Today's Lead Dog Spotlight showcases Crestview technician Michael Holbein. I was fortunate to be able to spend a little bit of time with Mike down in Perdido Key, FL while he was installing a one room install for Mr. David McGhee. I quickly learned that this was a man that took a great deal of pride in his work. It was extremely evident by how his van looked and how he approached his craft while meticulously paying attention to every little detail of the job. Mike's pre-site survey has a pre-site survey and the word preparation doesn't even begin to explain Mike's process. Mike has been a technician with SUI since February 10, 2020 but is a long time veteran of the industry. Mike is originally from Ohio and has been in the telecommunications field over the past twenty years.

We all know that our technicians take pride in providing for their families and oftentimes, their family serves as their main motivation over the course of their careers. Personal inspirations are often intertwined with the goals of each respective household and many dreams are made possible through the working hands of each technician employed at Satellites Unlimited. 

Our business while employee owned was started by the McKinney family in the basement of their home back in 1994. The entire family played a huge part in building the business. While Roddy's journey is well documented, it's important to remember that Lee and Danny McKinney grew up in the business, responsible for various tasks, ultimately leading our organization at the CEO level. 

Michael's story brings this concept to life as his three boys, ages nine, eleven, and twelve are very involved in the business. When I was talking to Mike about his boys, he was quick to point out that "they all put in here". Instantly inquisitive, I asked Mike to elaborate on this newfound revelation revealed to me. He told me that his twelve year old pre-downloads all of his Hoppers. Mike has also taught him how to build the dishes and sight them in. Mike explains to his boys that these seemingly little tasks will do one of two things. Get Dad home sooner or provide additional opportunities for them by saving him time and allowing him the opportunity to do more work. The boys are even involved in cleaning his van and at their most recent Career Day at school, two of the boys went dressed as Satellite technicians!

Mike just recently bought a new house complete with a small pond and he lives the farm life. He has chickens and other various farm animals on his new homestead. He has purchased a new truck and is proud of what he has been able to provide for his family. Mike never really gets away from work and he admitted to me that he "nerds out over this stuff". As an example, he showed me his man cave that is complete with a variety of DISH and cable components that he has on display next to his dart board. The man breathes the business and he has already instilled in his children; the value of hard work, acquiring skills and additional knowledge to equip them for whatever their bright futures may hold. Much like how our company started twenty seven years ago, Mike has made his business a family affair and the possibilities remain endless for the three young men he is helping to raise.