91ÊÓƵ

Fred Ciccotelli, 55, has worked in the communications industry since 1973. He started out as an Air Force communications technician and later worked for Northern Telecom, General Dynamics and ROLM, where he became a sales representative.

In 1996, he founded his company, Telesphere. Its first big contract was installing and repairing all of Wright Management Consultants’ systems on the west coast. Telesphere has since grown, and it now works with Black Box, XETA Technologies, Comm-Works and many other companies.

91ÊÓƵ: What knowledge do you have that you fear will be lost as your generation begins retiring?

Fred Ciccotelli: I don’t think any valuable knowledge will be lost. Technology moves so fast that the knowledge I haven’t shared isn’t worth sharing. Some of the older systems that only I can work on will surely be gone in the next few years.

The thing that will be lost is the relationships that are the bond that makes a business viable. If I were to go now, fewer and fewer calls would come in. I’m not sure the company would last a month. My business is built on 35 years of companies depending on me for service.

91ÊÓƵ: What advice do you have for young people that want to go into this business?

Fred Ciccotelli: Focus on the customers’ needs, both technically and personally. Become the person they depend on and request. Vary your skills. So many of my counterparts have only one system or skill, and when that system is gone they need to start over.

When things get slow and project managers and consultants aren’t needed, they have no fallback. With your own business, when others are being laid off, you pick up the overflow. You just have to be able to have enough skills to get business from wherever it comes.

91ÊÓƵ: What do you see as the biggest threats to your industry 10, 20, 30 years down the line after you’re gone?

Fred Ciccotelli: The biggest advantage of being in this industry is changing technology. The biggest threat to our industry (in the) long term is changed technology. When automation and seamless communication eliminates the need for cables, multiple devices to communicate and upgrades, we’ll have to cross-train ourselves to be ready for whatever service or support is required.

91ÊÓƵ: What changes have you seen in how things are done during your time on the job?

Fred Ciccotelli: Until recently the changes have been very slow. We still build houses with wood, use internal combustion engines and dial a phone with a touchtone keypad.

I see (that in the) short term our business will be booming with opportunities to provide the automation that will ultimately reduce the manpower required to operate. Centralized management, plug-and-play devices and wireless, universal instruments will reduce the need for the phone techs.

Remote call-center agents with video technology should have happened years ago. Until recently, local IP phones have been the best the computer industry could do. The next gen of USB or wireless phones and headsets that double as your cell phone will be a change worth wrapping your arms around.

91ÊÓƵ: What key educational elements do you think are most important for new workers thinking about going into this field?

Fred Ciccotelli: For my sons I offered college or the chance to become a journeyman in my field. I’m pleased they chose to become journeymen limited energy techs. From here they can take classes for whatever technology is in demand. We’re fortunate to have an understanding that if they stick with me, the business will be theirs in time.

Expand your horizons would be my best advice. On-the-job training is the most valuable in our career field.

91ÊÓƵ: What made you decide to retire, or what will be the deciding factor when you do decide to retire?

Fred Ciccotelli: Financial stability for both me and the company will let me retire. Lately I’ve been more of an administrator, letting the boys take the lead in whatever areas they’re ready for. My oldest son may come into the company as a sales/administrator in the future. I look forward to “retiring;” however, I think as long as I’m able, I’ll be involved if needed. I heard Stevie Wonder last night on (the) Larry King (show) say “I’ll always stay involved. Life will give itself to them.” (He was) referring to his kids stepping into his path. If there’s something I can do to improve the business for the kids, I’ll be there. The business is me.