Blane Swanson joined the Freeport Team as an RWC back in September of 2017. Blane says that one of his favorite things about NGW is how his store is like one big family. Blane joined our team without having any prior sales experience but knew he was good at talking to people. As it turns out, Blane is more than a good talker - he's a great salesman! His advice? He says, ``...the worst thing anyone can say is no, but if you don't ask - you don't sell!``
Blane grew up in Freeport, Illinois and loves supporting his community. Blane, and his wife Leah, have two Labrador Retrievers, Bailey and Cena. Blane's favorite food is Chipotle but he says he's not too picky and will eat anything if you ever want to buy him lunch. His number one bucket list item is to go to a North Carolina Tarheels basketball game and he plans to do just that within the next year! He also shares that his dream vacation would be to visit Dublin, Ireland. When Blane isn't at work, you'll most likely find him eating, playing disc golf, shooting hoops, gardening, or sampling out new beers. Fun fact - did you know Blane used to play Semi-Pro Disc Golf? He says one word to describe himself is ``energetic`` - and we agree!

Annette grew up in Waterloo and attended Hawkeye Community College where she studied Business Administration prior to joining the Next Generation Wireless family. She is extremely passionate about her career here at NGW and credits her awesome co-workers and leadership team as to why she's had such a great start within the organization. She shares that she loves her work environment and all the people she's able to connect with. If she were to give any advice to someone just starting their career with NGW, it would be to reach out for help if you need it. Don't be afraid to ask questions!
When Annette isn't working, you will most likely find her outdoors, shopping, working out, or spending time with family and friends. She loves Chicken Alfredo, country music, and the shows Chicago Fire/PD. Annette describes herself as being very determined and goal-oriented. Something she has always wanted to do is celebrate New Years Eve in New York City and she would love to someday go on an Alaskan cruise!

Vicki Steffens grew up in Grayslake, Illinois before calling East Dubuque, Illinois her home. Prior to joining the NGW Family, Vicki worked at a Corporate US Cellular store where she was awarded a trip to Mexico the last four years for her performance as an RWC - an accomplishment she worked very hard for and is proud of. After joining the NGW Family, Vicki shares that her favorite thing about NGW is how much compassion and support our organization has. ``Everyone is always lending a helping hand``. ⁠
When Vicki is not working, you will find her enjoying time with her husband and two grandchildren. For the last five years, Vicki and her husband have taken on remodeling their home on their own and are excited to finally enjoy it now that they are finished! Someday, Vicki hopes to travel to Hawaii and experience a real Luau!⁠

Austin Blackburn grew up in Dixon, Illinois where he attended Sauk Valley Community College for Welding. Upon joining the Next Generation Wireless Team, Austin quickly realized how much he enjoyed the fun yet professional work environment. ``This is an amazing organization whose values are very helpful in our communities.``
When Austin isn't working, you will most likely find him spending time with his 4-year-old daughter and his 1-year-old son. Austin loves the show ``The Arrow``, Sushi, Sour Candy, and any genre of music. He describes himself as someone who is fun and always able to see the best in things. Someday, he hopes to visit Bora Bora to go on vacation!

Molly grew up in Reinbeck, Iowa before attending Upper Iowa⁠ University where she graduated with a Masters Degree in Business Administration and Human Resources Management. Once joining the Next Generation Wireless Team, Molly quickly realized how much she loves the size of our organization and the opportunity we have to make an individual impact.⁠
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Not only is Molly our HR Leader, but she is the current President of a local HR nonprofit membership group called Cedar Valley Society of Human Resource Management. She shares that this is something that keeps her connected and continues to push her outside of her comfort zone.⁠
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Outside of our organization, Molly lives on an acreage with her husband, two daughters, and three dogs. On the weekends, you will most likely find her family at the race track cheering on Molly's husband as he races his dirt bike. When they aren't at the race track, Molly enjoys reading, cooking, and watching movies. She will also never turn down the opportunity to travel anywhere and everywhere. Someday, Molly hopes to own a boat, live in a lakehouse, stay in an overwater bungalow, and travel as much as she can!⁠

Jose Manuel Ortiz grew up in Freeport, IL, ``home of the pretzels`` before joining the Next Generation Wireless team in 2012! Since joining the team, Jose shares that he loves the team atmosphere and family feel of this organization the most!
If Jose wasn't leading his team, he said he would most likely be selling sport cars. ``I was in the auto industry in my younger years, and I enjoyed being around cars``. Something else you may not know about Jose is that he designed an entire park back when he was running a landscaping supply store.
When Jose isn't working, he is most likely outdoors building, landscaping, or barbecuing. If forced to be indoors, you'll find him watching Judge Dredd or a movie with Sylvester Stallone.
Someday, Jose hopes to vacation in Hawaii with his wife, or bring the entire family back to Disney for a few days in Florida!

Twelve years ago, Jennie joined the Next Generation Wireless Corporate Office Team after leaving an office position she held for twenty-three years. She shares that she is so happy she made that change. ``I work with a talented team who are all polite, willing to help with whatever is needed, and take pride in what they do.`` Another aspect of NGW that Jennie is thankful for is the home and work life balance she's had throughout the years. Having that flexibility as her sons were growing up meant a lot to her.
Jennie lives in Sumner, Iowa with her husband Bob. Together they have two sons, Jalen & Alex. When Jennie and Bob aren't working - they love trekking up to Northern Minnesota to relax at their cabin. Jennie enjoys spending time outdoors, cooking, fishing, and gardening. She loves chocolate anything and her favorite music is 80's rock. Something she's always wanted to do is visit Alaska. She shares that she will finally be checking that dream off her bucket list this summer with her husband!

In 2017, Next Generation Wireless welcomed on Megan Hix to the Corporate Team as an Accounting/Human Resources Associate. Megan says her favorite things about working at NGW thus far are the culture, work environment, and team. ``I love how passionate everyone is!`` Megan grew up in Independence, Iowa before graduating from Hawkeye Community College with an Associates Degree in Applied Science. When Megan isn't working, she enjoys spending time with her boyfriend, family, and friends.
In her spare time, Megan enjoys golfing and traveling. On one of her traveling adventures, she shared a story where she jumped off a 35-foot cliff into the ocean at Ricks Cafe in Negril, Jamaica! Megan is also a LuLaRoe Independent Fashion Consultant! Within the next year or so, Megan hopes to cross off a bucket list item... para-sailing! She also shared that her dream vacation would be to Italy...which makes sense because she absolutely LOVES pasta! Welcome to the Next Generation Wireless Team, Megan!