Say Hello to Jen Pryor, our new NOC Technician at the Great Falls office and a familiar face returning to our team. Three years ago, she worked in the TAC, demonstrating her skills and dedication. As a proud mother of three kids and two dogs, Jen has proudly called Montana home for over 20 years. Join us in giving Jen a warm welcome back and wishing her a brighter future at Vision Net.
What are some of the responsibilities you have in your role?
My responsibilities include handling emails, alarms, and inbound calls.
What is an exciting aspect of your role?
Getting to learn new skills and using some old skills.
What is your favorite movie?
Howl's Moving Castle.
What is your favorite food?
Chicken Parmesan.
What is your favorite thing about living in Montana?
The Missouri River, the parks, its history, and the mountains.
Do you have any talents or hobbies?
I love going for walks and working in the garden. In my free time, I enjoy playing video games, listening to music, and spending time with my family.
Employee Spotlight: Rachel Schrock
Say hello to Rachel Schrock, our new Administrative Assistant at the Great Falls office. Hailing from the very heart of Great Falls, Rachel is a proud graduate of CM Russell High and MSU Great Falls. We're thrilled to have her onboard, bringing with her a love for all things Montana - from camping and fishing to traveling and spending time with friends and family. Let's give Rachel a warm welcome as she joins us in working towards a brighter future.
What made you choose Vision Net?
After my interview with Janine, it just felt right. I am looking forward to my long-term career, and everything she had to say about the company just sounded like a perfect fit! I really like the community involvement that Vision Net has, this is my home and my community, and I am glad to work somewhere that is involved. I am extremely excited to be here.
What are some of the responsibilities you have in your role?
As Accounting Administrative Assistant, I will be the smiling face that greets you at the door and on the phone. I will do various accounting jobs to help my Great Falls and Billings co-workers.
What is an exciting aspect of your role?
Helping others is what makes me tick. I love to help others whenever I can.
What is your favorite movie?
10 Things I Hate About You
What is your favorite food?
Popcorn
What is your favorite thing about living in Montana?
Wide open spaces.
Do you have any talents or hobbies?
My hobbies would be crafts, camping, fishing, Volunteering, and spending time with my dogs.
Employee Spotlight: Jessica Bates
Please join us in welcoming Jessica Bates, our new NOC Technician at the Great Falls office. Jessica brings with her a wealth of technical knowledge and experience, as well as a diverse background, having lived in Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, and Montana, and received training from Job Corps in both Utah and Massachusetts. With her A+ and Security+ certifications, we're thrilled to have her on our team.
What made you choose Vision Net?
Vision Net was suggested to me by a current employee as a way to get tech experience that I couldn’t during covid.
What are some of the responsibilities you have in your role?
In this role, I am making and sending maintenance notifications and assisting callers with their tech problems.
What is an exciting aspect of your role?
An exciting aspect of this role is being able to help with new problems every day.
What is your favorite movie?
My favorite movie is Princess Mononoke.
What is your favorite food?
My favorite food is chicken stroganoff.
What is your favorite thing about living in Montana?
My favorite thing about living in Montana is being able to see stars all the way to the horizon.
Do you have any talents or hobbies?
I like to knit/crochet and sew.
We're excited to have her on board and can't wait to see what she'll bring to the table.
Employee Spotlight: Cassie Kitch
Please welcome Cassie Kitch, our new Marketing Assistant, here at the Great Falls office. She previously worked at Vision Net in a different department and has now returned for a new venture. We are excited to have her on the team once more!
Tell me about your background.
I have a bachelor’s degree in Health Administration. My career path right now is running on its own course. I have been working in the medical field for the past two years while I have been going to school. Before I worked at the hospital, I worked at the club on the base. That is where I was the event planner and the manager's assistant. I am trying to find something that makes me happy.
What made you choose to come back to Vision Net?
