“When I’m driving to a worksite, I like to catch up on news around crypto and Web 3 development,” he says of his commute. “There are a few YouTubers who put stuff out consistently. I’m always trying to learn as much as I can and stay current.”

“I’m almost 50 years old,” he adds, “so I need to keep up with the young guys in tech!”

In many ways, Thomas could be a role model for those young guys in tech.

In 2012 he decided to start working for himself. His years of experience in the IT service delivery space drew the attention of several clients, and he soon built up a dependable stream of steady work.

“They have a technician they can trust in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, and I have a company that I can rely on for steady work.”

Still, there were periods when Thomas found himself in search of supplemental income. In 2016, a client mentioned that he frequently connected with contract IT technicians through an app called Field Nation, and Thomas decided to check it out.

The decision turned out to be game-changing.

“I do a lot of cabling work, and I saw that some of the work being posted was stuff that I could do. So that’s how it landed on my radar: I learned I could turn to it when I need a little extra income.”

Currently, Thomas specializes in low-voltage cabling, office equipment, and server & networking work. The platform lets Thomas make judicious decisions about which types of jobs he’ll accept. Being able to make these cost/benefit decisions in real time helps support the financial security he’s built up with his network of steady clients.

He notes: “I’ve got two kids in private school and it’s really helped out.”

The secret to Thomas’ success? A combination of preparation and flexibility.

“As an independent field technician, you’ve got to come prepared and you’ve got to be ready to deal with certain challenges that you wouldn’t encounter in a nine-to-five job where you are doing the same thing every day.”

“As long as you’re willing to do it, you can always find work,” he says. “And that’s a great thing to have.”

The post Stories from the Field: Thomas Cloud appeared first on Field Nation.

“I believe integrity will always lead you in the right direction, no matter what’s going on around you.”

It’s a belief that strengthens Lester’s relationships with clients at his company, Tek-Genius IT Solutions, which currently offers service in Texas, Mississippi, and Louisiana.

He also looks for curiosity:

“If techs have the will to learn, and if they’re open and patient during the learning process, chances are they’re going to make it in this industry.”

This much Lester knows from experience. An experienced technician himself, Lester got involved in IT services as a side hustle. Lester has experience taking on a variety of types of work on Field Nation, including point-of-sale, networking, and low-voltage cabling. His willingness to try new things and learn along the way made him a perfect fit for the industry.

“While I was applying to jobs post-college, I fixed computers on the side. Simple stuff mostly: removing viruses, laptop repairs,things of that nature. After a while, as I was gaining traction through word of mouth, I realized this is actually something that I’m good at––and it pays enough for me to make a living.”

One day, while out running errands, Lester noticed a technician performing some maintenance work. He struck up a conversation and learned that the tech had secured his current project through Field Nation.

“The rest is pretty much history, at that point. He gave me the website, I signed up, and I took off like a rocket ship.”

Now, Lester is able to employ and collaborate with other technicians across a broad spectrum of service offerings and geographies. Since starting his business in 2016, Lester has built key relationships and grown his network to include major companies. A standout Tek-Genuis IT Solutions contract entailed working on one of the largest ground shipping facilities in the world.

His success relates back to the premium he puts on integrity, and the way that integrity creates a productive bond between technician and client.

“Today, technology is pretty much the backbone of the corporate world. But a lot of people either aren’t computer savvy or they don’t have the time to be computer savvy, so they need help from someone like me. Seeing the level of satisfaction and relief they get from our services––I can say that’s something I see consistently, and I’m grateful for that.”

When mentoring technicians, Lester likes to remind them that the key to a successful job is having the right outlook.

“When we’re in the field, I tell my guys: there are no problems, there are only situations. If you focus on some sort of resolution, your path to a solution will be much smoother. You’re able to think with a clear mind because you’re focused on the solution and not the problem. Positive over negative.”

Lester fortifies this outlook with podcasts and audiobooks, which he listens to as he drives to and from worksites. He cites The Magic of Thinking Big as a particularly good read.

His extensive background as a technician helps keep his relationships with Tek-Genius technicians strong.

