Brook Briner, telecommunications technician in IS infrastructure, retires on Could 22 after a profession that spanned greater than 40 years, the final eight of which have been spent at Akron Kids’s.
Brook Briner, telecommunications technician in Akron Kids’s info techniques infrastructure, entered highschool at an thrilling time. The digital age was the “subsequent large factor,” and Brook’s dad knew it. An individual who understood wiring techniques would play an integral half within the digital world.
“I wished to develop into an auto mechanic, however my Dad inspired me to check electrical energy,” mentioned Brook, who attended Maplewood Profession Heart in Ravenna, Ohio. “It allowed me to discover a job as an electrician proper out of highschool.”
Throughout a profession that spanned greater than 4 a long time, Brook has labored in telecommunications, sustaining telephone techniques for a number of companies. He has watched the business shift from analog to digital and, extra lately, to digital intelligence with techniques that help the Web of Issues (IoT), Voice over Web Protocol (VoIP) and 5G connectivity.
After eight years at Akron Kids’s, Brook retires on Could 22. His spouse, Paula, retires on the identical day. They plan to spend time with household, do puzzles, fish and journey. Actually, the couple, who’re highschool sweethearts, will rejoice their forty first wedding ceremony anniversary this 12 months and are planning a visit to Hawaii. Brook, who enjoys NASCAR races, additionally plans to go to as many drag races as he can.
What introduced you to Kids’s?
I used to be a contractor, serving to Kids’s on their Nortel PBX telephone system. Everybody was so pleasant at Kids’s. When Chuck Reid, a retired telecommunications tech, informed me about a gap, I utilized. Russ Johnson, who lately retired, interviewed and employed me.
Brook Briner and his spouse, Paula, prefer to journey. The couple plans to journey to Hawaii this 12 months.
What was happening in your life then?
I labored for one more firm and commuted from Uniontown to Cleveland. A shorter commute and dealing nearer to house appealed to me. My son, Douglas, was a senior in mechanical engineering at The Ohio State College and making use of for jobs. My spouse and I labored full-time and both spent weekends visiting our son or engaged on initiatives. I nonetheless bear in mind how we painstakingly sanded, primed and painted our previous kitchen cupboards.
What have your largest contributions been whereas right here?
I’ve been concerned with many renovation initiatives as Akron Kids’s expanded to different cities and counties. In 2018, I spent numerous effort and time to plan and work with our vendor to efficiently full an expansive improve of the Nortel telephone system to an IP (Web Protocol) telephony system structure. The brand new platform was put in at Akron Kids’s Beeghly and Akron campuses. I additionally take delight within the many initiatives I’ve participated in as Akron Kids’s Pediatrics and Behavioral Well being websites have been added. Every introduced extra connectivity and elevated features that benefitted Kids’s as we expanded.
How has Akron Kids’s modified because you began right here?
Regardless of all our development, I see our suppliers and workers persevering with to be “affected person pleasant” and welcoming to sufferers and their households, in addition to staff. The pleasant, welcoming tradition is why I utilized at Kids’s within the first place.
What gave you essentially the most satisfaction at work?
Understanding that I’ll have helped make somebody’s day by caring for a difficulty that was inflicting them grief. They’ve larger worries than whether or not a telephone works or not!
Brook Briner and his son, Douglas, at The Ohio State College with a “Briner” soccer jersey – quantity 16 for 2016, the 12 months Douglas graduated.
What’s your most memorable second at Akron Kids’s?
I used to be excited to be acknowledged by one other worker for a “job nicely achieved” as a part of the “It’s the Little Issues That Rely” program.
With so many little kids right here, did somebody or one thing particularly contact your coronary heart?
Each time I work on a telephone in a sick youngster’s room and see them linked to the monitoring gear, it pulls at me. I’m repeatedly reminded of how blessed my spouse and I’ve been to have a son who was wholesome all through his childhood.
What’s your thought of an ideal day?
Getting up at any time when I would like and consuming espresso whereas watching taped NASCAR races. Then making my spouse her favourite breakfast, taking a stroll collectively, swimming at our neighborhood pool and grilling our dinner because the solar units.
Do you could have any recommendation for individuals simply beginning at Kids’s?
Simply keep in mind that no matter you do, it’s all the time for the children.
Brook Briner and his son take pleasure in attending drag races. They’re pictured right here on the Norwalk Raceway beginning line.
What couldn’t you reside with out?
My spouse and son. They’re my coronary heart and soul, and I’m so grateful for them each!
What do you love to do once you’re not at work?
Moreover going to the drag races, I’m all the time watching and rooting for the Ohio State Buckeyes and Lake Excessive Faculty soccer crew. I’m going to the video games, despite the fact that my son is not there. I’ll eternally be a Lake Blue Streaks fan!
