A couple weeks ago we shared our comprehensive Project Management process that is designed to keep projects on time, on budget and exceed expectations. This week, meet the team behind those plans, the drawings and phone calls. All our Project Managers began as Service and Field Technicians so they have a great perspective on what it takes to get your project completed on time and on budget.

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Jason Baker, Senior Project Manager jason

How long have you worked at IMS? Since May of 2006 (12 Years). 

How has your job changed or evolved since working here? I began as a Field Service and Installation Technician, installing and servicing Patient Security Systems.  I did this for approximately 6 years and then moved into a Project Management role where I began creating system designs and managing installation, upgrades, and expansion projects.  A couple of years ago, my title changed to Senior Project Manager, where I now lead the project management team along with typical project management duties.

What is your favorite part of your job? I enjoy the challenges that my job brings. Challenges give me the opportunity to find a resolution either through design, project management process changes, collaboration with the customer, or working with the project team.  Seeing a project evolve from the early development of a design to delivering a complete system to a satisfied customer is also very rewarding. 

How has technology changed your job? When I first started with IMS most of the systems we installed were software based and were more of a turn-key system.  What I mean by this, is that IMS would set up, and configure the PC and Network infrastructure to support the systems.  The IT component of these systems has evolved over time.  Now, most systems depend on the hospital’s IT infrastructure.  This includes leveraging their Virtual Server Environment, Enterprise Databases, Wired Networks, Wireless Networks, and other Hospital IT components.  These new IT components require significantly more coordination with the customer to support a successful implementation. 

What is the most challenging part of your job? The most challenging part of the job is to coordinate all the different parties involved to successfully deliver a system.  This includes the multiple vendors (i.e. Cable, Door Lock, Access Control, Elevator, Electrical, etc.); the hospital teams (i.e. IT, Clinical, Facilities, etc.) and of course the IMS team (i.e. Installation Technicians, IT, Trainers). 

What could a customer do to help make your job easier? Having a customer champion the project and an engaged project manager is a significant help in having a successful project.   This role helps in the coordination of schedules with the hospital's team members as well as helps keep vendors that are working directly for the hospital engaged and on task. 

Favorite memory of working at IMS? There are many fond memories of working at IMS, to pin down a specific one is difficult.  When working as a service technician, I enjoyed traveling to customer sites to troubleshoot and resolve difficult issues. 

What is special about IMS?  Or what do we offer our customers that other companies don’t? IMS is more of a family than it is a company or corporation.   There are no “silos” between the different departments of the organization, rather there is a family atmosphere of discussion and collaboration. Also, the leadership of IMS promotes a family first attitude.  I believe that this “family” approach comes through to our customers, in that we are very transparent and there is no disconnect between what a customer is promised and what is ultimately delivered by IMS.

 What do you enjoy doing when you are not working? I enjoy many things when not at work.  Primarily spending time with family.  We enjoy being outdoors, on the lake, and traveling.  I also enjoy hunting, fishing, and golf.

 What is one interesting fact about yourself? I spent 8 years in the Air Force and Air Force reserves as a computer and displays technician on the E-3 Sentry AWACS aircraft.  This allowed me to see several parts of the world.  I was part of the first mission into northern Iraq airspace during Operation Iraqi Freedom.  


Brad Barrone, Project Manager brad

How long have you worked at IMS? 16 Years. 

What is your favorite part of your job? The people I get to work with, both inside the IMS organization and with our customers. 

What is the most challenging part of your job? Getting and keeping all the moving pieces synchronized. 

What could a customer do to help make your job easier? Communication is the most important part of any job, that is easily be my #1 focus for continuous improvement. 

Favorite memory of working at IMS? I have many great memories, from installs trips, office relocating and companywide get-togethers.  I really cannot nail any one down. 

What is special about IMS?  Or what do we offer our customers that other companies don’t? People are our most important asset.  What makes the people special at IMS is our attitude, as a group have very deep sense of “get it done” with a heavy dose of “make the customer happy”.     

What do you enjoy doing when you are not working? Travel, R/C modeling, fishing, 3D printing and design, hunting, etc. 

