ESCON GROUP - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant
- Member of the Office Business Team
Amanda Keatts joined ESCON in January 2016 as an Administrative Assistant, after a 16-year career in retail management. She enjoys that she continues to have interaction with the public as she answers phones and greets customers who walk in. Amanda said her co-workers are happy and she likes that the company is growing and moving forward. She has 2 children at home and spends her free time hanging out with her family, camping, gardening, and raising chickens.
Job Titles:
- Chief Financial Officer
- Member of the Leadership and Office Management Team
- Project Manager
Bill Sponseller is the company's Chief Financial Officer. From his studies at Northwood University earning his BBA Degree to the many positions he had at The Dow Chemical Company, he was well positioned to financially guide the business. When the opportunity for him and Xan to succeed ownership of the company, it was a very natural step. For Bill to have his dream job and to be able to do it with his high school sweetheart could only be made better by being surrounded by a great group of people while doing it … Wait … It is all true … ESCON is all of that and more! Bill enjoys all of the hiking and travelling to see his children and grandchildren with Xan … Just add in some horses and downhill skiing and you have it.
Brian Hages, ESCON Data Technician since 2012, handles installations, repairs and troubleshooting for customers. He's loved computers and networking since he was a child watching his dad run a computer business. After earning a Bachelor's Degree from Northwood University in Business, Brian decided his calling was the hardware associated with computers and their networks. In his free time, Brian is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys spending time riding bicycles, target shooting and with his 2 children.
Job Titles:
- Estimator
- Project Manager
- Estimator / Project Management
Chuck Bliss has worn many hats in his lifetime. He joined Essexville Electric as a Master Electrician in 2003. Since 2010, he's worked in the ESCON Fiber Fusion Division as a Project Manager. That means he meets with potential customers to learn what they need and then writes the estimates. Once he has the project where the customer wants it, he goes out and does the work. Chuck, who has taken electronics and robotics classes at both Delta Community College and Kirtland Community College, has been an electrician since he was 18 years old. What he enjoys about this new direction is he's always learning something new. He also enjoys that this job is more computer based than traditional work for an electrician. He has a grown son and enjoys hunting and fishing when he's not at work.
Job Titles:
- COO
- Member of the Leadership and Office Management Team
Job Titles:
- Facilities Manager
- Facilities Management
Dan Bouchard loves the variety of work he does as the Facilities/Vehicle Manager for ESCON. He focuses on mechanical and safety issues for the building, grounds and vehicles. Dan joined ESCON in 2016, after 15 years working as the chief water plant mechanic for a municipality. He is married with 4 children. In his free time, he enjoys camping, hunting, snowmobiling and mud-bogging.
Job Titles:
- Generator Sales, Installation and Service
- Sales / Service Manager
Job Titles:
- Project Manager in ESCON Generators
- Sales and Service
Job Titles:
- Member of the Electrical Management Team
- Project Manager
Robb Smith, Journeyman and Master Electrician, started with Essexville Electric in 1972. He's stayed with the company ever since, watching it grow and fulfilling his personal goal of mentoring young electricians. Robb is a Senior Estimator and Project Manager in the Electrical Division, focusing on industrial and commercial contracts. Essexville Electric was the third place he worked as an electrician. Before going to the University of Michigan, earning a degree in Business Administration, Robb worked for his father's company, Smith Maynard Electric on the corner of Third and Water streets in downtown Bay City. After graduation, he started his estimating career at Southeastern Electric on Bay City's west side and a year later joined Essexville Electric. "I enjoy designing electrical systems and managing these projects to a successful completion," Robb said. "At ESCON, I have been able to mentor many of the people who work here and watch the company grow. I particularly enjoy sharing what I know." In his free time, Robb is an avid fly fisherman and is heavily involved with Trout Unlimited, locally and at the state level, where he is currently treasurer and past chairman. "I'm very passionate about cold water conservation," said Robb, who is married with two grown children and six grandchildren.
Job Titles:
- Project Manager / Security Integration Specialist
- Systems Division As a Project Manager
Jacob Ridley joined the ESCON Systems Division as a Project Manager in the spring of 2012. He was attracted by what Bill and Xan Sponseller had built and the potential he saw for the future. "What we do is something that I have a passion for. We're given the opportunity to run here," Jacob said. Jacob has a unique perspective on electronic security. His dad has been in the commercial door and hardware business for 31 years, so Jacob has grown up exposed to many layers of the construction process. He has spent the last 14 years in the construction industry. He worked for a door and hardware company, worked as an electrician for 6 years, then took a position in building operation and maintenance. Before coming to ESCON, he ran his own business specializing in installation and service of electronic door hardware.
"We hold ourselves to a very high level of quality in design, execution and relationships," Jacob said. "It makes it fun. I'm doing what I want to do and I'm doing it in an environment with a bunch of great people." Jacob is married with three sons. In his free time, he loves to play in the woods with his boys as well as racing bicycles and building things.
