America's Phone Guys

I am responsible for the operations, finances, human resources & marketing at America's Phone Guys. I'm based in our Vancouver, WA home office. I've been instrumental in our growth from a one-man operation to a full-time staff of 7. I mange the office staff and have put together a team that consistently delivers quality customer service. 

I was appointed to the Washington State Leadership Counsel for the National Federation of Independent Businesses in 2014. I am now the Vice-Chair of that counsel.  Small businesses in Washington (and Oregon too) need to stand up and be heard or the large companies will continue pushing government into doing what they want, what is best for them and not small businesses like ours. Small businesses are making larger and more significant contributions to our economy every day, we are the growth of the future, if we don't let big businesses and their special treatment deals ruin things for us!

We used to sell business telephone systems AND do low-voltage cabling as a one stop telephony shop for our customers. We had to quit doing low-voltage cabling in 2014 as regulations in Oregon for Low-Voltage Electricians have stifled apprenticeships to the point that there is a shortage of low-voltage cabling technicians which at present seems that it will only continue to get worse. This is why I served on the Board of Directors for the Oregon Independent Electrical Contractors. Merit shop contractors in Oregon & Washington are facing dire consequences if we can't make our voices heard by government officials. I want to make a difference and contribute not only to the health of my telecommunications business but, to all small businesses in the Portland Metro area. If licensing restrictions are so severe that no one will go through apprenticeships and the ones that will are so few because of all of the restrictions costs will rise for everyone in our area. There must be a better way and I want to help figure it out, soon.

I gave up my position on the IEC Board as Vice President in 2016 because I am also a volunteer Chemo Pal for children with cancer through an organization called the Children's Cancer Association based in Portland.  I attend weekly appointments with my  current Chemo Pal who is a 4 year old little boy with cancer.  These appointments were conflicting with the monthly IEC board meetings and I needed to give that up to be able to focus on helping children beat this terrible disease.  I am still involved with the Political Affairs committee of the IEC when I can be.