Randy Burkholder began his career at Danella Engineering in August of 2021 working as an Outside Plant Designer. Based out of Indio, California, Randy is married to his wife Alice of 24 years and they have three wonderful sons, Raymond, Aidan & Morgan. Randy’s daily responsibilities at Danella include the layout and design of fiber optic network infrastructure to support the growth and buildout of the Verizon network throughout the Southeast United States. Randy’s attention to detail and expert knowledge of complex optical network design and engineering has been a key part of the successful growth for the division. The engineering division has recently been awarded three separate multiyear contracts with Verizon this year, which management contributes to the team behind the work. “We are very grateful to have Randy and the amazing group of talented people on our team”, stated Operations Director, Kate Howick, “they are the reason for our success.”
We asked Randy a few questions related to how he got into the industry, what makes him tick, and what he likes to do when he is not working:
How did you get into this industry?
Many, many years ago…straight out of school I applied to for a position as a drafter at a local company that provided sub-contracting services to the cable tv industry. I was drawing basemaps and strand maps for numerous areas across the U.S., from there I gained the knowledge and skills that were very specific to the industry which allowed me the opportunities to be where I am today. I enjoy the diversity and ever-changing technologies that drive our business and keep me in the latest format. People ask me if I ever get tired or bored from what I do, and I tell them its been 32 years that I’ve been doing this and haven’t got tired of it yet, so I guess not.
What do you like best about working at Danella?
I feel that one of the best things about working with Danella for me is that it feels more like I am working with family members rather than co-workers; everyone that is on my team is a valuable resource that brings their own special skills and knowledge to the table which in turn produces a superior product for the customer. Having such pride in knowing what we have accomplished and are still capable of really keeps me invested in my position with the company. My team leaders genuinely care about the people they work with, and it shows in everything they do. I couldn’t think of a better place to be than where I am today.
What do you like doing in your free time?
I enjoy anything outdoors, golfing, hiking, exploring, camping, and fishing.
My absolute favorite place to be is in Big Bear, CA. It was where my wife and I were married 24 years ago and someday I hope to retire there.
I enjoy cooking for the family; I am the primary cook in our household, and am always looking for new ways to step up my game in the kitchen, even to the point of taking some cooking classes.
I enjoy working with my hands. I have had numerous jobs growing up that allowed me to learn many different skills, landscaping, plumbing, construction, which ultimately backfired on me since my wife now considers me her go to resource for anything and everything.
Do you have any fun facts you would like people to know about you?
I am a huge fan of local Western history, so any opportunity that presents itself to explore local ghost towns or historic sites keeps me intrigued.
I also live in an area of California that is rich with movie making history from Hollywood, so I get to see and meet a lot of celebrities and explore great historic sites from the early 1920’s.
I consider Bob Hope my go-to inspiration and favorite all-around celebrity, just knowing that I get to play golf on one of the many courses he has played on changes the whole feel of the game for me.
I love to draw for fun, just sitting down with paper and pencil really satisfies the soul.
I always dreamed of being Mike Brady on the Brady Bunch, drafting at home and providing for the family. I may not be designing high rise buildings, but I do get to draw on a computer and design Telecommunications.