ComNet Communications
Maryland Tech Council (MTC) members work on all sides of technology, and this month we talked with Carl Lechner, Business Development Manager for ComNet Communications. ComNet has been a member of MTC for two years, and Carl serves as a lead member of the MTC Ambassador Committee.
Give us an overview of ComNet Communications.
We are a national contractor that focuses on the turnkey installation and integration of wired and wireless IT, Communications, Audio Visual and Security systems. When a company moves or expands, they will need to add phone and network capabilities, so we do the physical installation and integration of the various systems. We have an excellent reputation for working on complex projects with companies of all sizes.
ComNet is privately owned and has been in business for 32 years. Our Corporate headquarters is in Bethel, CT, not too far outside of New York City. Our Mid-Atlantic office is based in Frederick, MD and we have about 450 full time employees companywide. We also have offices in Dallas and Jacksonville, with teams of technicians in several other areas around the country.
What types of industries do you work with?
Our client base is very diverse. Some examples are new or renovated office buildings, schools, hospitals, retail, data centers, sports facilities, and life sciences companies. We’re comfortable in almost any space, both locally and nationally. Last year we performed a large project for Daytona Speedway, and we upgraded signage and other technologies for 750 McDonald’s locations. We’ve done work with MTC member, CRB. We installed their IT and communications wired and wireless systems. We work with the end-users directly and also through general contractors and systems integrators.
ComNet works with federal government agencies as well, correct?
We do. Typically, we work as a subcontractor partner to systems integrators that are more involved in the network gear (servers, etc.). We are the install component of the contract, or the feet on the ground if you will, and we serve in this capacity for large contractors.
What is ComNet’s differentiator in this market?
We have a trained staff of technicians ready to deploy across the country. In the remote areas where we don’t have permanent staff, we have vetted contractor partners that we use. This is a big advantage for us, and we want clients to call on us regardless of where their project is located. We have the ability to offer consistency in our installations across all geographies in the U.S.
Another differentiator is that we are vendor agnostic, and we can work that way because ComNet invests a lot of resources in training the technicians and engineers on a wide variety of products. Our IT staff has numerous certifications, which enables us to offer solutions that are right for the job. We have 16 engineers that are BISCI certified.
What is the best thing about your work?
We work with companies that are typically growing and expanding. Our goal is to build long-term relationships with companies and to help them to prosper and grow by being a trusted resource for the installation of their mission-critical wired and wireless technologies.
Are you seeing any trends in your industry?
There is a trend in downsizing office space because, for one reason, more people are telecommuting. Companies are also trending toward more open office spaces and fewer closed or walled offices. Collaboration spaces are also becoming very important in commercial buildings.
Wireless is also a big factor in technology implementations. Also, bandwidth and speed are increasing exponentially and thus fiber optics are becoming more in demand. Of course security and audio-visual systems are becoming more important and complex, so ComNet has invested heavily in developing these teams and service offerings as well. This isn’t just running wires and plugging them in, you need highly technical, experienced people to design, install, and integrate these systems.
Where can people get in touch with you?
They can email me at clechner@comnetcomm.com or call me at 202.748.1823.