“I know it’s a cliché, but I really do view them as working with me as opposed to for me. I always look at it as a mutual relationship. I think that alone gives us a lot of leeway. It makes learning easier, and that means the work gets done right.”

The post Stories from the Field: Lester Kirk appeared first on Field Nation.

Q: What are your responsibilities as a Program Manager at Field Nation?

As a Program Manager, my main task is finding the best talent solutions for the clients I work with. When a client project comes in, I help identify the necessary certifications, create talent pools, and develop training programs for technicians. I ensure the Field Nation marketplace can provide the right coverage of independent technicians to meet our clients’ needs. I also handle vetting for Premier customers who need specific types of technicians, creating customized Talent Pools for them.

Q: Can you provide a brief overview of your professional background and experience within the industry?

My first job was as an office admin taught me how to manage a team and collaborate. I then moved to a supply chain company where I managed business operations, which prepared me for project management responsibilities. Finally, in November of 2018, I joined Field Nation as a Recruitment Onboarding Coordinator.

As a Recruitment Onboarding Coordinator, I was responsible for reaching out to independent technicians and service companies to introduce them to Field Nation. This role helped me learn about the platform from both the client and technician perspectives. I eventually became a team lead, leveraging my experience to guide others. One of my proudest achievements was working with a client from the beginning of their large project, which led to the development of our Enterprise package.

Q: Why did you want to join Field Nation?

When I discovered Field Nation, I was intrigued by its business model, which was unique in Bangladesh. The idea of a platform that connects independent technicians with companies was fascinating. During my interview with Field Nation, I was particularly drawn to the work culture, which was friendly and collaborative. This culture was a significant factor in my decision to join and stay with Field Nation. In the future, I look forward to being part of Field Nation’s continued success, as well as the opportunity to continue helping companies connect with top-notch independent technicians.

Q: Can you describe a typical day in your role?

A typical day varies depending on the time of year. From April to November, it’s quite busy. I start my day by checking emails, primarily from Premier buyers needing talent pool advice. I prioritize these requests, often communicating with clients or the Customer Success team to understand clients’ needs. I then work with the data team to pull lists based on inquiries and refine the criteria to find the best technicians. My day also involves a lot of reporting and ensuring we find the best-fit technicians for our clients.

Q: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?

In my free time, I enjoy DIY projects, such as the garden I’m working on right now. I also enjoy PC gaming and carpentry.

The post Faces of Field Nation: Sumit Deb appeared first on Field Nation.

How has your professional experience prepared you for your current role?

I have approximately 25 years of experience in the field service industry. My career began managing telecommunication field teams in regional offices. Subsequently, I managed multiple field teams, as well as a telecom engineering group charged with equipment and cabling solution designs. I then chose to broaden my technology knowledge, becoming a first-line manager for IT field services. 

The IT field industry introduced me to projects and services for various solutions including desktops, laptops, points of sale, printers, networking equipment, and more. I spent 17 years at CompuCom, an IT managed service provider, where I held various roles including program management, project management, business systems, and field services. I eventually became the Vice President of Customer Field Services, where I led an operation of about 3,000 field dispatch, onsite service, and delivery center associates across the U.S., Canada, India, and Mexico.

How did you find your way to Field Nation?

A former colleague introduced me to Field Nation. At the time, Field Nation was developing a Marketplace Provider team, focusing on enhancing the provider experience, and my experience in field service seemed like a great fit. During my conversations with leadership, I found myself drawn to the company’s culture. I also enjoy challenges, and Field Nation was in the process of building something new and exciting. The idea of positively elevating provider experiences in the marketplace was very intriguing. After several conversations, I decided to transition jobs and broaden my career by joining the team.

How would you describe a typical day in your role?

Every day is different, but what remains consistent is the focus on problem-solving, leveraging new ideas, and teamwork. Most days I assist with sales, buyer, or product support by detailing provider network capabilities and identifying provider requirements by technology use cases. I also assist in developing provider network growth plans and provider product experience enhancements. Field Nation’s dynamic environment keeps me engaged, and I especially appreciate how we’re creating job opportunities for people across the US while helping buyers meet their needs.

What are the qualities of a good leader?

