Thomas Marciano boasts an impressive career in wireless. He has over three decades of leadership experience and is currently the Chief Growth Officer and Partner at inRange Solutions and Azimuth Engineering Group. He also happens to be a NYSWA past president, current co-chair of the Workforce Development Committee, and has been an active board member for seven years.

Given his extensive experience and expertise, when Thomas says, “the industry has a huge growth potential,” pay attention. Take a look at some of the pearls of wisdom he shared with us and the future leaders of the wireless industry.

What brought you to the wireless industry at the start of your career?

I started out in wireless during the early days of NYNEX Mobile when only a few people had cell phones. It was obvious to me then that there was a great demand for this service, so I decided to leave NY Telephone for this opportunity.

What do you see as the greatest opportunity for our industry over the next few years?

Private LTE/CBRS. Putting spectrum in the hands of the enterprise/user and allowing them to make decisions about how they want to use it is huge. The applications which will be developed will change our industry and how commercial enterprises operate.

What are you most looking forward to contributing to your role as a NYSWA board member this year?

Furthering the creation and implementation of our workforce development initiatives, including obtaining grants from our partners.

How has your involvement with NSYWA impacted your career?

NYSWA raises the level of networking to a whole other level – in a positive way. The connections I made through my membership are invaluable.

As our industry looks to the next generation of leaders, what would you share with someone just starting their career in wireless?

Think beyond what you read, hear, and are told. The industry has a huge growth potential. Take advantage of every networking opportunity. These connections will allow you to learn more quickly from those who have come before you. And get involved with your industry organizations like NYSWA, NJWA, WIA to expose yourself to new people and new ideas.

What is your passion? What gets you out of bed every day?
The ability to change people’s lives in a positive manner. Also, keeping people employed, learning, and growing in the industry.

What is something about you that most people are surprised to learn?

That I live in Florida now!

What is the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received?

Don’t be afraid to fail. But learn from it.