Location: Gulf Coast

With Verizon Wireless Since: 2006

Miles Driven Daily:
400

Current Ring Tone:
"One Love" by Bob Marley

Current Ringback Tone:
"Serenity" by Godsmack

Favorite Verizon Wireless Service or Feature:
Mobile Web

How did you become a Test Man?
Because of my experience.

What’s the most rewarding part of your day?
Receiving results of our testing. When we shine in certain markets it is a wonderful feeling and if we don’t it is a chance for growth. It is a win-win situation.

Which traits make you a successful Test Man?
My knowledge and experience with the testing environment. Our test vehicle is loaded with a very complex array of equipment. My ability to resolve problems that arise with this equipment is probably my most valuable asset in this regard.

What does “It’s the Network” mean to you?
It means team work. It takes a dedicated team of highly skilled individuals to run a great network and I’m a part of the best network in the country. It also means getting back to the fundamentals. Our company is built on the reputation of our network. It is what makes us successful in call performance as well as in business.

Why does Verizon Wireless need to test the network every day?
Competition. Other carriers depend on the weaknesses of their opponent’s networks to leverage their advertising. This does not work against Verizon Wireless. We test every day not just as an advertising tool, but to benchmark our own performance. It gives us the chance to see how we stack up against our competition and also gives us warning signs for potential problems. Early warning is the best tool for continued success.

What is the most unique place you have visited to test the Verizon Wireless network?
I test in several unique places; Florida’s Gulf coast is beautiful, the Ross Barnett reservoir in Jackson, Mississippi, but my favorite, though, is the Atchafalaya Swamp in South Louisiana.

How does Verizon Wireless use the data you collect?
It is used in several ways. I collect baseline data. This is used by engineers. The engineers use this data to find where we have weaknesses in the current service areas.

What should consumers know about the Verizon Wireless network?
We are in a constant mode of expansion, testing and perfecting. We constantly build new sites; we test the network everyday; and then perfect the area we cover.

What achievement/aspect of your job are you most proud of?
I am most proud of doing this job well. Our project has a tremendous workload, and doing it right, and doing it on time is quite demanding sometimes. Yet all of these things must be met for this job to be done well.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Gretchen LeJeune
713-219-8028
Gretchen.LeJeune@VerizonWireless.com

Reliability Studies for the south