My first time working at Vision Net was back in 2015. I came back because the people that work here are an excellent group of people to work with. I enjoy coming to work every day knowing it is going to be a good day. Plus, Vision Net really does care for their employees.
What are some of the responsibilities you have in your role?
Some of the responsibilities I have as the Marketing Assistant to coordinate events for the company internal and external. Assist in planning and preparation for all external marketing campaigns including digital marketing. Promotes and increases brand awareness throughout the company and departments.
What is an exciting aspect of your role?
The most exciting aspect of my role is being able to plan events. I really enjoy planning events and being able to get all the preparations set up and the most rewarding part is going through the events and seeing how successful they are. Then the other exciting aspect is learning, learning about Marketing better and learning more about the company.
What is your favorite movie?
My all-time favorite movie is 8 Seconds. I cannot get enough of that movie. Nothing beats 8 Seconds either.
What is your favorite food?
Really do not have a favorite food but if I must choose one it would be a medium-rare Elk steak with a side of asparagus and with king crab.
What is your favorite thing about living in Montana?
Well, everything. I am a Montana native; nothing beats Montana. I love God's Country! I am an outdoors person and love to be in the wilderness and enjoy the beauty that Montana has to offer. The only way someone can get me away from Montana is if I have a chance to live in Alaska but other than that I will always be in Montana.
Do you have any talents or hobbies?
My hobbies are my horses. I enjoy riding my horses. There is nothing better than saddling up your horse and feeling the breeze in your face and feeling free. I call that my peace and calming spot. I also enjoy drawing and taking photos. I also enjoy going camping, boating, kayaking, hiking, and hunting with my family.
Employee Spotlight Lindsey Byars
Please welcome Lindsey Byars, our new Assistant Controller, at the Billings office. We are excited to bring such a talented person to our company who is as passionate as we are about helping Montana businesses. We are thrilled to have her join our team.
Tell me about your background.
I have spent the last 13 years of my career working for publicly traded companies in the capacity of controller. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from Montana State University. I am currently studying for my CMA (certified managerial accountant) licensure.
What made you choose Vision Net?
I was excited to work for a Montana-based company, one that believes in Montana roots. Having been in commodities for the balance of my career, I was also eager to explore the telecom industry.
What are some of the responsibilities you have in your role?
Budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, full cycle accounting, supporting audit, and supporting the controller.
What is an exciting aspect of your role?
NUMBERS! I always say, “a number is a number, unless you know the story” and digging in to find the storyline has always been my passion.
What is your favorite movie?
I would not say I have a favorite movie, but I love action or comedy anything!
What is your favorite food?
Who would I be to discriminate among so many delicious treats? I like them all equally (almost)!
Do you have any talents or hobbies?
In my free time, I LOVE being outdoors. Get me in the mountains, away from cell service, and I am a happy camper. I am incredibly passionate about animals (rescuing, fostering, etc.).
Employee Spotlight: Erin Jimison
Meet our employee spotlight of the month: Erin Jimison, Vision Net’s Executive Sales Manager with our Wholesale department, loves the work-Life balance provided with this opportunity.
What is your position at Vision Net and what do you do?
I’m the Executive Sales Manager for our Wholesale Division so I’m the main point of contact for our customers as they seek out our Wholesale services and expertise.
How long have you worked at Vision Net?
Nine months.
What made you choose Vision Net?
I had the opportunity to attend Vision Net’s Open House in 2020. I was quite taken by the interactions I had with the Vision Net team members I met that day. There was an obvious company culture of respect and teamwork. I remember leaving Granite Tower thinking it must be a great place to have a career. Consequently, when an opportunity to join the company presented itself, I knew it was something I needed to thoughtfully consider, despite the fact I was not looking for a change.
What 3 words describe Vision Net?
Quality, Accountability, and Synergy.
What is your favorite Vision Net perk?
A healthy work/life balance.
What is your favorite thing you have learned at Vision Net?
