We are excited to welcome Bobby Armentrout to the Paulding Putnam team as the Director of Technology and Network Operations! He will lead technology strategy, broadband engineering, construction, network operations, GIS, vendor relationships, and overall operational performance. 
Here’s a Q&A to help everyone get to know the newest member of the Paulding Putnam family!
Tell us a bit about your life, family, and where you’re from.
“My wife, Brandy, and I have been married since 2004. We have two children, Avery and Ayden. Avery attends Charleston Southern University and is studying accounting, while Ayden is in high school and plays competitive soccer. My family is extremely important to me, and we enjoy spending time together whenever possible. My family and I are relocating from the Charleston, South Carolina, area. I am currently living locally while we work through the family’s longer-term transition to the Paulding Putnam area.”
Why did you want to work at Paulding Putnam?
“I was attracted to Paulding Putnam because of its commitment to serving its members and investing in the future of the communities it serves. The opportunity to support the electric grid while helping build and scale the cooperative’s broadband operation strongly aligns with my background and experience. I also appreciated the organization’s culture, leadership, and commitment to reliable electric and broadband services.”
Can you tell us about your former work history and background?
“I have more than 25 years of experience in telecommunications, broadband engineering, construction, network operations, and technology leadership. Most recently, I served as Vice President of Engineering and Technology at Home Telecom in South Carolina. Throughout my career, I have led large fiber deployments, network expansions, operational improvement initiatives, and teams responsible for delivering reliable broadband and telecommunications services.”
What sorts of tasks will you be doing here at the co-op?
“I will help lead technology strategy, broadband engineering, construction, network operations, GIS, vendor relationships, and overall operational performance. My responsibilities will also include ensuring that our communications and technology infrastructure supports the reliability, security, and future needs of the electric grid. A significant part of my role will be connecting people, processes, and technology to support both the cooperative’s electric operations and its long-term broadband goals.”
What are you looking forward to?
“I am looking forward to getting to know the employees, members, and communities we serve. I am especially excited about using technology to strengthen support for the electric grid while helping Paulding Putnam grow its broadband operation. This is an opportunity to improve reliability, create strong processes, and build systems that will serve the cooperative and its members well into the future.”
What are some of your hobbies and interests outside of work?
“Most of my time outside of work is centered around my family. I enjoy traveling, attending my son’s soccer games, spending time with my wife and children, and following sports."
A fun fact about you?
“One thing people often learn about me is that I genuinely enjoy developing people. I get as much satisfaction from seeing someone on my team earn a promotion or grow into a leadership role as I do from achieving a business goal. Building strong teams and helping others succeed has always been one of the most rewarding parts of my career.”
A favorite quote or motto you live by?
“Lead with humility, serve with purpose, and leave people better than you found them.”
Please join us in welcoming Bobby to the Paulding Putnam family!