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About Us...
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Valerie's diverse range of roles and
contributions exemplifies her commitment to
her community and family while actively
engaging in various meaningful activities,
from volunteering and coaching to
administrative work and running a mail-order
business. Her multifaceted experiences not
only enriched her life but likely served as
a strong foundation for her children.
Anthony, on the other hand, benefited
immensely from his education at prestigious
institutions, which were enhanced by
exposure to world-class instructors from
esteemed organizations. This combination of
Valerie's community involvement and
Anthony's extensive academic and
professional opportunities paints a picture
of a family deeply invested in personal
growth and societal contributions. |
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| Opportunities 1994 - 1998 |
During a transformative
period of technological advancement, Bell Atlantic/Verizon
recognized the potential for growth in their employees and
invested over $100,000 in my development, particularly targeting
emerging technologies and governmental organizations in the I-79
Tech corridor. This investment sparked a relentless pursuit of
knowledge, as I dedicated my evenings to studying and
researching relevant materials, supported by my wife's
understanding and the flexibility of my weekends. The result was
a profound and symbiotic relationship between my intellect and
technology, where time seemed to dissolve as I immersed myself
in learning and innovation.
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A Non-Listed PHD would
inform me that I had broken then Industry records.
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My educational journey through notable institutions such as
Learning Tree International and Bellcore, with branches across
major U.S. cities and Canada, not only broadened my technical
expertise but also highlighted the exciting developments
emerging from West Virginia. Achieving recognition within the
top 4% in my field in Canada and being one of the most
credentialed individuals at Bell Atlantic / Verizon underscored
my commitment to excellence, which drew attention from industry
professionals, including one at Tysons Corner who was impressed
by my dedication and offered enticing salaries. However, my wife
and I remained steadfastly committed to our home state,
prioritizing our roots over lucrative opportunities elsewhere.
During this fulfilling period, I dedicated myself to
experimenting with early Internet communications, which
I described as a game changer due to their choppy,
walkie-talkie quality that I believed could potentially
disrupt our company's traditional model. This hands-on
exploration culminated in an opportunity to meet with
the CEO of Bell Atlantic / Verizon alongside around 60
other colleagues, where I shared my insights and
predictions about the future of communication
technology. The CEO listened attentively, signaling a
recognition of the importance of innovation and the
potential for transformative change within our industry.
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My work garnered recognition from
various high-profile organizations where
I played a crucial role in rectifying
inaccuracies in Siemens' newest
technological manuals, leveraging my
credentials with Bell Atlantic and
Federal Systems Designation. This
expertise allowed me to significantly
assist numerous entities, including
NASA, Huntington Banks, and the White
House. Despite this recognition, my
manager urged me to relocate from West
Virginia, warning that staying would
jeopardize my skills and credentials as
Verizon shifted its focus to more
technology-centric states.
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Despite the warnings about the
diminishing relevance of my credentials
and the aggressive shift of Bell/Verizon
towards more lucrative markets,
particularly in wireless and FIOS
technology, we chose to remain in West
Virginia. The persistent advice to
relocate for career advancement loomed
large as I recognized the risk of having
my background fade into obscurity.
However, we opted to stay put,
navigating the challenges of an evolving
industry from our home state.
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Unheard Of Concepts |
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During a period when the concept of the
Internet of "everyday life" was still
emerging, we launched a website that
revolutionized customer service by
implementing innovative processes that
enabled my wife's products to reach
customers the very next day or within
two days. This groundbreaking approach
drew envy and astonishment from our
technically savvy peers and companies in
Virginia and Maryland, who struggled to
grasp the potential of such rapid
delivery concepts, demonstrating our
ability to disrupt traditional markets
despite our geographical constraints. |
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Intense
Desires |
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As demand for our company surged, with
calls pouring in and an undeniable
enthusiasm from potential clients, we
caught the attention of a venture
capitalist firm eager to acquire our
venture. While it was flattering to
receive such an offer, I recognized that
this endeavor was my wife's passion—new,
exciting, and a source of genuine joy
for her. Therefore, I made the decision
to decline their proposal, prioritizing
her happiness and the spirit of our
joint venture over financial gain. |
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Then
Technological Perspectives |
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During a
1997 Presidential Hometown Meeting, an
attendee inquired about the burgeoning
"Internet Thing" and its use at the
White House. President Clinton responded
by highlighting that Vice President Al
Gore was actively using email,
emphasizing the administration's
acknowledgment of the Internet's growing
importance and its potential to reshape
communication and information sharing
within government. This moment reflected
the early recognition of the Internet's
transformative capabilities in American
society.
Part 2 We Stayed... |
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