TJ Maynard’s journey to becoming a Fieldlink recruiter included bagging groceries in a country grocery store, shearing llamas on a farm, and working as a technician in construction. It was a life spent relying on his hands to make a living. As he rose to a construction foreman, he enjoyed coaching his team on the job details and how to earn recognition and opportunities from management. Somehow Maynard’s path created a passion for recruiting. Today he uses his insights and knowledge to help people find success in the Low Voltage Network Infrastructure Industry.
“One of the advantages I bring to my role as a recruiter is that I’ve worked in various environments like our job candidates will experience. I can help them visualize what the work situation looks like. It could be preparing them for the coordinated chaos of a new construction site or the need for meticulous daily clean-up while upfitting cable networks in a public school building.” Maynard explained, “It’s important for someone to know what they are getting into. Not everyone is comfortable using a hammer drill on cinderblock. They might be more interested in learning about smartboards, speakers, microphones, and installing a video wall.”
A Low Voltage Technician often needs the ability to read drawings, schematics, blueprints, and plans, test and diagnose problems, prepare estimates, and maintain records Structured Cabling Technicians also work in low-voltage environments, installing, maintaining, and repairing the cable infrastructure. Niches within the business include audiovisual installation, fire suppression and alarm systems, security, paging and intercom, and collaborative workspaces.
“I like to dig in and find out what part of the work someone enjoys,” Maynard explained. “I see myself as a stepping stone for someone’s career. I want to help people get to where they want to go and send our client the right candidate. For example, I might learn that someone likes the testing phase of cabling, using their mind to troubleshoot. In that case, their next step might be a service technician role. Because we’re thinking about careers for people, I help them get to the next level, not bounce them from one assignment to the next.”
Maynard believes success in this industry comes from being accountable and dependable. “For me, that means being a man of my word while building a good rapport with others,” stated Maynard.
Part of what he found rewarding about working with his hands was looking back at the physical progress of a project like a data center. Maynard said, “It was rewarding to know I played a part in the finished product.”
He says the rewards of his current work are less tangible but no less fulfilling. “At Fieldlink, we measure success as we see others be successful. It’s rewarding to see people progress in their career and know that we played a role in helping them create better opportunities for themselves.”
Maynard recalls a recent trip to the same grocery store he worked at years ago, bagging groceries and stocking the shelves. The cashier noted his buttoned-up shirt and said, “You must have a good job.”
Maynard replied, “Yes m’am. I love my job; I truly do.”
Sidebar:
Top 7 Technical Skills
- Pulling and routing copper cable (Cat5, Cat6) & Fiber Optic cable in a new & remodel commercial construction and Data Center environments
- Terminating different types of jacks, including RJ45, dressing and terminating distribution frames (110 Block) and patch panels.
- Installing support structures (ladders, racks, j-hooks, basket tray)
- Knowledge of various test equipment (Fluke tester, Cable Toner, Label maker)
- Building network closets/rack environments.
- Installing routers, switches, and equipment.
- Reading building plans/schematics.