What is EdgeConneX Salutes 2022?
As part of our continuing mission of honoring and recognizing our amazing veteran employees, EdgeConneX, in partnership with Salute Mission Critical, launched EdgeConneX Salutes 2022. As a longtime partner of EdgeConneX, Salute uniquely addresses our critical infrastructure facility management needs. Salute’s skilled veteran labor force works alongside our EdgeConneX teams, which include dedicated and hard-working veterans like Edison Obregon. We are proud to share Edison’s experience with you. Please read his Q&A below to learn more.
Edison Obregon, Manager of Property Management at EdgeConneX and a Marines veteran, was interviewed to learn more about his background and his experience in transitioning into a civilian role within the data center industry. Edison also shared his hobbies and interests with us.
What are your job responsibilities now?
I am currently in the military, actively serving in the US Marine Corp. A fun fact: I have been with EdgeConneX since I was a teenager. (wow!)
What geo are you in now?
Miami, Florida
Tell me about your background/why did you enter the military?
In high school, I knew I wanted to work in the computer industry. I was interested in software, coding and programming. I was going to graduate high school and college at the same time with dual enrollment but wasn’t sure what to do next. There were tons of options, so I went to a computer shop one day and told them that I had graduated college and told them about my background; and asked if they had any work I could help with.
After thinking it all through, one thing that I did know was that the Marine Corp had always been a part of my life and I knew I wanted to serve. I ended up putting the computer industry on pause and joined the Marine Corps Reserves.
I headed off to boot camp and became a radio operator. I also joined Salute Mission Critical and EdgeConneX as a contractor. I got to know EdgeConneX through Marco Escobar, who worked for EdgeConneX as a site lead for a data center in Florida. He thought my college degree was a good fit and helped me get in the door as a security guard when I was 19 years old. I then worked my way up to becoming a tech and then eventually ran the operations department for a data center in Florida. While in operations, I met those that worked in property management and they were impressed with my work and thought I would be a good fit for the department. I started in 2020 with EdgeConneX property management division.
I have been balancing my Marine Corp responsibility and my civilian job with EdgeConneX ever since.
How did the military prepare you for the job/role/career you are in now?
I have learned endless things while in the Marine Corp. One being, be on time! I always show up to a meeting at least 15 mins early. It’s ingrained in me. Other things I have learned in the Marine Corp that have helped me in my career include:
- Be precise: The Marine Corp has taught me ownership in that nobody cares about your career like you do. You have people who can guide and support you, but you are in charge of your career. I always take ownership. I want to know what I can do better.
- Support each other: Having pride in your work and what you do will elevate your team and your company. I attribute that all to the mindset of success at EdgeConneX – the team’s drive and discipline.
- Make yourself better. Nobody is checking on you; I work from home. Therefore, I must search for knowledge and make myself more valuable as a person. Nobody is looking over me and making sure I do my job. I have pride in what I am doing and am always looking at what I can do better – as a leader and as an employee.
What would you like to tell others thinking about a career in the data center industry?
There are many career paths when exiting the military and also within the military. Consider leveraging the GI Bill. If you want to pursue technology but you don’t have a 4-year college degree, you can still consider vocational college and get certifications in A+, Security+, Cisco certifications and many more. Get a firm understanding of networking, cloud and IT infrastructure. You can do this while in the military by taking courses and completing certifications.
And, don’t be afraid to start small (I started as a security guard). It didn’t happen overnight, but I was willing to start somewhere and now I’m a manager. It was hard to start at square one again after being a sergeant, but I went for it. Always be willing to learn and grow and make yourself more valuable to the team.
What does EdgeConneX culture of Customers, People, Planet mean to you?
That is what a data center is – it is literally what connects the world with access to all parts of the globe. Data centers are how all the information is spread. Where is the internet? Where does it exist? It’s thousands of global data centers that connect people and the entire planet. EdgeConneX is enabling that and expanding globally with constant growth to reach more people and connect us all to each other.
What are your hobbies/interests?
I love to travel. When I take a vacation it’s whatever my wife likes to do : ) I love to see new cities/countries and one time surprised my wife with a trip to New York where we saw the Lion King on broadway. We had front-row seats and it was amazing! My wife is a huge Disney fan and loves to go to Disney. We go all the time since we also have a 6-month-old son. As you can tell, I love to spend time with my family. I also like to experience new things. I am involved in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, wedding photography, and playing and composing music. I play the bass, guitar, piano and drums and play for my church.
My church is #1 in my life. It’s everything!
How can our readers follow you online?
Readers can follow me on LinkedIn.
Keep an eye on EdgeConneX career openings HERE.
If you are a veteran or military spouse looking for an exciting career in a growing industry, please contact Salute Mission Critical. The team can help train and put you on the path to success.