Interview with Jesse Janosky, principal and founder at JPM Technology Consulting.
– When and where were you born?
I was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
– What were your parents’ occupations?
My dad worked as a steel worker, and my mother took care of the house.
– What did you enjoy doing as a child?
I loved sports and had a knack for taking things apart.
– Which sports did you play?
I played football and baseball. In the neighborhood, we’d play whatever we felt like—hockey, baseball, football. We were always outside, just having fun with other kids. I also enjoyed tinkering with things, whether it was a toy, my parents’ vacuum, or even a lawnmower. I was curious to see how things were put together.
– In school, which subjects did you prefer?
I always had an affinity for math; it came easily to me. I also enjoyed shop class. During high school, the internet was just emerging. I was lucky to attend a vocational school for half the day where I learned about networking, especially with NetWare. The other half of the day, I spent at another school district, setting up a small LAN through a partnership with Walmart. This involved reimaging computers for educational purposes, and that was back in ’98.
– Which university did you attend after high school?
I went to Penn State University and majored in electrical engineering.
– How significant was your university education to you?
To be honest, university education didn’t hold the same weight for me back then as education does now. As a kid, learning was effortless. I faced some challenges in university, but I managed to graduate. Today, I place immense value on continuous learning. I’ve taken numerous virtual courses, especially through SMPTE, covering topics like CCNA, HDR, and 2110. I’ve even revisited programming and am currently enrolled in a Python course. My focus now, especially since I run my own business, is on self-development and conceptual thinking. As I’ve matured, I’ve come to realize the importance of education. In my 20s, I felt invincible and believed I could achieve anything. My early successes, especially in high school programs, might have given me a skewed perception, but now I truly appreciate the value of education.
– When did you realize that engineering was your calling?
My interest was piqued during the vocational program, especially when I delved into basic circuit analysis. My enthusiasm grew as I ventured into IT, learning to make RJ 45 connectors for networking, and working with cat six and coax cables. My passion truly ignited when I joined WJLA, an affiliate of ABC in Washington DC. There, I began to understand design, and I fell in love with every facet of engineering.
– Did you undertake any internships during your time at the university?
No, I didn’t. While studying, I worked night shifts at a truck dock to finance my education. This allowed me to graduate debt-free. My routine involved working at night and attending classes during the day, leaving no room for internships. After graduation, I began my career as a freelance technician for mobile truck units. Later, I joined an apprenticeship program with NEP for two years, where I honed my skills as a broadcast engineer. One valuable lesson I’ve learned is that no matter the challenges you face, someone else might be dealing with even bigger issues. It’s crucial to make the best of what you have. This approach has served not just me, but also my wife and me in our life journey.
– Which state was NEP located in?
Pennsylvania.
– What was your primary objective while working at NEP?
My main goal was to become proficient as a broadcast engineer. We were responsible for all the cabling, lacing, and constructing the trucks from the ground up. These were 53-foot extenders that traveled from one stadium to another.
– Why did you decide to leave NEP?
I was laid off in 2008. Subsequently, I secured a position in Washington DC as a broadcast engineer.
– You mentioned joining WJLA, an ABC affiliate in Washington DC. How long were you with them?
I worked there for six years.
– What was your role throughout your tenure at WJLA?
I served as a broadcast engineer for the entire duration.
– Why did you move on from WJLA?
In 2019, I joined Texas A&M as the Director of Broadcast Technology for sports.
– What prompted the move to Texas?
I had a keen interest in venturing into sports. While Texas isn’t Washington DC, the role offered me a managerial position and the chance to work on sports-related projects.
– How long did you work at Texas A&M?
I was there for five years. During the pandemic, I transitioned to Alpha Video, where I took on the role of a Senior Design Engineer. I was involved in designing large stadiums and delved into cloud technology. I worked on creating cloud production tools for major corporations.
– You mentioned running your own business. Could you tell me more about it and its primary focus?
Certainly! I founded JPM Technology Consulting. My background in the broadcast industry has been instrumental. Recently, we completed the Super Bowl project for Insignia Broadcast. Our expertise lies in design builds for broadcast 2110 deployments. At present, we collaborate with companies and integrators, ensuring their deployments are successful by providing them with configuration documentation and deployment strategies.
– You mentioned the Super Bowl. Can you elaborate on your involvement?
Certainly. Before establishing my company, I was with Insignia Event Services, the broadcast and AV provider for State Farm Stadium, which hosted the recent Super Bowl. I played a pivotal role as the managing engineer, coordinating various entities like Van Wagner, Fox Sports, and NFL media on location. Additionally, I oversaw and executed a comprehensive system upgrade leading up to the Super Bowl, transitioning to a 2110 deployment.
– How did you land the Super Bowl assignment?
Insignia Event Services recruited me in 2021, specifically with the upcoming Super Bowl in mind. From then until February 2023, I was deeply involved in planning and implementing the necessary upgrades.
– When did you decide to venture out on your own?
The idea took root about a month before the Super Bowl. I recognized my passion for design and mentoring budding engineers. Given my journey, where I had to consistently push boundaries and strive for excellence, I felt a strong desire to mentor and guide the next generation of engineers. This led me to combine my passion and expertise into a business I’m deeply committed to.
– Throughout your life, you’ve relocated multiple times. What made you settle in Phoenix, Arizona?
The Super Bowl was the primary catalyst. When the opportunity to be a central figure for such a monumental event presented itself, I couldn’t resist. Especially as a sports enthusiast, being the primary contact for the Super Bowl was a dream come true. It also allowed me to immerse myself in a team environment, something I deeply missed. Working for an NFL team was a significant milestone for me.
– Can you highlight some significant milestones or achievements in your career?
One of my proudest accomplishments is mentoring a group of seven or eight young engineers. I’ve had the privilege of hiring and guiding them, and now they’re all flourishing in full-time roles, achieving remarkable feats in the industry. Witnessing their success, often surpassing my own professional journey, played a significant role in my decision to start my own venture.
– Any hobbies outside of work?
Not really. My work is my passion and serves as my primary hobby.
– Thank you for sharing your insights during this interview!