An important element to me is being honest when looking in the mirror. Knowing your own strengths and weaknesses is essential when leading a team. Recognizing the strengths and weaknesses within the team allows you to leverage your team against your own weaknesses, and vice versa to complement the team’s needs. Doing this helps set the stage for being a “servant leader,” which is a significant part of my philosophy—I enjoy helping others achieve their goals. Teamwork and collaboration are essential for reaching objectives quickly and effectively.

What’s one piece of advice you would give technicians? 

Technology never stops evolving, and staying ahead of the curve is crucial. Continuing education, maintaining the required licenses, keeping industry and OEM certifications up-to-date, and networking with others to share or learn best practice techniques are all essential steps technicians should take to ensure quality, get more work, and grow their business.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?

My family is a significant part of my life, and we enjoy spending time together. We’re a baseball-loving family, with my sons actively playing the sport. We also cherish family trips and visiting my daughter at college.

Jeff’s leadership philosophy, commitment to teamwork, and focus on problem-solving make him a critical member of the Field Nation team. His contributions and passion for technician success help keep Field Nation the #1 labor marketplace for IT. Ready to start building your on-demand workforce? Contact us today!

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An introduction to field services

Chad’s field services journey started in IT. With prior experience as a customer service representative at a tech repair company and as a service manager at a computer store, he was no stranger to the world of technology. However, life took an unexpected turn when a car accident required him to take a step back from his mobile career and focus on recovery. “Being in an environment where you have to be on your feet a lot while recovering from such an accident was challenging,” he explained, “I knew I’d have to take some time off and take care of myself.”

During his recovery, Chad received a phone call from a technology staffing company that recognized his IT background and offered him an opportunity to complete field service work. This gave Chad the opportunity to ease back into part-time work. “I had an IT background and was 100% self-taught,” Chad explained. “I saw this as an opportunity to pivot my career and regain my independence.”

During this time, Chad met several field service contractors who introduced him to Field Nation, allowing him to quickly recognize the benefits of leveraging a marketplace. In April 2019, he made the leap, and became an independent contractor. This transition marked a significant turning point in his career.

A day in the life

Chad’s typical workday revolves around driving to job sites and completing assignments. He primarily works with audio/visual equipment and is often booked months in advance. While he appreciates the opportunity to work with familiar customers, he’s always open to new challenges. “Working with the same customers allows me to know what to expect, but I don’t mind trying new things,” he says.

Problem-solving on the go

Field service often means walking into unknown situations. Chad relies on his extensive experience and history to anticipate potential issues and provide quick and effective solutions. When in doubt, he also leverages helpful online resources such as Google and YouTube to quickly find solutions.

The marketplace impact

When asked about how Field Nation’s technology, systems and support have impacted his career, Chad confirms the transformation has been profound. “The marketplace experience has changed my life ten-fold. I can plan vacations, ride my Harley Davidson bike, and enjoy week-long bike trips during the summer,” he said. Chad appreciates the convenience the marketplace offers, allowing him to grab work generated by customers when needed.

Taking on commutes

Chad, who drives 45-60k miles yearly to job sites, often listens to podcasts to pass the time. He sometimes drives to job sites with his wife, who also uses Field Nation’s marketplace to find work. 

Advice for new technicians

Chad’s advice for newcomers to the field service industry is simple yet powerful: be as reliable as possible. “Show up as the best version of yourself that you can be,” he advises. “Don’t be intimidated by something new, and be willing to learn on the fly.” 

Chad’s journey to becoming a successful and reliable field service contractor is a testament to his resilience, hard work, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Want to start building your schedule and start finding work on Field Nation? Click here to sign up for your profile today! If you’re a field service company that’s in need of skilled, independent technicians for your next project, reach out to the Field Nation team.

The post Stories from the field: Chad Humes appeared first on Field Nation.

Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your role at the company?

I’m Jeromy Dorsing, and I currently serve as a Customer Success Manager at Field Nation. Before joining Field Nation, I spent several years working as a project manager for a retail fixture installation company that used Field Nation and put work onto the platform. This experience enables me to put myself in the customers’ shoes and truly understand their needs and expectations.

