Justin MelnikoffPresident & Chief Operating Officer, MOX
Justin Melnikoff is responsible for daily operations as well as planning and executing MOX’s corporate strategy. Justin has extensive background in building and developing strategic alliances, acquisitions, and establishing or procuring assets that coincide with the executive vision.
Prior to MOX, he managed business development for Sidera Networks, where he was responsible for building strategic relationships that facilitated network expansion and formalized agreements that produced revenue and cost savings for the organization. Justin received his J.D. from The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law, B.S. from The Ohio State University, and holds a license to practice law from the Commonwealth of Virginia.
How can corporations and researchers best serve the next generation?
Corporations and their research teams have so much technology and innovation available at their fingertips. I believe it is critical to draw focus to reducing our corporate carbon footprint globally. Companies that strategically invest in creating solutions to propel their business forward, while reducing negative environmental impacts, will set the foundation for the next generation’s success. The technology industry uses a tremendous amount of power to support our insatiable demand for connectivity, and supporting and utilizing more green energy providers and innovators will be necessary in order to meet those demands.
If one thing should be redeveloped within the telecom and related industries, what should it be?
I would love to see more development and partnerships with federal, state, and local governments for our industry. These would result in greater cooperation, fewer barriers to entry, and more collaboration when creating the infrastructure highways required for the future. The use of rapidly changing technology in how we work and play is outpacing the relevant physical infrastructure and updates needed to support it.
Is it important for companies to continue to innovate their organization or offerings, and why?
Absolutely, yes! While the adage “don’t fix it if it isn’t broken” is valuable advice, we need to continually evaluate our efficiency and productivity as a company. Whether it’s assessing how our work impacts the environment, the happiness and wellbeing of our people, or the bottom line, innovation is what moves us forward. Change is inevitable and I believe that it is very important to incentivize new ideas, research, and development.
What value does PTC hold for you/your company?
For us at MOX, we deeply value the community that PTC has created. PTC Membership includes a vast, worldwide network of professionals who work in our space, and we are connected by this great fraternal organization that promotes, supports, and advocates for our industry. We gain tremendous benefits from attending PTC’s Annual Conference in Hawaii, as we gather to meet with hundreds of prospects, customers, and thought leaders in the span of a single week. Getting that face-to-face time with everyone is incredibly valuable.
How does PTC fit with your company’s goals or your overall career purpose?
PTC is aligned with MOX’s mission as well as my own personal mission: to promote the advancement of information and communication technologies. At MOX, we are continually looking at where and how we need to innovate, where our customers might need fiber next, and how we can improve connectivity across the U.S. and Japan. Expanding and updating our footprint to best serve our customers is always a top priority. PTC helps us connect with people in our ecosystem and supports this ever-evolving effort to collaborate, teach, and reach out to communities around the world.
What advice would you share with current and future graduates interested in this field?
I would tell future graduates that telecom is really the fourth utility, and this brings with it great job security. It is an amazing industry with lifelong members who possess a tremendous amount of knowledge about its history, its function, and its future. Our space has so much room for innovation and new entrants and that provides a platform for entrepreneurs of all interests to engage in the field, including those who love small, large, or even massive companies. Telecommunications and the associated ecosystem of tech participants provide essential services on a global scale. If you love to travel and want to work in an industry of significance on all corners of the globe, you have come to the right field!
What is something that not that many people know about you?
One thing most people may not know about me is that I started out as a lawyer, specifically focused on corporate bankruptcy law. As a new attorney, I found my way into telecom through networking and meeting some amazing people. I was able to use my law background in a corporate development role along the way and then I got hooked on the telecom industry. I found a community of professionals who I truly enjoyed working with and I never looked back!
About MOX Networks:
MOX Networks (“MOX”) is a leading fiber-optic network specialist. We build the capacity to deliver on the infinite possibilities for new paths, connections, and performance. MOX responds to the increasingly complex requirements of hyperscalers, wireless service providers, government, municipalities, and public and private partnerships with exclusive, custom design and deployment of unmatched low latency networks. Founded in 2013, MOX owns and operates unique lit and dark fiber routes throughout North America and Asia. For more information, visit moxnetworks.com.
