NJFX Blog

NJFX Honors Investor with NJPGA

NJFX honors Investor with the NJPGA

Yesterday, at the iconic Baltusrol Golf Club, the NJPGA Foundation celebrated its 17 years of relentless support for military veterans.

August 15, 2023

Among the notable participants was NJFX, proudly serving as a Platinum sponsor for this distinguished event. At the heart of this evening was the honor given to Mr. Les Quick, a symbol of professional success and community dedication.

The name Les Quick is synonymous with financial ingenuity, innovation, and unwavering dedication to community service. As a partner at NJFX only adds another feather to his illustrious cap, but his journey to this point has been nothing short of remarkable.

A Tribute to a Remarkable Leader

In 2004, Mr. Quick founded Simon Quick, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit, but his legacy began in 1975 at Quick and Reilly Inc. As one of its earliest employees, he played a pivotal role in innovating the financial industry, helping to create a branch network, a clearing firm, and a NASDAQ market-making firm. In 1983, under Mr. Quick’s leadership, the company achieved a significant milestone by listing on the NYSE. After Quick and Reilly’s acquisition by Fleet Bank in 1998, he served as Chairman of Fleet Securities until 2003, and he remains a valued member of the Simon Quick Investment Committee today.

Beyond finance, Mr. Quick has served on various industry boards, including the NYSE Hearing Board and the Chicago Stock Exchange Board of Governors. His service extends into his community, notably as Chairman of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hudson, Essex & Union Counties, and through his involvement in faith-based organizations, both in the U.S. and in Rome, Italy. His philanthropic leadership also shines in his roles at Morristown Memorial Hospital and the Foundation for Morristown Medical Center.

Mr. Quick’s life of service has not gone unnoticed. Among his honors are an honorary doctorate from St. Bonaventure University, the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, and the Flame of Charity’s Man of the Year award. His story is one of enduring commitment to excellence and community welfare.

Mr. Quick’s partnership with NJFX has been marked by shared values and a deep-seated commitment to serving others. Bound by a mutual respect between Mr. Quick and NJFX’s CEO, Gil Santaliz (whom he met while serving on the Morristown Medical Foundation Board), exemplify what it means for businesses to operate as forces for good.

Golf for a Cause

Adding to the excitement of the day was the golf tournament, where participants not only competed in the spirit of sport but also camaraderie for a noble cause. Our very own CEO, Gil Santaliz, was among the golfers, showcasing his skills on the greens. Golfing it was about demonstrating leadership and passion for the causes NJFX supports. It was a day where every swing, putt, and drive carried with it the spirit of giving back.

The celebration at Baltusrol Golf Club was more than just an event; it was a heartfelt tribute to a man whose life exemplifies the harmony of professional excellence and compassionate service. Mr. Les Quick, through his decades of leadership and innovation in finance, and his unwavering commitment to community welfare, sets an example that extends far beyond the business world.

His partnership with NJFX serves as a testament to the profound impact that businesses, when led by dedicated and empathetic leaders, can have on the world around them. As the sun set on a day filled with both competition and camaraderie, the legacy of Mr. Quick was illuminated brightly reminding us all that true success is measured not just by what we achieve for ourselves, but by the positive and lasting impact we make on the lives of others. This event, in honor of a remarkable leader and philanthropist, was a celebration of a life well-lived and a call for us all to strive for such a noble balance between professional achievement and heartfelt service.

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Luminaries in Telecom “Financial Engineer” Richard Lukaj

Luminaries in Telecom: "The Finacial Engineer" Richard Lukaj

Written + Edited by:

Kevin Ayerdis + Emily Newman

July 17, 2023

Hello all and welcome back to Luminaries in Telecom!

This month’s featured person is a notable pioneer and potent Wall Street global dealmaker, focused on the Technology, Media, Telecommunications (TMT) / Digital Infrastructure & Services arena.  He, along with his colleagues, has made a material impact across the digital infrastructure arena over the course of the past 30 years, collectively transacting over a half trillion dollars in transactions across the globe.  He is also a steadfast philanthropist and cultural figurehead, working to better communities around him at home and abroad. Leveraging professional connections, he has spearheaded numerous philanthropic efforts that have given him and his family foundation international recognition. Some notable endeavors include, providing hundreds of educational scholarships to those less privileged abroad, co-founding the American University in Kosova (RIT Kosova), helping rebuild his father’s elementary school in Montenegro, establishing a foundation supporting women and children in crisis, organizing an orphanage and funding to adulthood the care of children that were the byproduct of rape during wartime, among countless other endeavors.  He has also worked tirelessly as an advocate, even working alongside government agencies to aid in relief/rehabilitation efforts during and after the various conflicts in the Balkans. In time, he developed a reputation with diplomats in the US and abroad for pragmatic thinking and acting as a reliable bridge between the region and the international community.  We got the chance to speak with the man we are coining, “The Financial Engineer,” Mr. Richard Lukaj.