Job Titles:
- Estimator
- Member of the Electrical Estimating and Project Management Team
- Member of the Electrical Management Team
- Project Manager
- Lead Estimator / Project Manager
Job Titles:
- Accounting Assistant
- Member of the Office Business Team
Amanda Keatts joined ESCON in January 2016 as an Administrative Assistant, after a 16-year career in retail management. She enjoys that she continues to have interaction with the public as she answers phones and greets customers who walk in. Amanda said her co-workers are happy and she likes that the company is growing and moving forward. She has 2 children at home and spends her free time hanging out with her family, camping, gardening, and raising chickens.
Jennifer Munch, Accounting Assistant, has found the perfect job to put her math proficiency to use. Jennifer loves numbers. If you have questions about your invoice, Jennifer has the answers. Along with preparing and sending invoices to clients, she also trains new office employees, meets with project managers to discuss the progress of their projects, and provides assistance and support to company personnel. She enjoys the teamwork aspect of ESCON.
"I love everything about ESCON. The owners are awesome, and my co-workers are great," Jennifer said. Jennifer also is trained to help out in other departments when people are on vacation. She loves the variety that gives her.
Job Titles:
- Controller / Office Manager, Accounts / Billing
If you have a question about generators, Katt McEvoy will find the answer for you. Katt schedules all the service and maintenance calls for the ESCON Generator division. She joined the company in 2015 and said she loves the pace, positive atmosphere and overall great attitude of her co-workers. Katt understands the importance of customer service. She was the general manager of the local branch of a national chain restaurant. Katt, a U.S. Army veteran, is married with two grown children. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, reading and walking.
Job Titles:
- Senior Technician
- Crew Leader
Kirk Simons, Senior Technician and Crew Leader, focuses on physical security when he's at work. He estimates, designs and supervises work on badge access, cameras, perimeter security and anything that keeps you business physically safe. He appreciates the environment ESCON's leadership has created as well as the company's diversification. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys hunting, fishing and camping. Kirk is married with three children.
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant / Payroll
Job Titles:
- Maintenance Service Technician
As a Journeyman Electrician, Matt Howard doesn't stay in one place long. And that's exactly how he likes it. When Matt earned his electrician's license in 1998, he joined Thomas Electric. When Thomas merged into ESCON, Matt stayed onboard. "It's something different every day," Matt said. "If I'm a place more than a month, it's odd. Sometimes I'm in seven places in one day. We do a large variety of work." Matt's latest move happened within the company when he moved from the electric division to installing generators. Matt has 3 daughters, 2 in college and 1 still at home. In his free time, he enjoys camping and watching sports, especially football and baseball.
If you ever have a problem with a generator from ESCON, Mark Giffin has you covered. Since 2015, he's been maintaining and repairing generators for ESCON customers. Mark has a deep background working with mechanics. He's worked in several mechanical shops, including with commercial refrigeration systems, and he grew up on a farm where he learned to repair equipment. Working at ESCON meets two needs for Mark. One, he loves working with his hands. And, two, he really enjoys his co-workers. Mark is married with two sons. His family enjoys football season.
Job Titles:
- Estimator
- Member of the Electrical Estimating and Project Management Team
- Project Manager
Job Titles:
- Member of the Leadership and Office Management Team
- Safety Director
Safety Director Neil Samyn is a Certified Occupational Safety Specialist (COSS) and is uniquely qualified to provide leadership and focus on safety awareness and work compliance. Neil is also a licensed journeyman electrician, holds an Associate's Degree in Applied Science in Industrial Electricity and has a decade of field electrical experience. Neil has completed OSHA-10 and OSHA-30 training in construction as well as CPR and First Aid training.
Job Titles:
- Project Manager / Security Integration Specialist
Job Titles:
- Member of the Electrical Estimating and Project Management Team
- Member of the Electrical Management Team
- Project Manager
- Senior Estimator
Robb Smith, Journeyman and Master Electrician, started with Essexville Electric in 1972. He's stayed with the company ever since, watching it grow and fulfilling his personal goal of mentoring young electricians. Robb is a Senior Estimator and Project Manager in the Electrical Division, focusing on industrial and commercial contracts. Essexville Electric was the third place he worked as an electrician. Before going to the University of Michigan, earning a degree in Business Administration, Robb worked for his father's company, Smith Maynard Electric on the corner of Third and Water streets in downtown Bay City. After graduation, he started his estimating career at Southeastern Electric on Bay City's west side and a year later joined Essexville Electric. "I enjoy designing electrical systems and managing these projects to a successful completion," Robb said. "At ESCON, I have been able to mentor many of the people who work here and watch the company grow. I particularly enjoy sharing what I know." In his free time, Robb is an avid fly fisherman and is heavily involved with Trout Unlimited, locally and at the state level, where he is currently treasurer and past chairman. "I'm very passionate about cold water conservation," said Robb, who is married with two grown children and six grandchildren.
is a Certified Occupational Safety Specialist (COSS) and is uniquely qualified to provide leadership and focus on safety awareness and work compliance. Neil is also a licensed journeyman electrician, holds an Associate's Degree in Applied Science in Industrial Electricity and has a decade of field electrical experience. Neil has completed OSHA-10 and OSHA-30 training in construction as well as CPR and First Aid training.
