Cable Telecommunications Systems Manager Jody Smith is retiring this month after serving more than 41 years of service to Conway Corp and the Conway community.
Jody joined the company as a cable/electronics technician on August 30, 1982. Jody then worked in various roles, ranging from system sweep / CLI technician and cable TV supervisor before his promotion to CATV systems assistant manager in 2007.
Jody was commended for his attention to cable television system sweeps, amp repair and his ability to work with very minimal supervision. The FCC sets maximum individual signal leakage levels for cable systems to reduce interference with aeronautical and navigation communications. As a result of this, Jody would often successfully complete drive outs of whole systems and repair leaks that exceed a certain threshold.
Jody reported to Conway Corp Chief Operating Officer Greg Dell, who described Jody as a valuable employee, a natural leader and an all-around good person.
“He is the kind of person you put in charge of something and you have complete trust and faith that he will get it done and it will be right,” Dell said. “Jody is a dedicated conscientious employee and he is genuinely a great person. He will be missed but I’m extremely happy that he is getting to retire and enjoy this next phase of life.”
After assisting former manager Glen King for seven years, Jody was promoted to cable telecommunications systems manager in 2014. In this role, he was responsible for day-to-day operations of the cable department including plant installs, trouble, maintenance and construction. Jody also oversaw budgets and inventory on vehicles, equipment, modems and cable boxes.
Jody said that “working with fellow employees and serving a great town to deliver reliable utility services” kept him at Conway Corp for more than 40 years.
Telecom Trouble Foreman Brent Brown was honored to have worked with Jody.
“I have been around Jody for the last 20 of his 41 years and it has been an honor to work for such a great God-fearing man,” he said. “I appreciate all he has done for the telecommunications department as well as myself.”
Jody credits his success as a manager to the way he led his team.
“I believe I lead by example. The only time I ‘bossed’ was to correct unsatisfactory behavior.”
Jody may not think he’s “bossy” but he does leave current and future employees with several “suggestions.”
- If you do something, do it right.
- Do what you are asked.
- Do a little bit more than expected.
- Don’t complain, find and offer a solution to a problem.
- Apply yourself to learning more in your field.
Congrats, Jody!