Lukaj’s story starts not too dissimilar to many children of refugees of his generation. His parents were among those denied education/opportunity and who fled ongoing conflicts, vicious discrimination and the programmatic ethnic cleansing experienced by millions of ethnic Albanians in former Yugoslavia. His father initially migrated to Italy, his mother joining him not long after, to find work and provide for the families left behind.  During this period, they lived in a refugee camp just outside of Naples. “Here they would work and report into the camp at night and due to the isolation and absence of the Internet and other forms of entertainment, I was born!” laughed Lukaj. After a couple of years, the new family was afforded the opportunity to continue their journey migrating to the Land of Opportunity.

Lukaj’s parents settled in the lower east side of Manhattan, then considered the ghetto for Eastern European immigrants, taking on any available blue-collar jobs until his father landed long-term employment as a porter & security guard and his mother as a seamstress in the garment district. These humble beginnings forced the family to work very hard (often holding multiple jobs), learn quickly (including learning Spanish and other languages common in their new workplace) and adapt to their rapidly changing circumstances.  They risked and sacrificed everything, endeavoring to set forth a better life for him and his siblings, while also investing to teach their children about their values and traditions, most notably the value of integrity, hard work and education/experience.

At an early age, Lukaj excelled at school.  He was a top student at his elementary school, despite starting school unable to speak English, and never missed a single day. He was the graduating valedictorian of his middle school and ranked 7th in his graduating class of nearly 1,000 students at Brooklyn Technical High School. While in High School, he also completed numerous college courses in mathematics and engineering and managed to accumulate considerable advanced credits towards his university studies, completing nearly half his required courses before even attending college.  He always leaned into his technical skills, wanting initially to pursue a degree in engineering, but ultimately decided to attend what is now known as the Stern School of Business at NYU.

During his undergraduate studies, he also managed to work full-time and nearly complete his MBA simultaneously. While Lukaj was concentrating his education on Finance and Economics, his parents had urged him to study law. His first exposure came, while he was an undergrad, when he was hired as an administrative clerk/paralegal at one of the largest global law firms in NYC, Davis Polk and Wardwell. Lukaj reminisced on his experience, “I worked as a liaison between the Real Estate/M&A and Corporate Finance practices and external clients. I think that was a wonderful immersion and the opportunity that exposed me to the financial sector, most notably investment banks, which was eye-opening for me.” Not long after, he opted out of the legal profession and pivoted all his attention to the world of finance.

From this point, Lukaj’s career began to take root, blending the many branching paths he took in his years as an interdisciplinary student. He found his start on Wall Street as a financial analyst at Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. Lukaj mused, “I’m a byproduct of my early disposition to always embrace change. When I started, we had no excel, no email, fax was a new technology, it was truly a different technology era! Early on in my career, I felt the inertia within the industry, competing against the considerable advantages of the larger established players that possessed access to proprietary information that was very difficult to access or duplicate. It was an uphill battle but being a scrapper raised in the concrete jungles of NYC… I was ready to dive in, learn and see what my life journey would translate to in this new uber-competitive arena.”

Lukaj’s approach was nothing short of loyal, persistent and dedicated, a young graduate eager to make his mark. He expressed that 80-100-hour work weeks were the norm, which pushed his abilities and ultimately enabled him to score and successfully execute transactions at a very early age, thus fostering a network on a global scale.

