In the fast-paced world of telecommunications construction, where the race to connect communities often moves at breakneck speeds, safety can sometimes feel like a hurdle. But for Jeremy, a trainer at Arvig with 14 years of industry experience, safety isn’t a hurdle—it’s the foundation. Because of his tireless dedication to protecting underground infrastructure and the people who work around it, we are proud to name Jeremy our Q2 Damage Prevention Hero.
Jeremy’s journey in the telecom sector began over a decade ago, but it is his last five years as a trainer that have truly defined his impact on the industry. Transitioning from the field to the classroom, Jeremy brought with him a wealth of practical expertise that can’t be learned from a manual. He speaks the language of the crew, understands the pressures of the job site, and knows exactly what is at stake when a shovel hits the dirt.
While many trainers are content to leave their influence at the classroom door, Jeremy is known for his “boots on the ground” approach. He consistently follows up with employees and contractors in the field, ensuring that the theoretical safety processes taught in orientation are being applied correctly to excavation and equipment usage. This bridge between the classroom and the trench is where real change happens. Under his watch and through his diligent coaching, Arvig has seen a remarkable 27% reduction in underground utility damages—a metric that represents not just saved dollars, but protected lives and uninterrupted service for thousands of customers.
One of Jeremy’s most significant achievements came in 2025 during the critical rollout of Minnesota’s new Safety-Qualified Underground Telecommunications Installer Certification Program. This state-mandated program (developed by the Department of Labor and Industry) was designed to set a new gold standard for broadband installers. The logistical challenge was immense: Jeremy managed the implementation for approximately 150 construction employees at Arvig.
He didn’t just facilitate the program; he owned it. He ensured every single team member completed the rigorous 40 hours of combined classroom and hands-on training required for certification. By managing this rollout with precision, Jeremy ensured that the entire Arvig workforce was fully certified well before the 2026 deadline, positioning the company as a leader in state compliance and safety excellence.
Beyond certifications, Jeremy serves as a vital analytical engine for the Arvig safety team. When a utility hit does occur, Jeremy is a key participant in the roundtable investigations. Rather than looking for someone to blame, he looks for the “why.” He conducts deep-dive root cause analyses to develop “lessons learned.” These aren’t just kept in a file; Jeremy immediately incorporates these real-world findings into his new hire orientation training. By doing so, he ensures that the mistakes of the past become the safety roadmap for the future.
His commitment extends beyond the company walls as well. Jeremy works closely with Gopher State One Call (GSOC) in Minnesota to stay ahead of the curve. By maintaining a constant dialogue with the state’s One Call system, he ensures that every industry update, legislative change, or technological shift is communicated effectively to the Arvig team.
As Chris Janusz, Safety Professional at Arvig, notes: “Jeremy’s dedication and significant contributions make him an excellent candidate for this honor.” We couldn’t agree more. Jeremy represents the best of damage prevention: a professional who combines years of grit with a teacher’s heart to ensure that everyone goes home safe at the end of the day. Congratulations, Jeremy, on being our Q2 Damage Prevention Hero!