Brad Erdmier

By Kathi Edwards

BusinessRockford.com

The Roscoe resident, cable manager at Entre Computer Solutions, was chosen as employee of the first quarter. He was cited as instrumental in getting things up and running when the business moved to Machesney Park from East State Street in Rockford. Erdmier has won the award twice before in his 10 years with Entre.

What do you do as cable manager? I make sure all jobs are completed in a timely manner. Estimating, ordering and billing are also important parts of my job.

What’s new at Entre? Are they hiring? Entre just moved into a new location, which is more convenient for our customers and allows us to have four training centers and a testing center on one level. We’re always interested in talking with trained professionals.

Who could do your job? People skills are extremely important. Good work habits and experience is helpful. Certified technicians and people with a willingness to learn make the best candidates.

How could someone interested in a job like yours learn more? There are many ways to learn about cabling. Attending seminars, technical classes and on-the-job training are a few.

Other than this job, what was your favorite job and why? Before I came to Entre, I installed telephone systems. I learned about different types of wiring and networking. I also worked with many types of people. All this prepared me for the job I have now.

What do you like best about this job? I quote the job, order the parts and manage the installation. I get a good feeling then when everything is working properly.

What was your biggest professional challenge? Learning fiber-optic terminations and installations. I attended classes and gained experience to accomplish what I needed to do.

You would never find me leaving this field to ... be a dentist.

The ideal workday: All ordered parts arrive on time. Employees are all able to complete their assigned jobs. And all complete jobs are billed.

The typical workday: I begin each day by making a priority list. I then send the technicians to their jobs, answer e-mails, return phone calls, check parts and equipment. After all this is done, I check to make sure all jobs are running smoothly.

A business needed in the region: More locally owned businesses.

The best way to unwind after work: Family outings, boating and fishing.

Reach staff writer Kathi Edwards at 815-987-1364 or kedwards@rrstar.com.