In 2002, he founded a predecessor entity which later acquired and became Bank Street, alongside his long-time partner James Henry (another legend in the sector). “When we first started, we had no shot competing on a global scale. I think our edge developed as our collective ability to access information and leverage it grew.  In many cases, we became ever more dynamic and nimbler than many of our rivals across the globe,” Lukaj said. “I would say respectfully that our franchise today is among the leading platforms across all the categories of the industries where we focus.  That would have been unimaginable a generation ago without all the new democratizing technologies and access to information that leveled the playing field for us to compete so effectively. We are now frequently up against the biggest and most venerable firms across the globe. I’d also venture to say the introduction of AI and other tools, which we are constantly evaluating, are creating more excitement about how these new elements promise to complement and augment our business. While some fear the pace of technology changes, I don’t think we see much threat of displacement for our business. What we do involves a fair amount of finesse / human skill, as well as transactional experience, which can’t easily be codified. I think our business is likely to be further transformed by the proliferation of fascinating new tools that allow us to be more efficient and more potent as professionals in this category.”

Lukaj started as a generalist banker, advising companies around the world across a variety of industries.  After a few years, he began to concentrate on Technology, Media & Telecommunications (TMT), most notably Internet & digital infrastructure and services.

When prompted about his substantial personal portfolio of transactions over his nearly 30-year career, Lukaj estimates he has worked on over 1,000 transactions with an aggregate transaction value exceeding $100 billion. Most Bank Street clients know them mostly for their domestic North American transactions; however, they have had major dealings on every populated continent, including today’s announcement representing New Zealand based Infratil in their JV with Hong Kong Telecom, Console Connect and multiple transactions last year in South America for KKR.

Aside from Lukaj’s professional accomplishment, perhaps his greatest achievements pertain to the philanthropic endeavors of his family to reconnect to their Albanian heritage. “Initially I had little exposure. Living in New York and meeting people from all over the world helps to enlighten you, but outside my family, I didn’t know too much about my heritage,” Lukaj said. “I remember vividly one night while sitting in my safe and secure penthouse apartment in mid-town, I sat down to watch the news and what I saw, I couldn’t believe… babies being handed out onto a train as they were being ushered (violently ethnically cleansed) out of a war-torn Kosova at the time. Sitting there with the realization that if things had gone differently, my parents had not made the journey of immigrating… any one of those faces could have been mine. I felt a calling to get involved. I needed to act. I spent considerable time at the Department of State, Defense and other circles and ultimately found a role mostly in advisory and advocacy addressing issues facing the region, which I still do today.”

We continued to learn more about the projects Lukaj’s family were involved and how they want to pay it forward.

Lukaj continues to spread the message that if you have the means and have such gifts, to assist whenever possible. Saying, it can be made especially easy to do so when you see yourself in those you want to aid. He spreads this message to his children, who appreciate the importance of such actions, and have also gotten heavily involved in philanthropic endeavors themselves. 

Thank you again, Mr. Richard Lukaj for taking time out of your schedule to share a bit of your ongoing journey with us and the greater telecoms community! And of course, there is more to the story of “The Financial Engineer”, Richard Lukaj, that we couldn’t cover that we may revisit in the future.

This concludes this month’s feature of Luminaries in Telecom. Please feel free to add to the conversation! Did you meet Rich Lukaj at the recent ITW? What did you take away from his ability to embrace education and inspire, ultimately using his position to provide aide to those in need. Sound off in the comments below with any fun facts/specifics that may have been missed.

For any suggestions about any movers and shakers in telecom history you think deserve a feature, send a message to [email protected].

 

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NJFX

NEW JERSEY CONNECTING THE WORLD

NEW JERSEY CONNECTS THE WORLD

Garden State’s Tech Landscape is Rich and Storied

July 10, 2023

NJFX

From the beginning of the telecommunications story, New Jersey has played a crucial chapter. The state is home to the storied Bell Laboratories, where fiber optic cables came to life and the first cellular phone was invented. Today, New Jersey plays an important role in connecting the world, as the landing site of numerous subsea cables and a multitude of terrestrial fiber routes.

Traditionally the cable landing site was just that, a place for subsea cables to make landfall. The  cable landing station (CLS) served one purpose: house cable endpoints to be connected to terrestrial routes. Then came the colocation campus, where land and sea cables could meet, along with options for data center services. But even that model is changing very rapidly. Today, the CLS campus is a thriving hub, connecting terrestrial and subsea routes, along with interconnections of all types: major carriers, regional IPs, other subsea systems – all housed in the same place.

