Meet the Team | Jim Cronin, Director of Operations

Director of Operations, Jim Cronin has been in the telecommunications industry for over 30 years and now oversees the deployment of all of S-NET’s cloud communications services. He loves the adrenaline rush of a busy office and likes to make complex installations look easy. In his free time Jim enjoys watching hockey and baseball. Can you guess which teams are his favorite?

When did you start at S-NET Communications?

I’ve been with S-NET since December 2009.

Where did you go to college?

I studied Business Administration at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois.

Why did you choose this career?

During my college years, I worked in the Electricians Union each summer installing phone systems. That’s where I was first exposed to telecommunications and decided to pursue this field as a career.

Where did you work before starting at S-NET?

My last company before joining S-NET was Ameritech & Communitech Services, who is a reseller of Mitel Voicemail Systems. I served as their Director of Operations and Customer Service. I’ve worked 30+ years in the telecom industry in project operations. I was also a licensed Mortgage Broker for a short time in my life, most of my team at S-NET probably doesn’t know this.

What are your primary responsibilities at S-NET?

I manage a team of project managers and engineers and coordinate the onboarding and installation of new clients. I also manage our vendor relationships and work with Accounting to make sure all billing is accurate. In addition, I serve as a primary source of escalations when there are any client issues.

How often do you interact with clients?

I work directly with clients when I take on Project Management responsibilities, as well as escalations.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your work?

My favorite moments are when installations go smoothly and we make a complex, challenging process look easy to our clients. I also enjoy being busy. I love the adrenalin rush of a busy office.

What have been your favorite S-NET projects so far?

Our most challenging ones are always my favorite. Last year we onboarded a dental practice with over 40 offices and had some of our engineers out in the field in the Midwest, Texas and New Mexico ensuring that all locations were deployed according to best practices. We installed all offices in merely a month, which was a huge feat.

This year the acquisition of Strategic Telecom/Xtracom posed the biggest challenge. We had to migrate all new clients in less than 2 months. It was a tough process, but with our entire team chipping in, we were able to do it successfully and smoothly.

How has S-NET helped you grow as a professional?

I come from a telecom background, but I wasn’t very familiar with the data aspect of the field. Working with VoIP at S-NET gave me the opportunity to learn more about the data involved.

What exciting projects are you most looking forward to?

One of our largest multi-location clients is now upgrading all of their circuits to Fiber and S-NET will manage the entire network for them. It’s an exciting new project to be a part of.

What do you enjoy the most about working here?

I like that everyone is willing to help each other. We have a total team environment here.

How do you unwind after a long day at the office? How do you like to spend your free time?

In the evenings I relax at home with my family. I love watching Hockey and Baseball, especially Blackhawks and White Sox.

Any exciting events or plans in your life you would like to tell us about?

I’m going through an interesting new phase of life with my children.  One has moved out of state and started a new job.  My youngest is graduating high school in the spring and we’re visiting colleges. It’s adjustment for all of us.

In addition, in less than a month I’m going to the Philippines to work with our team in Manila. I’ve talked to them every day for the past 9 years and it will be fun to finally meet them in person.