What is one interesting fact about yourself? My family!  


Scott Jeltema, Project Manager scott j-1

How long have you worked at IMS? Since January of 2007. 
 
How has your job changed or evolved since working here? I started at IMS as a Service Technician, installing and servicing Hugs patient security systems then became a Senior Systems Analyst after about 7 years.  Since then, we have been more involved in the RTLS market and my role has moved in that direction. 
 
How has technology changed your job? We used to install a Hugs system on a private network and supply the computer hardware.  Basically a turn key install with no input from the IT department.  Now with Virtual Servers and Hospital networks being the backbone of the system, we require a lot of coordination with the hospital's IT department. 
 
What could a customer do to help make your job easier?  Engaging in the process from the start and staying involved to completion.
 
Favorite memory of working at IMS? I have a lot of memorable things from my time here; Traveling with the other techs, along with all the great people we meet at different hospitals around the country.  My favorite memory has to be some the more challenging service calls over the years.  The sense of accomplishment when it looked like all was lost, but then we were able to fix it!  
 
What is special about IMS?  Or what do we offer our customers that other companies don’t? The service we provide is top notch.  We do not install and walk away.  The on going support of the system is key to getting the value out of a system.
 
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working? My favorite activity outside of work, besides spending time with family is overnight snowshoeing trips.  I enjoy the peace and quiet of being outside when everyone else is huddled up in their homes. 
 
What is one interesting fact about yourself? My wife Mindy and I have 4 girls, 2 of them teenagers. 

Pete Singleton, Project Manager IMG_3541

How long have you worked at IMS?  Since Oct 25, 2004.  

How has your job changed or evolved since working here? I started as a field tech and was in that position for about 12 ½ years then became a Project Manager. 

What is your favorite part of your job?  The people I work with, as well as how much the owners truly care about the employees. 

What is the most challenging part of your job? Staying on top of several projects at the same time.  But we have a good support system if I have questions or need any assistance. 

What could a customer do to help make your job easier?  I think our biggest obstacle on projects can be the coordination with other vendors.  Timing is very important. 

Favorite memory of working at IMS?  Time spent with the other techs on the road.  Laughing so hard, tears ran down my face at times. 

What is special about IMS?  Or what do we offer our customers that other companies don’t? Our people, from the top down.  It’s been said over and over, because it’s true.  The people we have working here do a great job at taking great care of our customers from the start and continue throughout the on-going relationships. 

What do you enjoy doing when you are not working? First and foremost is spending time with my family.  But I enjoy being a part of the Jeep culture.  Whether it’s riding down the road with the top off, attending an event, off-roading, wrenching, or just hanging out with my Jeep friends.  “It’s a Jeep thing…” 

What is one interesting fact about yourself?  This is always the hardest type of question to answer.  I just feel like a normal, average person.  I guess, I would have to say something that people might find interesting is that I spent 10 years in the Air Force.  I was fortunate enough to see several other countries and live in Germany for a few years.  I also lived in Alaska for a long time.  After finishing my Air Force career up there, I stayed and worked on the Trans-Alaska Pipeline as a communications technician before moving back home.  


Dan Zarzecki, Project Manager IMG_3543

How long have your worked at IMS? 24 years 

What brought you to working at IMS? I knew our owners; Dan, Jack and Ray from a previous job (EMS). 

What is your current position?  How has it evolved or changed since you started here? Project Manager.  I started out as a tech and I used to travel every week.  

What are the biggest changes you have seen in the company or industry during your time working here? Vendors come and go - we adapt and grow. 

What is your fondest IMS memory? Christmas Parties and the Holidays in general – it’s like family. 

Why have you stayed working at IMS?  I appreciate the good, hard-working Christian environment. 

What do you think is IMS biggest strength is offer to its customers? Dedication – No matter what the size of the Project. 

What are 3 fun facts about yourself? (we like to make you seem genuine and real to our customers) 1.) I married an older woman (about 14 hours older) 2.) I delivered our 2nd child at home - on the couch. 3.) I still play with model trains – My grand-kids love it.