NJFX is serving as the North American model for the new CLS colocation hub. This benefits customers in many ways. Not only are the interconnection points varied and diverse, the site can also serve customers that want to take their data storage offsite. Enterprises are looking to streamline their day-to-day business operations and leave data center and colocation services to the experts, such as NJFX. Customers at NJFX has access to convenient, low-cost, resilient, diverse connectivity options, in a secure building, located in a suburban area. NJFX is disaster resistant and set away from congested metro areas that could be difficult to access in a crisis, such as the pandemic lockdown or severe hurricanes. This secure facility is also located 64 feet above sea level, which provides further protection for weather related issues.

Members of the leadership team at NJFX have established themselves as thought leaders in the space, and are sought after speakers. This adds a high level of expertise for NJFX, which has cemented itself as a leading carrier-neutral CLS colocation facility, providing international connectivity just a single cross-connect away and generating a high-resilience, low-latency network with direct interconnection options for service providers, enterprises, carrier-neutral operators and cable companies.

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Happy Fourth of July – The History of Independence Day

Happy 4th of July

The history of independence day and the traditions

Source from Hisory Channel

The Fourth of July—also known as Independence Day or July 4th—has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution. On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. From 1776 to the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues. The Fourth of July 2023 is on Tuesday, July 4.

History of Independence Day

 When the initial battles in the Revolutionary War broke out in April 1775, few colonists desired complete independence from Great Britain, and those who did were considered radical. By the middle of the following year, however, many more colonists had come to favor independence, thanks to growing hostility against Britain and the spread of revolutionary sentiments such as those expressed in the bestselling pamphlet “Common Sense,” published by Thomas Paine in early 1776.

On June 7, when the Continental Congress met at the Pennsylvania State House (later Independence Hall) in Philadelphia, the Virginia delegate Richard Henry Lee introduced a motion calling for the colonies’ independence.

Amid heated debate, Congress postponed the vote on Lee’s resolution, but appointed a five-man committee—including Thomas Jefferson of Virginia, John Adams of Massachusetts, Roger Sherman of Connecticut, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania and Robert R. Livingston of New York—to draft a formal statement justifying the break with Great Britain.

On July 2nd, the Continental Congress voted in favor of Lee’s resolution for independence in a near-unanimous vote (the New York delegation abstained, but later voted affirmatively). On that day, John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail that July 2 “will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival” and that the celebration should include “Pomp and Parade…Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other.”

On July 4th, the Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence, which had been written largely by Jefferson. Though the vote for actual independence took place on July 2nd, from then on the 4th became the day that was celebrated as the birth of American independence.

Early Fourth of July Celebrations and Traditions  

In the pre-Revolutionary years, colonists had held annual celebrations of the king’s birthday, which traditionally included the ringing of bells, bonfires, processions and speechmaking. By contrast, during the summer of 1776 some colonists celebrated the birth of independence by holding mock funerals for King George III as a way of symbolizing the end of the monarchy’s hold on America and the triumph of liberty.

Festivities including concerts, bonfires, parades and the firing of cannons and muskets usually accompanied the first public readings of the Declaration of Independence, beginning immediately after its adoption. Philadelphia held the first annual commemoration of independence on July 4, 1777, while Congress was still occupied with the ongoing war.

George Washington issued double rations of rum to all his soldiers to mark the anniversary of independence in 1778, and in 1781, several months before the key American victory at the Battle of Yorktown, Massachusetts became the first state to make July 4th an official state holiday.

After the Revolutionary War, Americans continued to commemorate Independence Day every year, in celebrations that allowed the new nation’s emerging political leaders to address citizens and create a feeling of unity. By the last decade of the 18th century, the two major political parties—the Federalist Party and Democratic-Republicans—that had arisen began holding separate Fourth of July celebrations in many large cities.

Fourth of July Fireworks

The first fireworks were used as early as 200 BC. The tradition of setting off fireworks on the 4 of July began in Philadelphia on July 4, 1777, during the first organized celebration of Independence Day. Ship’s cannon fired a 13-gun salute in honor of the 13 colonies. The Pennsylvania Evening Post reported: “at night there was a grand exhibition of fireworks (which began and concluded with thirteen rockets) on the Commons, and the city was beautifully illuminated.” That same night, the Sons of Liberty set off fireworks over Boston Common.

Fourth of July Becomes a Federal Holiday

The tradition of patriotic celebration became even more widespread after the War of 1812, in which the United States again faced Great Britain. In 1870, the U.S. Congress made July 4th a federal holiday; in 1941, the provision was expanded to grant a paid holiday to all federal employees.