I have enjoyed learning how each of our customers operates and how we customize our services to meet their objectives. The same goes for our shareholders and partners. Each is different and we try to tailor our processes and communication so we can work better with each of them.
What challenges do you enjoy at Vision Net?
Challenges at Vision Net are endless. I’m learning every day. And some of our most seasoned, highly knowledgeableteam members say the very same thing. I find that encouraging. It’s ok I still don’t have all the answers.
Are there any projects you have worked on that you’re proud of?
I’m proud to be involved in anything Vision Net-related.
What do you enjoy most about being a part of the Vision Net team?
I appreciate my colleagues’ attitudes and commitment to their craft. When I ask for help, I have been met with thoughtful explanations and support.
What advice do you have for prospective Vision Net candidates?
Don’t hesitate. Put yourself out there even if you are unsure if your experience or knowledge base is sufficient. If you are willing to work hard, your efforts will be met by our team of professionals willing to support you and educate you.
What is something people would never guess you do in your role?
I don’t think there’s anything that would surprise anyone. I will say, however, that one thing that doesn’t get said enough about Sales professionals in general is that we are only as good as our team and service. Having quality operations, seamless processes, meticulous colleagues – is my and anyone else in Sales #1 advantage. Customers won’t continue to buy from you if you can’t back it up post-sale.
With the changes in technology, what is the greatest innovation you have seen in your lifetime?
I believe how we communicate and interact with one another has transformed our lives most significantly.
Do you have any talents or hobbies?
I’m an avid runner.
How do you define success?
Success isn’t a place or juncture that you arrive at one day. Rather, it’s a mind-set and approach to life and all its challenges.
Vision Net Promotes Antonio Salvatore!
Antonio Salvatore was promoted to 911 Technician, dealing with 911 call routing and delivery, for most of the counties in Montana.
Salvatore's new position entails frontline support to PSAPs statewide, installing new equipment, and upgrading sites. He will also be engineering solutions to new problems, and ensuring uptime is optimal. He will help administer the backend hardware for statewide 9-1-1 systems all the way up to the endpoints deployed at the individual PSAPs.
Vision Net is excited having Antonio on board and working with our PSAP team and all of our Public Safety partners.
Employee Spotlight: Ian Marquard
Meet our employee spotlight of the month: Ian Marquard, one of Vision Net’s Network Operations (NOC) Technicians, who continues to thrive in the world of tech that changes daily.
What is your position at Vision Net and what do you do?
NOC Tier 2 technician – We monitor the network for Vision Net and their customers.
How long have you worked at Vision Net?
Almost 11 years with a short hiatus in 2019.
What made you choose Vision Net?
A few folks I was in college with worked here and they loved it.
What 3 words describe Vision Net?
Teamwork, communication, and more teamwork.
What is your favorite Vision Net perk?
The people I work with. They make coming to work every day enjoyable!
What is your favorite thing you have learned at Vision Net?
The inner workings of the internet. How the backbone of the internet actually works.
What challenges do you enjoy at Vision Net?
Waking up and getting to work every day.
Are there any projects you have worked on that you’re proud of?
I am currently working on the training procedures for new hires.
What do you enjoy most about being a part of the Vision Net team?
The people I work with.
If you could add one thing to the Vision Net office, what would it be?
More NOC employees.
What advice do you have for prospective Vision Net candidates?
Have a good sense of humor and be quick on your toes. You never know what you will be doing from minute to minute.
What is something people would never guess you do in your role?
Take phone calls….
What is the greatest innovation you have seen in your lifetime?
When I was born we had black and white TVs and only corded phones. When I started internet support it was DSL and dial up.
What is your favorite movie?
The Princess Bride
What is your favorite food?
Garlic Chicken from Maple Gardens!
Do you have any talents or hobbies?
A bit of everything but mostly hanging out with friends and watching movies.
How do you define success?
Being happy in both your professional and personal life.
