We are excited to welcome Landon Foster as a first-time delegate at the upcoming Mobility Field Day event in July! He’s a former Marine, and when he’s not working on WiFi and RF, you’ll find Foster raising money with his two boys at the Tap Cancer Out BJJ Open, a Brazilian Ju-Jitsu charity tournament. You can see more about Foster on Twitter at @AceHighWiFi, on the Tech Field Day Website, or at his personal blog, https://www.acehighwifi.com. Without any further ado, let’s learn a little more about Foster!
How did you get into technology and IT?
Oh man, it’s been a long and rocky road. The short version is that after I left the USMC, and did Physical therapy, I did the logical thing for someone with back and leg injuries… Climbing Cell towers for a living. The Techs and engineers made it seem like magic, and I can’t stand having unanswered questions. I kept looking for more info and answers, eventually becoming a tech myself and later working at a WISP. It’s been a wild time ever since.
What do you do now? Tell us a little about your current role.
I’m an engineer for Teksynap, a VAR who mostly services the public sector, though not exclusively. I oversee new installation, configuration, and operation of mostly Cisco gear, though as a VAR, I can be called on at any time to do anything from survey to troubleshooting.
What are your biggest challenges currently?
Personally? I have to force myself to take notes and stay organized. I’m by nature the “operate out of piles” guy; It drives my wife nuts. It’s generally not the tech stuff that gets me, but dates, names, and the little things that are essential to the everyday. I’m grateful we have excellent PMs!
Where do you see IT going in the next three to five years?
I’m firmly convinced that the IT and OT worlds are going to grow closer, and that IoT will be much, much more commonplace. I also see security (looking at you ransomware) continuing to be a huge issue. I’m interested in the Quantum computing (and physics, honestly) but don’t think it’s quite in this timeframe.
What was your first computer? What was great about it? What is your go-to computer now?
I was gifted one of the “E-MAC” model computers as a kiddo, not the first I used but that one was mine. It was awesome because except for things that weren’t appropriate for my age, I could do whatever with it. Also, those transparent cases… still love the look, like the old gameboys. These days I have a computer I built for both gaming and Ekahau/PtP planning needs, though I use issued equipment far more.
How do you manage your work/life balance?
I’m very fortunate that my employer and boss are sensitive to my needs and family situation. We do the best we can, which means extra hours sometimes, and in return they treat us well- It’s truly something others could learn from. I’ve had a rough year, and when I needed time off to deal, they just told me to take it and we’d sort it out, along with condolences. It really means a lot. Otherwise, I try to stay under 60 hours a week, including side work and make sure I have time to decompress.
If you weren’t working in IT, what would you be doing instead?
Truth be told, I’d love to have never left the military. If someone showed up with an offer to go back as a Warrant officer for RF/signals, I might well take it. That said, I love where I am now, and this community. I think the only thing I would do otherwise is to be able to do consulting 100%, rather than change sectors.
What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies?
I practice Brazilian Jui-Jitsu, I absolutely love martial arts. Other than that, I read probably more than I should, play Warhammer 40k, and of course hang out with the kiddos.
What are you most excited about seeing at the event?
For sure the new developments from the vendors. One of the things that enthralled me when I first got into WiFi is how we’re always pushing the bounds of physics in efforts to always get more, more, and more out of our devices. Ruckus Wireless with the beamforming, in particular, really excited me early on. Still does, honestly.
What is the coolest thing you’re working on right now?
Probably writing – I am lucky enough to have the opportunity to blog “professionally” for CBT nuggets. Other than that, I try to stay involved and consult a bit in IoT, and that’s always fascinating to me.
Who inspires you?
Really it’s a SORT of person, not just one. Those who are always looking forward to the next thing and moreover, driving to it, willing to put in the work. My dad was like that; He’s not a genius, but he produced enough elbow grease to lube a whole industry. He always found a way to get done what needed to be done, around the house, at work, time with us, etc. There wasn’t a thing he couldn’t do, it’s just a matter of how long it might take before he got there. Also people like Smedly Butler. I’ll let the audience look that one up, makes James Bond look like an Intern at the FBI.
As a child, what did you want to do when you “grew up”?
I always wanted to be a Marine. I can confidently say I scratched that one off the list. Still have my first Eagle, Globe, and Anchor, actually.
What is your favorite thing about what you do?
Hands down the community. I have a deep, deep love for the people that make up the field. They’re all so open and loving, always there to help and willing to talk if need be. Love it. Other than that, the physics is just plain neat.
If you won the lottery and could retire, what would you do with your time?
Ah. I wouldn’t retire at all, actually. I’d go back to school and get a PhD in Electrical engineering, something on the RF or particle physics side. Depending on timescale, probably philosophy. I’ve always had a thing for non-metaphysical Stoicism, and would love to author a companion to Aurelius’ “Meditations” or modernize it. Huge fan of Epicetus, Zeno and Aurelius.
…Also blacksmithing.
Thank you for sharing, Foster! We are excited to have you on board as a delegate and are looking forward to seeing you in action at Mobility Field Day!
Foster will be attending July’s Mobility Field Day as a delegate, so be sure to tune in to see him in action!