Over the years, the political importance of the holiday would decline, but Independence Day remained an important national holiday and a symbol of patriotism.

Falling in mid-summer, the Fourth of July has since the late 19th century become a major focus of leisure activities and a common occasion for family get-togethers, often involving fireworks and outdoor barbecues. The most common symbol of the holiday is the American flag, and a common musical accompaniment is “The Star-Spangled Banner,” the national anthem of the United Stat

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NJFX Plays Wiffle Ball for a Great Cause

NJFX Plays Wiffle Ball for a Great Cause

Great day to bring out your inner child for a great cause

June 15, 2023

NJFX has been proudly sponsoring Hoboken Angelwish Wiffleball Classic since 2019. This unique organization has not only brought joy and excitement to participants but has also created an opportunity for individuals to unleash their inner child and make a positive impact on the lives of children with chronic illnesses. Angelwish, a charitable organization established in 1999, is dedicated to granting wishes to millions of children worldwide who are living with chronic illnesses. 

The Mission of Angelwish

Angelwish Wiffleball has emerged as a flagship event that brings together organizations, like,  Crown Castle, Blockworks, Boldyn Networks, Ciena, Cisco, Colliers, Equinix, Lightpath, Megaport, SecureX, and NJFX! This annual tournament goes beyond the traditional concept of corporate team-building exercises, infusing it with the joy and spirit of giving back. The event not only fosters camaraderie among colleagues but also encourages participants to embrace their inner child and relish in the fun of a beloved childhood game.

Teams competing in Angelwish Wiffleball have the unique opportunity to raise funds for Angelwish’s cause, directly contributing to granting wishes for children with chronic illnesses. Every swing of the bat and every catch becomes an act of support and solidarity, as each team rallies together to make a difference. NJFX’s sponsorship plays a pivotal role in ensuring the success of this heartwarming event, empowering participants to actively engage in philanthropy while forging stronger connections within their teams.

NJFX will continue to support Angelwish and sponsor future events. It has proven to be a remarkable initiative that merges team building with philanthropy. Thank you Angelwish for creating a winning formula that allows teams to come together, have fun, and make a meaningful difference in the world.

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Juneteenth is America’s second Independence Day

Juneteenth is America’s second Independence Day—here’s why

Observed on June 19, the nation’s newest federal holiday commemorates the end of slavery in Texas. Here’s how it came to be celebrated nationwide.

Juneteenth is known to some in the United States as the country’s “second Independence Day.” Observed each year on June 19, the holiday marks the end of slavery in Texas at the end of the Civil War

For more than 150 years, African American communities across the country have observed this holiday—from social gatherings in Emancipation Parks to church services and other events. But Juneteenth has increasingly been celebrated nationwide; in 2021 it became the first new federal holiday since the establishment of Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1983. How did that happen? Here’s a look at the history of Juneteenth.

What does Juneteenth actually celebrate?

At the stroke of midnight on January 1, 1863, the Emancipation Proclamation came into effect and declared enslaved people in the Confederacy free—on the condition that the Union won the war. The proclamation turned the war into a fight for freedom and by the end of the war 200,000 Black soldiers had joined the fight, spreading news of freedom as they fought their way through the South. 

Since Texas was one of the last strongholds of the South, emancipation would be a long-time coming for enslaved people in the state. Even after the last battle of the Civil War was fought in 1865—a full two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed—it is believed that many enslaved people still did not know they were free. As the story goes, some 250,000 enslaved people only learned of their freedom after Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, and announced that the president had issued a proclamation freeing them. 

On that day, Granger declared, “The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor.”

How is Juneteenth celebrated?

With Granger’s announcement, June 19—which would eventually come to be known as Juneteenth—became a day to celebrate the end of slavery in Texas. As newly freed Texans began moving to neighboring states, Juneteenth celebrations spread across the South and beyond.

Early Juneteenth celebrations included church services, public readings of the Emancipation Proclamation, and social events like rodeos and dances. 

For decades, many southern Black communities were forced to celebrate Juneteenth on the outskirts of town due to racism and Jim Crow laws. To ensure they had a safe place to gather, Juneteenth groups would often collectively purchase plots of land in the city on which to celebrate. These parks were commonly named Emancipation Parks, many of which still exist today.

