Companies rely on technology to operate and stay efficient. The people who create that technology are the unsung heroes of today’s modern economy.
At TelNet, there are a host of otherwise anonymous people who work behind the scenes to ensure our customers have reliable, secure communication and collaboration tools.
There is not an “easy button” for the custom solutions TelNet provides. Each client is unique. It takes a talented team of engineers, software developers, implementation experts and others to create the tailor-made products our customers require.
In this article, we introduce you to one of the talented TelNet team members who make what we do possible.
Connor Madek, a Multi-Talented Product Developer
Connor Madek is a Product Developer at TelNet.
Among the products he has developed are the recently launched SMS Business Messaging for Webex, Microsoft Teams Direct Routing, and the internal automation system that enables TelNet to provision products rapidly. (Provisioning is the process of setting up an IT infrastructure. It includes the steps required to manage user and system access. Accurate and speedy provisioning is critical to helping our customers succeed.)
Connor holds a Bachelor’s degree in information technology from Oakland University and is working towards a Master’s degree in computer and information system security/assurance from the University of Detroit Mercy.
He has CompTIA Security+ and Comptia A+ certifications from the Computing Technology Industry Association, the IT industry’s top trade association.
A self-described nerd, Connor is a mult-italented musician, video gamer and runner, in addition to being an accomplished programmer. We spent time with him recently to learn more about his skills and interests and how they contribute to him being a top-flight product developer.
“Connor is the definition of innovation. When he sees a need or gap in technology, he solves it. He built our SMS product from the ground up. When we set out to develop SMS, we wrote a list of desired features. Connor took that list and put together an application that solves a need in the market.”
How long have you been with TelNet?
“I’ve been with TelNet since November, 2019. I joined as an intern while at Oakland University and have been here since. After graduating from college, I was hired full-time as an automation and security analyst. I’ve since taken on the role of product developer.”
What are your duties and responsibilities as Product Developer?
“I create new products for TelNet customers and improve processes for provisioning our existing products to help other TelNet team members help our customers. I love building automation for our internal teams. To be able to improve processes that ultimately improve the customer experience is really rewarding. I like working on projects that I find meaningful. The product team gives me the opportunity to interface with other teams at TelNet and build solutions together.”
What drew you to your field and to TelNet?
“I’ve always been a nerd who loves technology, so this job was a perfect fit for me! The thing that I like about helping people learn to use technology is the feeling that I’ve helped lighten the load on them. We all have a lot of things to worry about, and if I can improve someone’s peace of mind by applying my skills to help them, then that’s an awesome opportunity that I need to take advantage of. TelNet is a great place to work because we’re always trying new things and always improving, so there’s never a dull moment.”
Describe your role in the development of the newly launched SMS Business Text Messaging product.
“I developed the SMS application from design to implementation. It was an awesome responsibility to be able to tackle and I’m proud of where it is now! Developing SMS was a new challenge for me as I had the opportunity to be more involved on the business side of the product development process. Being able to see how a product goes from an idea to becoming a reality was an enjoyable experience. Overall, from proof of concept to a viable product, the process took about six months.”
Do you have any memorable experiences from projects you’ve worked on at TelNet?
“The first launch of our provisioning automation was really exciting. I was working with another product team member, Gary Ameye, and when we had everything finalized and tested he called me on Webex so we could celebrate the launch a bit. Getting that project over the finish line was really an incredible experience, and working with Gary on it is still a lot of fun.”
What are your hobbies and interests?
“I’m a huge nerd, so I play a lot of video games and board games. But I also love to run, read and learn new things! I also play the bass guitar and the saxophone. And I like hanging out with my dog, Sinclair. He is a one-year-old Golden Doodle.”
As a runner, where are your favorite places to run in Southeast Michigan? Have you entered any races?
“Stoney Creek Metropark in Shelby Township is great place to run. I also like running the Macomb Orchard Trail in Washington Township, along with the Metro Parkway Trail in Harrison Township that goes out to Metro Beach. I’ve entered a couple 5k and 10k races. The craziest was the Insane Inflatable 5k. The course is full of inflatable walls, ball mazes, crash courses, sling shots, and more. I plan to run the Detroit Free Press half marathon this year. The most fun I’ve had running were half marathons at Disney World in Florida, in which you run through the parks before they open.”
What are your favorite video games?
“I’ve been playing a lot of Final Fantasy 14, but if I had to pick a favorite game at the moment, it would be Stardew Valley. It’s an indie farming game. You take on the role of a character who inherits their deceased grandfather’s dilapidated farm in a place known as Stardew Valley. You grow crops, raise livestock, fish, cook, and hang out with townspeople. You can get married and start a family. It’s fantastic.”
At TelNet, we are all about human connections. To connect with other TelNet team members, visit our Team Spotlight.
