First joining Etex as an Student Intern in the Construction Department in 1995, one could say Jeremy has grown up learning ETEX inside and out. Twenty-one years and seven promotions later, he’s the Network Manager responsible for the Network, Engineering, Plant, Wireless, Cable Maintenance, Installation/Repair, Construction, Safety and Compliance, Procurement, Building/Grounds and Janitorial Departments. When we say Jeremy knows everything about telecommunications from Internet Protocol (IP) to the kitchen sink, we mean it.

His passion for his work shows in his dedication to ensuring Etex customers not only have the best technology available to them, but that the service never goes offline. When forces beyond human control intercede, Jeremy’s the first one engaged to fix a problem or outage, and the last one to leave.

With the hours he puts in at Etex, it’s hard to believe he ever has any spare time. But, somehow, he is just as busy in his personal life as he is at work. He’s a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Ladder Day Saints, TCEI Expo Director and Vice President of the Board of Trustees at Harmony ISD. He coaches youth athletics, sometimes balancing up to 8 teams a year, plus acting as a ref and umpire. And, in his “free” time he runs (as in marathons!) most recently completing the Dallas White Rock Marathon.

Jeremy has lived in Upshur County for over 40 years. He and his wife call it home, raising their three children in beautiful East Texas.

Behind Matt’s ready smile and hearty laugh, you’ll find a highly analytical mind and a passion for change management. Matt has been with ETEX for 17 years and during that time and has been a “jack of all trades.” Studying the ins and outs of every department, his skill-set and drive led to being named Etex’s Business Manager. It’s a vital role within the company, where he sets the course for the Customer Service, Sales, Marketing, Financial Services and Information Technology departments. If you see it, and it says Etex – it’s likely to have passed through Mat’s office.

Matt’s extensive experience within the company makes him the perfect person to balance customer interaction with strategic planning. His love for all-things-technology guides Etex’s product and service development efforts in finding real-life, problem solving, convenience- building offers for Etex to deliver to their customers. With talent in high demand, Matt’s been tapped to help assist telecom industry vendors to improve their offers to companies like Etex.

Gilmer has been Matt’s home for the last over 20 years. He and his wife are the proud parents of an immensely talented son. All three are very active in the Gilmer community. You’ll often find Matt volunteering at the First United Methodist Church, teaching Sunday School or coaching basketball, flag football or soccer. And, in the moments that are left, there’s an equal chance you’ll find Matt either busy with the Gilmer Rotary Club or creating humorous mischief to bring a smile to his Etex teammates.

You’ve heard the phrase, “What can you say?” With Patti Farr, it’s more accurate to comment “What can’t you say!?!”. Patti has been with Etex for over 18 years and she’s worked in nearly every aspect of our commercial operations. Having done everything, from answering the phone to developing data analytics measuring company performance to strategic planning Patti’s “been there, done that”. She wears many hats, and does so with grace and a keen focus on the customer experience. Presently, Patti serves as ETEX’s Business Manager of Technical Support, Mobile Device Repair, Texpert Computer Repair Services, Process and Procedure Improvement, New Business Development and more.

She brings vast project management, process efficiency development and cost reduction strategy experience to her role, skills she gleaned while working as a business consultant. With a “no mountain too big” attitude, Patti takes on any new challenge and develops systematic, measurable strategies to make the most of any opportunity. Her enthusiasm and work ethic are second only to her commitment to customer service. She works tirelessly to ensure Etex customers receive the best in their products and services—as well as their service interaction and technical support experiences.

When she’s not hard at work at ETEX, you’ll find Patti volunteering at the New Beginnings Baptist Church, serving on the board of The Great Texas Balloon Race, working as an emergency or wellness operation committee member, kayaking, running in fundraising events, or being LaLa to her four grand-babies. She and her husband reside in Gilmer, a place she’s called home for over 40 years.

If you’re looking for the physical exemplification of work hard and be nice to people, Larry Montgomery is your man. Larry lives the creed. He leads by example building relationships and delivering best-in-class services as the Director of Carrier Sales and Marketing for ETEX. And, he does it all with remarkable style. Teamwork isn’t a mantra for him, it’s a guiding principle in his life, whether at work, home or in the community. He invests his time and talent in helping others achieve more than they thought possible. In his 25 plus years at ETEX, he’s received accolades from customers, co-workers, state, and national telecommunications industry associations for his innovative and motivational approach to his craft.

East Texas born and raised, Larry grew up heavily influenced by his grandparents, who set the bar modeling a life of service, faith and commitment. They also instilled the importance of life-long learning. Larry paid close attention, and put his nose to the grindstone, foregoing his promising high school sports career to work instead, buying the first of what would turn out to be a lifelong passion for cars. He also took part in a vocational education program to learn about business, that business was ETEX. And, that experience planted a seed.

After graduating from Kilgore College, Larry started his full-time employment with ETEX. He’s held roles in many departments, including customer service, central office, data/video, marketing, engineering and sales. Ask him about any of them and he’ll tell you that regardless of the specific discipline, all of the roles distill to a common denominator, which is the provision of excellent customer service.

Larry and his wife, Laurn, make their home in Gilmer. Their son Larry is presently attending college, and daughter, Addy, is an incredibly active senior in high school. Larry and Laurn also have a granddaughter that is the apple of their eye. When he’s not working at ETEX, or guiding the operation of the family’s foundation, 4Sam, you’ll find Larry running marathons, working out at the gym, cooking or looking to add to his car collection. He and Laurn love to travel and enjoy fashion, which combined makes for an epic travel photo album.

Tiffany Ashley is the newest member of the Etex management team and serves as the Director of HR & Talent Development. Most would consider her to be the corporate equivalent of a therapist, lawyer, party planner, magician, and sometimes the Grim Reaper! In reality, Tiffany is the big warm and fuzzy, heart of the organization. She is here to ensure everything is running smoothly, and employees are happy where they are, which can be a great way to boost workplace culture. She is already making her way by using her energy and motivating attitude to empower and encourage employees to be their best self.

Tiffany is no newbie to the HR arena as she started her first position in the profession after earning her degree in 2006. Shortly thereafter, Tiffany’s work ethic and ambitious mindset created an environment where she moved up the ranks quickly. She continued to enhance her credentials by obtaining a Professional Human Resources (PHR) Certification and a SHRM – Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) designation. Tiffany’s advancement and diverse professional history highlights experience working in manufacturing, corporate retail grocery, oilfield and for the last several years, telecommunications.

Tiffany has been a life-long resident of East Texas. She was a graduate of Gilmer High School and was a member of the Stars Drill Team. She is well-known in the community with her work with the East Texas Yamboree Pageant for more than 20 years. She resides with her husband, two children and their five dogs! When she is not working, she likes to spend time gardening, baking and relaxing by the pond.