We can’t wait to introduce you to Lee Gevara -- a man with a work ethic that brought him from the mail room (literally) to construction management. In 1975, Lee started his telecom career by chance, and a year later, passed the test to become an Installer. As a rookie, Lee had some interesting encounters. One he remembers quite vividly with a not-so-friendly Great Dane named Major.

Read how Lee has kept a great perspective in the field all these years. Maybe it’s because of the wonderfully creative and favorite quote he shares at the end of our interview with him. It’s positively refreshing!

OSP: Explain what you do for a living in 20 words or less.
I am an Outside Plant Construction Manager for Verizon Communications in Georgetown, Texas in the University District. On a daily basis, I am always answering phone calls and addressing any issues related to them. And of course there is the administrative part (paper work!) and going out in the field and checking on Construction work order activities.

OSP: What is the favorite part of your job?
I enjoy seeing employees working together as a team to accomplish all the tasks at hand and still keep a smile on their face.

OSP: When do you feel the most frustrated professionally?
I feel the most frustrated professionally when departments within my organization are not on the same page as the Construction Department. As an example, there are times when a work order issued by Engineering is not along the scope as it needs to be constructed. I believe anyone in construction can relate to that.

OSP: Fiber or Copper for the Future?
I believe that the future for now is Fiber. Fiber is needed for the infrastructure that supports wireless. Even the cable companies are using more fiber. The small telecoms are placing fiber in rural areas as well. Fiber is where we need to be.   

OSP: What is the quality you like most in a colleague?
I have a close race between two qualities I like in a colleague. Those qualities are respect and trust. For me it is hard to choose between the two.

OSP: What treat do you keep hidden in your office / desk / truck that helps you through an OSP day?
The treat that helps me get through an OSP day is a picture of my family and a close friend who was also a mentor that I used to seek advice from on OSP daily issues.

OSP: Where would you vacation if money were no object?
Italy. I really like the food, country, and culture.

OSP: What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
I sometimes procrastinate.

OSP: What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Some people don’t see that they have the same faults as others they may complain about. Sometimes people talk about others’ faults -- yet, they fail to recognize the very thing that bothers them is something they could work on within themselves.

OSP: If you had only ONE OSP tool, what would it be?
My ONE OSP tool would be my experience. But, if you want a physical tool, it would be a pair of 9-inch Klein pliers. That is an all-in-one tool.

OSP: If you could change one thing about the OSP, what would it be?
If I could change one thing about OSP® magazine, it would be to show more about how Construction Forces are being viewed by the major telecom companies. I believe some folks in the major telcos are losing their understanding of how Outside Plant Construction works and how that group is a very valuable asset they have within their corporations.    

OSP: When do you feel the most satisfied professionally?
I feel most satisfied professionally when a major project is completed. Take for example, a major road move that requires extensive manpower and coordination to complete. When it is all done, you feel you have accomplished what you are all about -- That Is Construction.

OSP: What is the quality you admire most in a colleague?
The quality I admire most in a colleague is faith. If that colleague has faith, it will lead to where they want to go, whether it might be religion, work, or a destination.

OSP: Tell us the most extraordinary/unusual experience you’ve had out in the field.
The most extraordinary experience I have had out in the field is having the pleasure of working with some of the best personnel within our corporation. The experience and expertise that these individuals bring to the table has been a great experience to view first-hand.

OSP: Tell us the funniest customer experience you’ve experienced, or seen, in the field.
The funniest customer experience I had in the field was when I was in Maintenance and Installation in 1976. I was a rookie Installer. I was almost eaten by a Great Dane at a customer’s house. I will never forget that dog’s name as long as I live: His name was Major. Luckily for me I never let him get behind me. I believe he was going for my behind. To bad they didn’t have video phones back then. That would have been a funny video on YouTube.

OSP: Tell us how you got into telecommunications. By chance or plan?
I got into telecommunications by chance. I was working in the mailroom at the time for GTE. An opening came up for an Installer position out in the field. I put in for the position along with two other employees. They both failed the test for the position and I passed. The rest is history… or destiny.

OSP: If you could have your perfect job in telecom, what would it be?
The perfect job for me in telecom would be the one I have. The one thing that would make it more perfect is to remove all paperwork -- that is the perfect job in telecom!

OSP: What is you favorite quote?
My favorite quote is one I made up: “I like throwing rocks at windows.” If you throw enough rocks at windows someone will eventually take notice.

Lee Ray Gevara started working for GTE in September 29, 1975, in a part-time position in the mailroom which was also the general office for GTE in San Angelo, Texas. He became an Installer in February of 1976 and was then promoted to a Cable Splicer in October of 1980. He moved to Georgetown, Texas, as a Cable Splicer in June of 1998, and in June of 2001, Lee took the position of OSP Construction Manager in Georgetown, Texas. For more information, please email lee.gevara@verizon.com.