I recently shared with someone, that this year is my 20th year anniversary in the Telecom Industry. 20 years! I can't believe it, and hopefully after you look at my profile picture again, you can't either! In any case, they feel way more. Not only because unfortunately the industry is not what it used to be (and that is subject of another article in and of itself!), but also, because for those of you that don't know, I was basically born into telecom.
If you think I am exaggerating, take a look at the evidence above. That's my mom in the picture, pregnant with me, visiting a Telecom Site being built (checking on the tower foundation to be more specific). Back in the day, those were my family's road trips. My dad would take everybody to a construction site during the weekend....SO, in honor of my "industry Anniversary", I wanted to share with you a few facts about Neptuno, and some of the wisdom my dad, who is 83 and pretty much still involved in daily company operations, has shared with me along the way:
My father founded it in 1972, after having left Italy for a better future in Venezuela. He had no University Diploma whatsoever. I am still baffled at how he went into such a technical field without being a civil engineer and succeeded. His words of Wisdom: Surround yourself with the BEST people. When you don't know, find someone that does and hire them.
When faced with the opportunity to grow bigger and faster through partnerships, he always hesitated. His words of wisdom: One partner is too little, and two too many.
In almost 5 decades, Neptuno has supplied and installed towers in over 15 countries and is certified by all the major Operators and Infrastructure Vendors. His word of Wisdom: Under promise, over deliver.
Currently led by the new generation, Neptuno is standing out as an innovator, playing a key role in building Network Resiliency through 3D Mapping and being an active member of the Smart City National Task Force. His words of Wisdom: Periodic reinvention is key for survival.
As a young girl, I swore never to work for the family business. I wanted to be respected on my own account. After years of working for Merrill Lynch and Nortel Networks, I took a Lay-Off experience as the opportunity to change my mind. My words of Wisdom: Nothing is more rewarding that working hard to contribute to your family legacy, or to your own.
Are you up to sharing your words of wisdom in the comments?
Giuseppa Cannizzo visiting a Telecom construction site while pregnant with Leticia Latino- 1973
Blog written February 7, 2018