Employee Spotlight: Tobias Martinez
Meet our employee spotlight of the month: Tobias Martinez, one of Vision Net’s Network Technicians, who continues to hit challenges head-on to ensure our clients have what they need when they need it.
What is your position at Vision net and what do you do?
Network operations center technician. I notify customers and technicians of on-going or future network related events that could impact services for customers.
How long have you worked at Vision Net?
2 Years, going on 3.
What made you choose Vision Net?
It was in association with Montana Advanced Information Networks.
What 3 words describe Vision Net?
Teamwork, Passion, Insightful.
What is your favorite Vision Net perk?
Steady hours and health benefits.
What is your favorite thing you have learned at Vision Net?
Tel-communications lingo and associated jargon.
What challenges do you enjoy at Vision Net?
Not knowing what you are walking into each day, as every day could be completely different from the last.
Are there any projects you have worked on that you are proud of?
Assisting Business Development with customers quickly and effectively; providing insights into the process to better serve our customers.
What do you enjoy most about being a part of the Vision Net team?
Being surrounded by knowledgeable people who are always willing to pass down knowledge to those who seek it.
If you could add one thing to the Vision Net office, what would it be?
A pool table.
What advice do you have for prospective Vision Net candidates?
Be prepared to learn a lot about the organization and associated work related to the business. You will play a part in a larger team where we work together to bring an excellent customer experience.
What is something people would never guess you do in your role?
A lot of level one work and troubleshooting, as well as working with End-users.
With the changes in technology, how has your job changed? Or What is the greatest innovation you have seen in your lifetime?
Shrinking of transistors to ridiculously small sizes, which allow for everyone to own a computer that they can carry with them in their pockets.
What is your favorite movie?
Spider-Man films or any of the Star Wars films.
What is your favorite food?
No preference, but Poutine has secretly become a close favorite of mine.
Do you have any talents or hobbies?
My talent would have to be my ability to quickly adapt and learn new things. My Hobby would be many of things, but I do enjoy a good game or two.
How do you define success?
Success if not defined by your monetary success, you are as successful as you want yourself to be. If you are happy with the conditions and the hand you are dealt, then you are successful; it does not matter whom could disagree with your success. Happiness is success, do not be distracted by other things, make a goal achieve it and live in bliss.
Vision Net welcomes Wesley Bennett to the NOC!
We are pleased to welcome Wesley Bennett to the Vision Net team. Wesley comes to us from the frozen north in Alaska. He did a four year stint in the Navy before returning home to continue on his career path in electronics, even owning his own business for a while. After reconnecting with an old friend after many years apart, Wesley ended up in a committed relationship and made the move down to the lower 48 in November of ‘21.
What made you choose Vision Net?
After seeing the initial job posting, I did my due diligence and learned about the company's history, which gave me some good vibes that I had at one of my last jobs with Telco. With my military background and my experience, I saw an opportunity to expand my base knowledge as well as my individual technical skills.
What are some of the responsibilities you have in your role?
Learning/knowing how to act in an independent manner to resolve issues that arise within the NOC and the company as a whole, while, also, recognizing the importance of working in a team-oriented environment.
What is an exciting aspect of your role?
The breadth of knowledge and expertise of the team and being able to absorb as much of that information as possible.
What is your favorite movie?
The Phantom by Simon Wincer, which is based on the screenplay by the same name, by Jeffery Boam.
What is your favorite food?
Most Asian-Pacific dishes of any variety.
What is your favorite thing about living in Great Falls?
It gives me a lot of similar vibes and feelings as my hometown of Anchorage, AK.....minus the dramatic rise in crime.
Do you have any talents or hobbies?
Since ‘15 I have been delving into my creative passion of Glass-working ranging anywhere from small glass trinkets, functional glassware, and working my way towards personalized glass orders and scientific pieces. I also have a deep love and passion for firearms and the study of ballistics in general.