My role as a Customer Success Manager revolves around assisting customers and helping them find 1099 contractors when they’re struggling with coverage. I empathize with their challenges because I’ve been in their position, having experienced the same issues myself as a dispatcher manager. Many of the tips and tricks I’ve picked up along the way are shared with the people I work with, allowing me to provide helpful insight that promotes a positive customer experience.

Q: How and when did you start working at Field Nation, and what drew you to the company?

During my time at my previous company, I worked directly with two members of the Field Nation customer success team. While working with them, I couldn’t help but notice the extraordinary level of care and commitment to customer relationships and delivering positive outcomes. I found this overall emphasis on putting customers first really intriguing, and it made me want to be a part of the Field Nation team.

When the pandemic hit, the team at my previous place of work saw a significant reduction in size. That’s when I reached out to my former boss with a unique idea: I asked, “What if I create a Field Nation technician account?” She advised me to go another step further and explore job opportunities at the Field Nation office, and that’s exactly what I did. I was thrilled when I was able to make the transition into my new role at Field Nation.

Q: Could you describe your role as a Customer Success Manager?

In my role, we cover a wide range of activities, from onboarding new customers to conducting user training sessions, to guiding our customers in the most effective and efficient way. We help existing customers optimize their subscriptions by offering tips, tricks, and best practices. We regularly review work orders to identify areas where customers can improve and become more successful through small tweaks and best practices.

Where do you get your expertise in Customer Success from?

I find value in knowing  there’s always something to learn. I make a point of always taking the opportunity to further educate myself and utilize education opportunities to grow my expertise. Fortunately, Field Nation provides the Customer Success team with various opportunities to enhance our skills and there’s immense value in getting to work collaboratively and learn from each other. Additionally, my background as a Project Manager also plays a significant role in my ability to understand where the customer is coming from and continually provide helpful solutions.

Q: What do you enjoy most about working with Field Nation?

I find tremendous satisfaction in helping people, and my role at Field Nation allows me to do just that. As a Customer Success Manager, our primary mission is to assist others in helping themselves. We support small field service companies in expanding their coverage, often beyond what they thought was possible. It’s incredibly rewarding to help field service leaders achieve their dreams and goals.

Moreover, the people at Field Nation are fantastic. We tackle problems together, and our collaborative nature is something you rarely see elsewhere. Our core values are truly exceptional.

Q: What is the most rewarding part of your role as a Customer Success Manager?

One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is the ability to gather feedback from users about pain points they experience and seeing those solutions come together in real time. Once we understand an issue, we bring it to the product team’s attention, resulting in improvements that directly address those concerns. It’s incredibly satisfying to see inefficiencies resolved, and it’s something I’m passionate about.

Q: What hobbies or interests do you have outside of work?

Outside of work, I enjoy playing in a couple of bands where I play bass and sing. Additionally, in 2019, I initiated “Andrews Bravery Box”: a nonprofit that donates toys to children’s hospitals to provide comfort to their patients during their medical procedures. This effort covers nine hospitals and clinics in the Twin Cities, with a total of 10,000 toys delivered. I am so proud of this initiative and enjoy being involved with it to this day.

Team members like Jeromy are focused on helping field service leaders get the most out of their experience using the #1 labor marketplace for IT. Want to learn more about how Field Nation can assist with your field service needs? Contact us today!

The post Faces of Field Nation: Jeromy Dorsing appeared first on Field Nation.

Q: How and when did you start working at Field Nation? What about the company made you want to be a part of it?

I started working for Field Nation in July 2023. Previously, I was the co-founder of an IT and telecom company that uses Field Nation, so I knew about their business and the amazing culture that Field Nation’s CEO, Mynul Khan, fostered. I felt my experience with on-demand labor and managed services would be a good fit for both myself and Field Nation.

Q: How many years of experience do you bring to Field Nation?

I’ve been working in technology for 35 years. I started out in the U.S. Army where I cross-trained in computers, mainly PC hardware and software installations. After my time in the Army, I went to DeVry Institute of Technology where I received a BS degree in Computer Information Systems. From there, I worked in network administration for several years before I started my managed services journey at a leading information and communications technology services corporation. After seven years at that company, I started my journey as an entrepreneur where I co-founded an IT and telecom company and started using on-demand labor.

