U-reka Broadband Staff
U-reka Broadband is a team of telecommunications experts that have united to provide the experience, expertise and services necessary to succeed in today’s dynamic communications environment. You can be assured that the best talent and advice is available to meet the requirements!
John Schultz
John Schultz is a 25 year veteran of the telecommunications industry and has spent his career concentrating on bringing next-generation architectures to business and residential customers. John's passion is fiber connectivity and the possibilities that it brings to his customers. John has been involved in deep fiber architectures including VDSL, HFC and FTTP networks. In addition John has been actively involved in the development of fiber connectivity across the region including long-haul routes for both Incumbent and Competitive Local Exchange Carriers. John has also been retained by the investment community to provide industry expertise for merger and acquisition activity. During his time with U-reka Broadband John has been instrumental in developing fiber optic networks for Service Providers, Municipalities and Private Businesses.
John has a common sense approach to the business given his background in construction and engineering. John has received a Bachelor's and Masters Degree in Telecommunications from St. Mary's University. Get full résumé (PDF).
Brian Estrem
Brian has a varied background in both the telecommunications and technology sectors working on both the service provider and equipment manufacturer side of the business. Brian brings over 25 years of operational background to the company assuring that companies U-reka partners with have the operational expertise to go with next-generation architectures. Brian has been deeply involved in both the fiber-to-the-premise and IPTV marketplace and understands the engineering and operational requirements of such cutting edge technologies. During his time with U-reka Brian has helped implement technology solutions for its clients, delivering projects on-time and on-budget.
Brian's ability to take technology challenges and implement not just the technologies but also the go-forward plan to support such technologies makes Brian an integral part of our team. Get full résumé (PDF).
JoAnne C. Johnson
Twelve years in government relations and community development, the last ten years with Frontier Communications, have helped create the knowledge base that drives her work in the communications industry and was also a defining factor in her being named Chair by Governor Pawlenty of the MN Broadband Advisory Task Force, created in 2010’s legislative session. The task force explored the state of broadband in MN and assisted the Commissioner of Commerce with creating a yearly report on the state of broadband in MN. She also served on the original highly acclaimed Ultra High Speed Broadband Task Force in 2009-2010. In addition to JoAnne’s broadband activism, her background in both state and federal level regulatory and legislative activities is a valuable asset to our clients.
Prior to her work in the private sector, JoAnne was an Economic Development Officer for Congressman Collin Peterson in the rural 7th District, giving her ample experience in outstate MN and background in rural issues. Her work there involved technology and telecommunications and she organized the Congressman’s three Rural Telecommunications Conferences in partnership with MN Rural Partners and St. Cloud State University.
Joe Thill
With his diverse background and a thirty plus year career in the telecommunications industry; Joe brings solid background in plant engineering, contract negotiation, marketing and sales to U-reka Broadband Ventures. As a Cable Television veteran, Joe was instrumental in builds in the SW Minneapolis suburbs and led the original City of Minneapolis cable television build which included the challenging downtown commercial/business district. Upon completion of the inaugural build; Joe continued to lead the commercial effort in the cities of Minneapolis/St. Paul and surrounding communities in pursuing new commercial builds from initial project discovery through financial justification, build and sales focus.
In addition, Joe is very involved as a resident of his hometown and county as an elected Councilman. He is a representative on various boards and commissions inside the industry and in government. His leadership on SCALE (Scott County Association for Leadership & Efficiency), Gopher State One- Call and others provide an insight, understanding and network of favorable relationships on the local and state government.
Joe’s positive attitude and ability to vision the successful outcome of a project enables him to strategically move the project forward. His skills in creating key partnerships and team motivation coupled with his high energy level makes him a valuable member of the U-reka team.
Jim Webb
Jim has over thirty years experience in the telecommunications industry with both large and small companies. His experience includes management positions in engineering and operations, as well as executive management positions with start-up firms. His diverse expertise includes project management; developing large scale training programs for new financial management systems; budget forecasts and preparation; financial analysis; and business plan development for startup companies.
Jim received a MBA from the University of St Thomas in 1999, a MA in Management from Central Michigan University and a BS in Business Administration from Drake University.
Our Partners
U-reka Broadband utilizes our years in the business to help bring you, our customer, the services that you need. Our partner companies can assist in engineering, construction and maintenance of your fiber assets allowing us to bring the expertise you need when you need it, keeping our overhead and prices low. You can be assured our partners are the best in the business and will work to bring you the products and services you need.