As the civil rights movement gained momentum in the 1960s, Juneteenth celebrations faded. In recent years, however, Juneteenth has regained popularity and is often celebrated with food and community. It also has helped raise awareness about ongoing issues facing the African-American community, including a political fight for reparations, or compensation, to the descendants of victims of slavery.

How did Juneteenth become a federal holiday?

In 1980, Texas became the first state to recognize June 19 as a state holiday, which it did with legislation. 

Juneteenth gained awareness in recent years as activists have pushed for state and federal recognition. Today, Juneteenth is recognized by nearly every state, and it is a public holiday in more than half of them, meaning that government offices are closed.

In 2021, efforts to gain federal recognition for Juneteenth finally came to fruition when U.S. President Joe Biden signed a bill into law that officially designates Juneteenth a U.S. federal holiday. 

 Juneteenth the same as Emancipation Day?

Despite the holiday’s resurgence in popularity, Juneteenth is often confused with Emancipation Day, which is annually celebrated on April 16.

Just as Juneteenth originally celebrated freedom in Texas, Emancipation Day specifically marks the day when President Lincoln freed some 3,000 enslaved people in Washington, D.C.—a full eight months before the Emancipation Proclamation and nearly three years before those in Texas would be freed.

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Pioneering as a Carrier-Neutral Colocation CLS, Nurturing Young Leaders, and Fostering a Diverse Ecosystem

Pioneering as a Carrier-Neutral Colocation CLS, Nurturing Young Leaders, and Fostering a Diverse Ecosystem

The company’s commitment to nurturing young leaders and creating a diverse ecosystem has been instrumental in driving innovation, connectivity, and inclusivity.

June 8, 2023

Since our launch in 2015 as the first carrier-neutral colocation Cable Landing Station (CLS) in North America, NJFX has achieved remarkable growth and development in the telecommunications industry. Notably, NJFX has made significant progress during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Alongside being the first of its kind, NJFX has actively pushed young leaders into the industry and fostered a diverse ecosystem, contributing to innovation, connectivity, and inclusivity.

NJFX has played a pivotal role in nurturing young talent and propelling them into the telecommunications industry. Through various initiatives and internships, NJFX has empowered aspiring professionals to develop the skills necessary to succeed in this evolving industry. NJFX is proud to see all of our interns continue to grow their professional careers within telecoms, as we all reunited at ITW 2023. By investing in the next generation, NJFX has helped shape the future of the industry, enabling young leaders to make significant contributions and drive innovation.

Amidst the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, NJFX has demonstrated resilience and adaptability. With its robust infrastructure and commitment to uninterrupted service, NJFX played a critical role in ensuring seamless connectivity for our customers during these uncertain times. The company’s dedication to maintaining operational excellence has helped support the global digital infrastructure and fostered continuity for various sectors relying on secure and reliable connectivity.

NJFX’s distinction as the first carrier-neutral colocation CLS has been instrumental in revolutionizing the industry. We are strategically positioned with direct access to four submarine cable systems,  attracting major US and international carriers, content providers, and enterprises to our campus. NJFX’s commitment to community engagement further amplifies the positive impact of this growth, ensuring it reaches and benefits communities near and far.

A core aspect of NJFX’s success lies in its dedication to creating a diverse ecosystem. NJFX has established itself as a trailblazer by creating a diverse ecosystem that bypasses traditional telecommunication hubs like New York and Miami. With its strategic location at a key landing point for submarine cable systems, NJFX offers a direct, low-latency connection between North America, Europe, and South America. By bypassing the congested routes and potential points of failure associated with traditional hubs, NJFX has become a game-changer, providing enterprises, carriers, and content providers with unparalleled connectivity options.

We like to reflect on the last three years and see how much NJFX, our customers, and employees have grown. NJFX has maintained its commitment to providing reliable connectivity and supporting digital infrastructure. By pushing young leaders into the industry and cultivating a diverse ecosystem, NJFX has fostered innovation, connectivity, and inclusivity, solidifying its position as a leader in the telecommunications industry.

Watch The Growth of NJFX

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Safeguarding Connectivity 2023 Hurricane Preparedness

Safeguarding Connectivity: 2023 Hurricane Season

NJFX is Built purpose and always prepared

As 2023 hurricane season approaches, it is crucial for organizations in hurricane-prone regions to review their disaster preparedness. NJFX, the first Tier III carrier neutral colocation CLS in New Jersey, plays a vital role in global connectivity as a key interconnection hub, ensuring hurricane preparedness is of paramount importance.

