbies. I work with radio as a hobby and am really skilled at building radio stations.

How do you define success?

Success comes in many forms. It can be achieving a goal you set or completing a task.  Often success can come in steps. To me success comes when you’re given a specific objective and you create a plan, carry it out, and complete the plan to achieve the goal. 

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For this month’s Employee Spotlight we spoke to Bruce Wallace, he has been working for Vision Net for more than 11 years and will retire at the end of March. That’s why we made sure to interview him before saying farewell.

What is your position here at Vision Net and what do you do?

I am a Support Manager.

How long have you worked at Vision Net?

Almost 12 years.

What made you choose Vision Net?

I was looking for a career change and Vision Net had a good position that I was a good fit for.

What’s your favorite Vision Net perk?

I have a lot of autonomy in my work and I like the freedom that offers.

What are 3 words to describe Vision Net?

Fun, Rewarding, Challenging.

What advice do you have for prospective Vision Net candidates?

Enjoy the job, have fun!

What’s the first thing you do when you get to work each morning?

Coffee, then catch up on email.

What do you like most about your job?

Autonomy.

Are there any projects you’ve worked on that you’re proud of?

Improving the support process for efficiency and effectiveness.

What do you like to do when you aren’t working?

Fly Fishing.

Do you have any talents or hobbies?

Fishing & building.

How do you define success?

Happiness.

Talk about retirement. Why did you decide to retire? Are you excited about it?

I decided to retire because I have a lot I want to do beyond a career. I am excited about the opportunity to do a moderate amount of travelling, pursue my hobbies and interests and enjoy a new kind of freedom that comes without a daily commitment to a job.

Farewell Bruce, we wish you the best! The Vision Net team couldn’t be more grateful to you.

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For our last interview of the year, but not less important, we spoke to Travis LaFountain. He has been part of the Vision Net team for 12 years and we are glad to have him here. During the interview, he tells all about Vision Net geek atmosphere.

What is your position here at Vision Net and what do you do?

Network Operations Center Senior Lead – We are the first line for all the Vision Net costumers, we actually do a lot of the Vision Net IT work, security work, we are the brain center of Vision Net. I sit in a dark room with a bunch of nerds, watching computer monitors and making sure all the emails and phone calls are answered.

What made you choose Vision Net?

Mostly because I fit right in with the gamers and computer geeks. I came for the atmosphere, and stayed because it became the most stable, benefit filled, and fulfilling job I’ve ever worked.

What’s your favorite Vision Net perk?

All of them combined: Paid Vacation, Paid Sick time, Paid personal time, Matched 401k, Matched Retirement and savings, Medical, Dental, Vision, Company phone, Work Laptop.

What advice do you have for prospective Vision Net candidates?

Be willing and be humble. There’s a lot to learn in the world of IT, you can learn it all here if you’re motivated.

What do you like most about your job?

I like that the NOC dabbles into everything, like school, but here you learn actual life skills.

What do you find the most challenging about your job?

Staying on top of a team with ever changing duties and responsibilities.

Are there any projects you’ve worked on that you’re proud of?

Customer onboardings. I’m proud if the customers tell us we’re doing a great job.

What’s something that you’ve learned at Vision Net?

Everything I know about the Internet, servers, fiber transport, browsers, email clients,cabling, monitoring, tech support, networks, 911 centers, video conferencing, and company politics.

If you could add one thing to the Vision Net office, what would it be?

This one took me a long time. A Dance Dance Revolution Arcade Cabinet.

 How would you describe Vision Net company culture?

Groups of specialists coming together to assert our dominance.

You recently acquired some certifications, how was that for you?

My most recent Cisco certification I failed twice before passing it in August. It was very important that I learned the degree of dedication it takes to get some of these certifications.

What has been the most important innovation you have witnessed in your lifetime?

The wireless revolution, Cellular data and Home Wi-Fi.

What is your favorite book and why?

Freak the Mighty – Brain and brawn come together as unlikely friends to save each other.

What is your favorite movie and why?

Inception – I went into it not expecting anything and came out blown away. Now everything has the suffix ‘ception added to it. Email within an email? Emailception.

What is one food that you cannot resist?

Gummy Bears, and neither can you, so don’t judge me.

Do you have any talents or hobbies?

Group Workout Classes and PC Gaming.  If I could do both at the same time, it would be that.

How do you define success?

Finding Jesus and making it through this life without giving up.

Thanks Travis, we are happy to have you as part of the Vision Net team!