Julie Drake has been in the Communications field since 1994.  She brings an extensive background in project management on large IP telephony implementations and structured cabling systems, specializing in keeping projects on task and on-budget.  Her projects have included new construction, moves, remodels, expansions, and corporate splits.  These projects have comprised several different vertical markets including manufacturing, energy, K-12, medical and local government.

 

Mrs. Drake has performed project management of a multi-state, 13 location implementation with 2000+ endpoints.  Mrs. Drake became very knowledgeable with the manufacturer’s processes, best practices, and technical requirements for the new system.  This knowledge has helped customers that followed this implementation process streamline the time from selection of this vendor to implementation and greatly reduce in-house resources for this arduous task. 

 

Mrs. Drake has also assisted clients in managing costs and accruing savings with Telecommunications providers, saving an average of 35% annually on Telecommunications expenses with carriers, while recouping close to $100K in credits for incorrect billing.  Billing reviews have identified redundant circuits, un-needed features, and items not billing at correct contract rates.  Knowledge of these carriers has also helped facilitate new installations and client moves, as it ensures timely installations and proper disconnects when vacating buildings.

 

Mrs. Drake attended Southern Illinois University where she received a B.S. in Communications.  Since is certified in Panduit Infrastructure, Unify Siemens programming, and continually attends webinars and on-site conventions to keep up with changes with the major companies in the Communications field.

 

Mrs. Drake has a passion for empowering her clients to make educated decisions on their telecom purchase, building sUCessful implementation teams with a mix of client, consultant and vendor representation. These attributes as well as her dedication to service is what earned a spot in the “40 under 40” achievements Central IL class of 2005.
 

Mrs. Drake is an active member of the Society of Communications and Technology Consultants International which allows her to demonstrate her complete vendor independence when working a client project.  She has served this organization since 2004 on various committee and board positions.