Site Safety Specialist Robert Moe has more than 30 years industrial hygiene and safety experience. He is COSS certified and is a State of Michigan Accredited Asbestos Training Provider including NIOSH. He has his 582 Certification and Confined Space Entrant Certification.
Job Titles:
- General Manager / System Specialist
Job Titles:
- Systems Foreman / Field Technician
Ryan Tausch says he's never had a better job than working for ESCON. Ryan works as a systems foreman/field technician and specializes in card access. He installs and services many systems and chooses not to limit himself. "Everything here is cutting edge. We're always learning and growing," Ryan said. "The attitude here is that we try to help each other thrive." Ryan joined ESCON in 2013, after spending a decade in the construction industry. Ryan grew up around electronics and enjoyed tinkering with his Grandpa, a commercial/residential electrician and Dad, an Electronic Technician. They were key in teaching him to be a life long learner. "I absolutely enjoy making computers/electronics work with mechanics." Ryan is happily married with 3 children. When Ryan is not at work you will probably find him reading books with his kids, drinking coffee with his wife or roasting coffee, (three of his favorite pastimes).
Job Titles:
- Quality and Safety / Assurance and Control Manager
Job Titles:
- Industrial Security Specialist / Project Manager
Simon Tullett, is the Industrial and Government Security Specialist and Project Manager for the ESCON Systems Division, he is a U.S. Army veteran. He began working for ESCON in 2007 and has over 17 years in the Electronic Security Industry. Before joining the ESCON Systems team Simon worked for a similar company in suburban Detroit, Mi. While on assignment to The Dow Chemical Company Simon worked with Bill Sponseller and Bill liked his style.
When Bill asked Simon about helping to develop the Security Division within Essexville Electric - now ESCON Group, Simon said yes, "Bill's got a good vision," and "together Bill and I understand how ESCON Systems can grow and succeed." Simon holds an Associate's Degree from Macomb County Community College and a wide range of manufacture certifications. He and his wife live in the area. When he's not working, Simon enjoys fishing.
Job Titles:
- Senior Technician / Crew Leader
- Systems Division
Job Titles:
- Project Manager
- Senior Estimator
Job Titles:
- Network Specialist
- Network Specialists
Job Titles:
- Estimator
- Member of the Electrical Estimating and Project Management Team
- Member of the Electrical Management Team
- Project Manager
Ted Bak has been a project manager for electrical contracting companies for over 30 years. He worked at Taunt Electric in Gladwin for 6 years before Taunt and ESCON merged in January 2016. At ESCON, he enjoys the organized, friendly atmosphere. Ted is married with 2 children. In his free time, Ted is a amateur radio (ham radio) hobbyist who volunteers as the Emergency Coordinator for Gladwin County. During an emergency, Ted helps coordinate emergency communications.
If you have questions about taking care of your generator, Gustin Sponseller is the one you need to talk to. Gustin schedules all the service and maintenance calls for the ESCON Generator division. He's been part of the company for about 3 years and expects to finish his Bachelor's Degree in Operations and Supply Chain Management at Northwood University in spring 2016. Before working for ESCON, Gustin worked as an electrical engineering CAD drafter; at a call center representative; and as a homebuilder. He's from Michigan, but has lived in California and Utah. "I love the small business world," Gustin said. "I love the development and the intimacy of a small business." When not working, Gustin has school work, a wife and an infant to keep him busy.
Vern Simons, ESCON Senior Technician, has a quick answer for what he likes best about his job. It's working with his son, Kirk. He works in the same division as his son and started the job on the same day. He holds an Associates Degree in Electronics from Davenport University. When not at ESCON, Vern runs a karaoke business. He also enjoys spending time with his 3 grown children as well hunting, fishing and camping.
If you have questions about how to keep your network secure, Steve Tacey is the one you want to call. Steve, ESCON Network Specialist, holds an Associate's Degree in PC Support from Delta College and is working on at Bachelor's Degree in Information Systems from Ferris State University. Steve, who has worked at ESCON since 2014, said he expects businesses to focus even more on cyber security in the near future. The difficulty is attacks on computers come from multiple locations. Computers aren't like buildings where every door and window can be locked. You can't possibly block every computer access point. Steve loves the challenge that presents him. He spends his free time experimenting with different computer set-ups, trying to figure out new and better ways of working. When he's not working with computers, he does find balance in his life by participating in Tae Kwon Do.
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Member of the Leadership and Office Management Team