Q: What tasks and responsibilities did you hold at your previous position that has prepared you for your responsibilities at Field Nation?

During my time as a leader for an IT and telecom company, I served as the VP of Support Services and VP of Program Management Office for nearly four years. Overall, I was responsible for the company’s operations, from managing systems to developing the processes and procedures for training and hiring staff. I also worked on budgeting and forecasting on a company, client, and project level. 

At my previous position, I did similar work as the customers at Field Nation do: I responded to RFPs for national rollouts, reviewed runbooks and other documentations, and wrote scopes of work for technicians. In addition to other processes, I’ve also vetted, qualified, and prepared technicians to do work at client sites. My experience not only allows me to understand what other managed service companies are going through, but I’m also able to identify and mitigate issues before they happen. 

Q: What responsibilities do you have as a Customer Success Executive?

As a Customer Success Executive, my focus is to help Enterprise customers understand the marketplace and teach them how to leverage on-demand labor. This may include introducing them to our team, leveraging our consulting services to grow their market share, or recommending they integrate their systems into Field Nation.

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For one thing, he’s independently minded. “It all boils down to something really simple,” he says of his approach to life. “I’ve learned if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself.”

He also picks up new skills with ease: “I’m a quick learner,” he says. “You show me something once, and I got it.”

Picking up new information quickly is a useful talent. But for Dennis, it’s also an attitude toward stuff you don’t know––yet. 

“The most important parts of any book are the index and the table of contents,” he says. “That’s a good thing to keep in mind. You don’t need to know everything, but you do need to know where to look.”

Since joining Field Nation as an independent technician in 2022, Dennis has completed work in a variety of sectors including low-voltage cabling, kiosks, point-of-sale, and office equipment solutions. Praised by Field Nation customers for his exceptional communication and professionalism, he has earned a five-star rating on the marketplace. Although Dennis has only been on the Field Nation marketplace for a few years, his journey into technology work began long ago.

At age 12, Dennis became interested in technology after receiving his first computer and a BASIC programming manual for his birthday.

His eagerness to learn has served Dennis well in life. In his early twenties, when he was just getting started in the IT industry, he helped build a statewide record-keeping system in West Virginia. Years later, he directed a similar project, working with attorneys to create a statewide case management system.

Part of this successful track record is Dennis’ ability to highlight the human aspects of working with technology. On his Field Nation profile, Dennis notes he helps his clients “merge humanity and machine to a serendipitous symbiosis.”

“I just enjoy talking about technology with people––getting their perspective and seeing how they feel about it,” he explains. “Many people have anxiety or fear around technology, and I think these conversations help take that fear away.”

These conversations are crucial as tech becomes more integrated into daily life. The technological landscape is changing, which, as Dennis points out, means the field services industry is changing too.

“You see different types of work being posted now that networks are changing. The biggest change is that internet connectivity is more cloud-based now, rather than based on local networks,” he adds.

Today, Dennis finds most of his work through the Field Nation platform. It’s become a daily routine.

“I usually end my day preparing for the next day, making sure I’ve got my T’s crossed and my I’s dotted. The next day I’ll wake up, make a cup of coffee, sit down at the computer, and check Field Nation to make sure I’m on track with my daily itinerary.”

Unsurprisingly, Dennis spends much of his free time reading about science and technology.

“I attribute that to my mom. She always ensured we had Scientific American and Popular Mechanics around while I was growing up.”

He also enjoys taking on personal projects at home. He’s in the process of building a solar energy system to power his home. As with his other technological pursuits, he’s picking up the new skillset with impressive speed.

If you’re a field service leader who’s looking for skilled low-voltage cabling technicians like Dennis, contact Field Nation today! For independent technicians interested in finding and completing work on Field Nation, click here to get started.

The post Stories from the Field: Dennis Clark appeared first on Field Nation.

Arefin is one of the 118 members of the Field Nation team that live and work in Bangladesh. These team members work on everything from support to product to marketing and more.

After initially joining Field Nation as a support coordinator, Arefin pursued his natural interest in the platform’s technology and developed his skillset.

