If you’ve ever wondered who helps keep our data running smoothly behind the scenes, meet Melissa, our powerhouse in Data Acquisition.
With an incredible 28 years at the company, Melissa has seen (and done) it all. From customer support to operations, product management, and now data acquisition, her career journey reflects the heart of our organization: growth, adaptability, and teamwork.
“No two days are the same,” Melissa says. “I might be running reports, reaching out to carriers, troubleshooting data issues, or preparing for a conference—all while planning an office lunch or booking travel.” It’s that variety that keeps things exciting, but what truly fuels her passion is the people around her.
When asked what she enjoys most about working at FiberLocator, she said:
“Sounds cliché, but it’s the people. We have a lot of old-timers like me, and I truly value the relationships we’ve built.” That sense of camaraderie and mutual respect has kept Melissa inspired and committed for nearly three decades.
One of her proudest moments came during a time of unexpected change, when she was asked to step into a leadership role quickly. “I handled things I’d never done before and found I had more strength than I realized,” she recalls. It’s that resilience, along with her belief in learning through challenge, that defines her approach to work.
“Melissa is an incredible resource for FiberLocator and a key team member,” says Mike Iapalucci, Vice President of FiberLocator. “Despite the challenge of leaving her comfort zone as TelView Product Manager, Melissa made the transition to lead our FiberLocator content team in 2024. She has done a fantastic job improving our data management processes as well as bringing new carriers onto the platform. Melissa’s leadership is a major component of our ability to deliver on our CAT promise to subscribers.”
Her best career advice? “Take pride in your strengths and be okay with your weaknesses. Everybody brings something to the table.” That philosophy aligns perfectly with what she loves most about our culture: flexibility and balance. “I was able to create a schedule that worked when my family was young. That kind of support is rare, and it’s one of the reasons I’ve stayed so long.”
Melissa describes her team as hardworking, trustworthy, and smart, and says one of the biggest lessons she has learned from them is the power of listening. “There are often different ways to solve an issue, and it’s important to hear other perspectives.”
“Melissa is a true team player and a pleasure to work with,” shares Sheri Teutsch, Product Manager at FiberLocator. “She consistently goes out of her way to support others, always taking the time to answer questions and provide guidance. Even while I work remotely, she makes a strong effort to ensure I feel included and connected with the team. Her positive attitude and dedication make her an invaluable colleague.”
Outside of work, Melissa brings that same energy to her hobbies: kickboxing, reading, and playing blackjack. She’s even completed six marathons! Recently, she finished The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, a book she says she “couldn’t put down.”
After nearly three decades, Melissa remains an inspiring example of dedication, adaptability, and heart—proving that success is as much about people and perseverance as it is about data.
Connect with Melissa on LinkedIn and plan an in-person meeting during our next tradeshow, or fill out this form, to chat with her about adding your data to the FiberLocator platform.
