Matthew DeMartino
Director Strategic Accounts
Competitive Telecoms
Matt is the Senior Director, Strategic Accounts for Competitive Telecoms Group, a leading recruiting and consulting firm in the telecommunications and data center space. He is also a Staff Sergeant stationed at Westover Air Reserve Base out of Chicopee, MA. A graduate of the University of Connecticut, Matt lives in Stamford, CT with his wife Allie (who he met playing ice hockey) and Savannah Luna Pequot.
What value does PTC hold for you?
I have been attending the PTC Annual Conference for 10 years. To me, the conference represents a wonderful opportunity to connect with industry peers and friends. The PTC Annual Conference is especially one people really look forward to attending each year. Beside the fact it’s in Hawaii during January, the conference manages to attract many of the most senior members from leading telecommunications providers. Having a multitude of decision makers in one area really enhances the value of the conference and proves every year why this is the premier event to be at.
What’s one thing many people do not know about you?
I have always believed in the tenet “Service Before Self,” so much so, I took a six-month break from my civilian career to enlist in the United States Air Force at 25. I have had stops at Lackland, Keesler, McGuire, Hickam, and now Westover Air Reserve Base. I currently work for the 439th Force Support Squadron, educating service members about their benefits while also assisting with upgrade and promotion testing. Prior to this role, I was attached to the 514th Security Forces Squadron which focused on providing ground-based security for manpower and assets. So no, despite what everyone thinks–I don’t fly planes.
What leader or organization do you admire most and why?
Since I am writing this on Veteran’s Day, I would say Dale Beatty from Purple Heart Homes would be the individual that I admired the most. Dale became a double amputee after his Humvee struck a roadside bomb in Iraq. After spending the next year recovering at Walter Reed Hospital, he formed Purple Heart Homes to provide safe and accessible barrier-free environments in homes for disabled veterans. He refused to let his physical limitations affect his mental capacity and outlook on life. Since inception, his company has built and renovated hundreds of homes for disabled veterans. Although he passed away a few months ago, his memory and spirit are carried on by the organization that currently has over 300 projects underway.
What advice would you give to new members of PTC?
My advice to new members would be to get involved early and often. The conference is what you make of it. My biggest regret was not campaigning for a PTC Advisory Council role earlier in my career. Having the ability to collaborate with others to shape the conference into what it is today is a fantastic feeling. I have met countless new friends and clients over the years at the different networking and cocktail receptions. Put yourself out there, shake a stranger’s hand, and introduce yourself. You never know where that 30 second chat will leave you. One last piece of advice—fly in a day early and go to the USS Arizona.
About Competitive Telecoms:
Competitive Telecoms Group was formed in 2001 to be an industry specific recruiting asset for top talent in the telecommunications space. Competitive Telecoms Group is uniquely qualified to handle your search requirements because, unlike other search firms, the people doing the searches are people with backgrounds in both telecommunications and recruitment. As a result of the multifunctional structure of CTG, we have access to an enormous pool of experienced telecoms personnel and frequently have direct knowledge of their past performance.
