Women in Towers

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Name: Kelly Surgener

Company currently working for: Standard Wireless Group

Job name/title: Tower and Ground Hand

How did you get started in the tower industry?  I met my boyfriend Ronald Robinson also of Standard Wireless about three years ago, and he’s been a top hand for many years, and he got me interested in it. I’ve never been scared of heights, I love the thrill, and this job falls right within it.

I started in 2014 in the tower industry, working on a site in Washington D.C., the National Treasury Building! Now that was an experience. You were searched on entry and leaving, background checks and all.

How long have you been climbing?  Close to a year but it feels like I’ve been climbing for a long time because of the fact that I feel comfortable with the experience of it. I would recommend this industry to all, male and female. Especially when you’re high in the air you can see God’s beautiful creation. The world is such an amazing place if you actually take the time to open your eyes and see it the way God created it.

Biggest like/dislike about it? I think my biggest like is experiencing the different lifestyles, the difference in society, culture and seeing many new things on the road. My biggest dislike is the time away from home and family, it’s really depressing sometimes just not being able to put your arms around your children and grandbabies when you want to, and missing your loved ones. You spend so much time with your co-workers they become as close as family. You know their life history and crazy stories they have to tell. And let me tell ya’ I’ve heard some good ones!!

Do you feel accepted by largely male crews or has it been a struggle?  Yes, I feel very accepted. The staff at Standard Wireless Group, Mr. Arnie Pearce and Mr. Tim Sansone has always treated me and others with respect and as a equal team member, regardless of gender, in various situations as well. They are an exceptional and very knowledgeable company to work for. They always focus on their safety measures and give you what you need. I’m not a small lady and I’ve always been a tomboy and most generally realize that after meeting me. I think all the males at Standard are very respectful.

Would you recommend this industry to other women and if so what would you warn them about? Yes, definitely! It’s not for everyone, I can say that. You have to love it to be able to tolerate the time on the road. It takes a lot from you. Just know that it takes a strong-willed, independent and tough person to do this job and me being southern I think helps a little on that part…haha…because you will have to become friendly with the woods on occasion, lol, and you can’t be shy at all. You have to have a open personality in a lot of situations. I would warn them about the dangers of it, you’re taking a chance on your life every day. You always have to be alert of your surroundings and make sure you stay at 100 percent, and my boss Tim Sansone aka: Mr. Boss Man ( his nickname I graced him with…haha), he drills that in my head on a daily basis. You will work from daylight until dark just to get the job done, no matter the weather: hot or cold. And always remember nobody’s perfect. You will make mistakes at times but you’ll get it next time around… lol.

Have you had any unusual experiences while climbing or at tower site? I would have to say crab crawling up and down a 500’ tower. I actually had to climb 500’ then back down 200’ then back up the 500’ and back down 200’  crab crawling the entire time. Now that wasn’t a fun or good experience but I’ve done it whether I liked it or not… lol. My body felt every tug and every pull of it. I had never been so happy to feel the ground under my feet. I don’t think I’ve ever had a terrifying or bad experience. We just do the job the safest and best way possible.

August 24, 2017

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