Chicomm Blog

Julie Shannon has witnessed many changes during her long career in the communications industry.

Before becoming a member of the Chicago Communications team in April, She spent 28 years serving in many different capacities at Miner Electronics: purchasing, receiving, dispatching, invoicing, and even doing payroll.

Since the merger of Chicago Communications with Miner Electronics in early 2021, personnel from the two companies have enjoyed the benefits of combining forces. 

A great example is account executive John Schoon, who brings a wealth of experience to the Chicago Communications team from his background working with public safety organizations to optimize their communications systems.

Although Bob Gonsiorowski just joined the Chicago Communications team in 2021, he brings almost three decades of experience in communications and electronics to his position as Director of Indiana Operations. 

Bob spent 28 years with Miner Electronics, which Chicago Communications acquired on April 5, 2021. As one of the people ensuring a smooth merger process, Bob devotes some of his workday to the details of combining the two companies while also overseeing operations at the Munster, Indiana, office.

Talk about experience. 

Shop Supervisor Emory Ludtke has spent his entire adult life working in communications, beginning with military service at age 17. 

He has been with Chicago Communications for 30 years since the company acquired MetroCom in 1991. 

Emory speaks with pride about the team of experienced technicians that he leads at Chicago Communications, calling them “the BEST co‑workers around.”

Kurt Hessler, a principal/owner at Chicago Communications welcomes everyone — customers, clients, and employees — into the Chicago Communications family. He has been a member of the Chicago Communications leadership team since 2004.

As the person responsible for sales and service, he makes sure that the company represents the right products from the right partners, and treats each customer as an individual. He takes pride in making sure that everyone gets their needs met and receives training for hassle‑free communications.

“It’s all about relationships,” says Kurt. “Treat each customer as if they're your only customer; like you would want to be treated.”

John Larson has been a member of the Chicago Communications team since 1996. Even after nearly 25 years on the job, John says no two days have been the same.

Anna Duvall has been a member of the Chicago Communications team since late 2020. She and Gabrielle Glashagel are two of the newest sales representatives at the company. Currently a senior at DePaul University, Anna is excited to use her education to pursue a career in sales.

Lynne Kelliher, a 7‑year member of the Chicago Communications customer service team, still describes herself as “the new kid in town.” She says she enjoys working with “so many super‑smart people” who have spent their entire careers developing expertise in ChiComm’s communications equipment and services.

“My co‑workers at ChiComm are top‑notch,” says Lynne. “They are a great blend of helpfulness, knowledge, professionalism, and occasional in‑office pranks. It is a nice place to work.”

As one of the Field Service Technicians on the Chicago Communications team, Grant Glashagel spends a lot of time on the road. He sets up radios in police patrol cars. He fixes communications equipment in loading vehicles at manufacturing plants. Regardless of where his work takes him on any given day, you'll find him completing mobile installations for ChiComm customers.

“I have an Associate’s of Applied Science Degree in Automotive Technology and a Bachelor of Science in Management,” he says. “My degree in Automotive Technology and all of the years I spent working on cars and trucks provided a good foundation for me to begin working full‑time at ChiComm.”

As the Marketing Director at Chicago Communications, Lisa MacGillivray is responsible for building the company's brand. That includes managing everything from advertising to ChiComm's website and social media pages. In the end, her goal is to make sure future customers know what ChiComm has to offer.

"My job is always evolving, that’s my favorite part," she says. "Marketing teams today have to be content creators, website designers, and Google algorithm experts. The communication industry is also changing quickly. We now have digital two‑way radios, radios with WiFi capability, and radios with nationwide coverage."

Lisa's ability to keep pace with ever‑expanding technology and communication devices is exactly what makes her so good at her job. She's kept her finger on the pulse of communication needs and solutions for more than 12 years at ChiComm—and for several years at Maytag International before that.