“I’m actually a pretty curious person and I’m always eager to learn new things, so it happened pretty organically.”

Soon, Arefin moved into a quality assurance role, which immediately yielded a set of stimulating new challenges.

“I like being able to improve the quality of the product itself. I find it really exciting. It’s not just about finding bugs––it can also be an improvement in design, or whatever helps the customer navigate the platform more smoothly.”

This open-minded approach to problem solving is a part of what made Arefin a good fit within Field Nation’s culture of skill and career development.

“I would definitely describe the culture as nurturing,” he says. “I can’t tell you how many people have helped me here. When I reached out to colleagues looking to learn more about the tech element of Field Nation, no one told me, ‘Hey, that’s not really a part of your job.’ Instead of that, everyone helped. They appreciated that I was trying to learn something new.”

As for the relationship between the Minneapolis and Dhaka offices, Arefin says that the geographical distance is bridged by a culture of transparency.

“We’re transparent in two senses. We are transparent to our customers, and we’re also transparent internally. Whenever an important decision is reached or a change has been made, management always gives us a proper sense of why.”

This has led to a sense of closeness with Arefin’s US colleagues. He shares an Audible account with one.

“The Minneapolis and Bangladesh offices don’t feel like separate teams,” he says. “Apart from geography, I don’t think there’s any difference to be honest.”

In his spare time, Arefin enjoys console gaming (Horizon Zero is a favorite), playing basketball, and traveling.

“I want to visit Egypt and see the Pyramids of the Giza. That’s definitely on my wish list.”

This adventurous spirit isn’t surprising coming from a motivated, curious person like Arefin. It’s the same type of independent thinking that led him to his new career in tech.

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That’s what happened to Tony Buesing. Tony served as a Senior Account Manager at Field Nation until 2019, when he accepted a leadership position at an interactive media agency. In December of 2021, he rejoined the Field Nation team as a Product Manager focusing on Field Nation’s enterprise offering.

“I was at a point in my career where I was looking to go a different route and lean into my passion for creation and collaboration.” He says of his journey back to the company. “When I was at Field Nation the first time around, I saw up close how interesting the product side of things was. Taking something from an idea, proving it out, getting feedback, building a plan before you launch––that really excited me.”

He researched the fundamentals of product management and took courses on the subject. He sought the advice of a former Field Nation colleague, EVP of Strategy Wael Mohammed, who reaffirmed that Tony’s background in handling accounts would make him a strong candidate when the right product management opportunity came along.

As luck would have it, that opportunity soon arose within Field Nation.

Upon rejoining the team, Tony immediately felt at home in his new role.

“It felt great to come back and help clients in a new way––as a creator.”

Specifically, there was a sense of relief in being able to explore this new domain in a familiar and supportive environment.

“I’m glad I was able to make the switch into product management in a place like Field Nation.” He says. “Field Nation has a great collaborative environment where you can present an idea to any colleague or executive and they’ll say, ‘Okay, prepare the next steps, prepare your plan, let’s vet this out.’ That’s really cool.”

This impression of Field Nation’s culture stayed with Tony even during his time away from the company.

“During the pandemic, every company had to adjust, and some companies did it better than others. Keeping in touch with people at Field Nation, it was good to see that the company didn’t lose its openness or curiosity.”

Though his responsibilities have changed, many of Tony’s favorite aspects of life at Field Nation have stayed the same. For example, the weekly “Cheers” meeting, where employees can give shoutouts to their coworkers, remains a bright spot in his schedule.

“Cheers adapted really well to a virtual context. It’s great to see how close the Bangladesh and Minneapolis teams are, despite being thousands of miles apart.”

Thinking back to his decision to return to the Field Nation, Tony remembers looking forward to what’s next.

“I knew how growth-driven Field Nation is and how well their culture pairs with the company’s ambition. I felt it was a great opportunity to expand into a new area.”

In his spare time, Tony enjoys barbecue, bourbon, and spending time with his wife and kids.

“There are acting and dancing and piano and swimming lessons to get to. It keeps me busy.”

The family has also developed their interest in skiing over the past few years, which the kids are enthusiastic about. Much like their father, they aren’t afraid of trying new things.

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