NOAA has predicted 12 to 17 total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher). Of those, 5 to 9 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 1 to 4 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher).

We would like to highlight the measures taken by NJFX to safeguard its operations and infrastructure against the potential impact of hurricanes during the 2023 season.

Redundant Power and Connectivity in Built Purpose Facility:

Maintaining uninterrupted power and connectivity is crucial during a hurricane. NJFX has implemented redundant power systems, including backup generators and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) units, to ensure continuous operations in the event of a power outage. Built as a Hurricane 5-resistant infrastructure that includes N+1 indoor generators with onsite fuel for up to five days of uninterrupted emergency service. Our facility is equipped with diverse fiber-optic connections and over thirty network operators offering redundancy to mitigate potential disruptions.

Emergency Response and Communication:

NJFX has a well-defined emergency response plan in place, including clear communication protocols to efficiently disseminate information during a hurricane. DHS (Department of Homeland Security) also helps protect critical infrastructure from natural disasters, like hurricanes. As peak Atlantic hurricane season looms, NJFX is secure 64-feet above sea level and outside the NY/NJ metro area, making it impervious to tidal surge and ideal for disaster recovery.  DHS works with facilities like NJFX to make sure telecommunications infrastructure is up and running in times of emergency, which is crucial for public safety communications.

Employee Training and Safety:

NJFX recognizes that well-trained employees are vital to maintaining a safe and secure environment during a hurricane. Continuous training sessions are conducted to educate staff members on emergency protocols, evacuation procedures, and the use of safety equipment. By empowering employees with knowledge and skills, NJFX fosters a culture of preparedness and safety.

Hurricanes pose a significant threat to coastal regions, and NJFX is committed to prioritizing hurricane preparedness to protect its operations and ensure minimal disruption to its customers.  Through a proactive and dedicated approach to disaster preparedness, NJFX sets an example for other organizations in hurricane-prone areas, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding critical infrastructure and ensuring the safety and resilience of their operations.

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Luminaries in Telecom “Architect of Sustainability” Peder Nærbø

Luminaries in Telecom: "Architect of Sustainability" Peder Nærbø

Written + Edited by:

Kevin Ayerdis + Emily Newman

May 25, 2023

Hello and welcome back to Luminaries in Telecom!

Our May Luminary edition highlights an especially prescient leader in our industry. He has quickly built an outstanding reputation since he introduced himself to telecommunications in 2017. We are eager to share all we learned about his journey and what led him to the man we are titling, “The Architect of Sustainability” aka Mr. Peder Nærbø! He has brought awareness to our industry with his vast knowledge and passion for creating a greener world within telecoms.

Hailing from the principal port city of Oslo, Norway, young Peder’s professional career blossomed quickly creating many stepping stones that ultimately brought him to our industry. Peder admitted he was never fond of traditional education and only completed one year of college in London focusing on shipping (ocean transport). With eyes to the sea, he found a shipping job as a shipbroker that did not require a college degree. A perfect fit for young Peder, as this experience would become valuable and practical in growing his people skills. Over 8 years, he moved up the chain of command while becoming fascinated with collaborating alongside international clientele as he oversaw transporting steel products around the world. With his experience in more complex steel parcel shipping, he found it less appealing when the company changed strategy and offered in his words, “a very boring job shipping full vessels of cargo in bulk like coal, grain, fertilizer, etc.” With the unappealing job offer, Peder felt it was time to give college another try at the age of twenty-seven. However, his time back did not last very long as he reminisced, “The first day reminded me of what it was like being back at school, the second day was just to make sure day one was as bad as I thought it was.”

Eager to explore new paths, a friend recruited him to Acta Sundal Collier as a financial advisor in 1998. Through his position, he came to appreciate the value of real estate, specifically industrial real estate. As he stated, “Everyone focused on the beautiful buildings downtown where the high-rise buildings were in the Business District.”

“Nobody really wanted the low box sitting in the field with a lot of lorries in front…not very sexy,” Peder said. He thought differently than others and saw the potential to make very long lease contracts with these buildings. He started to pursue real estate and carved out a niche in industrial real estate bringing in long-term investments – not the glamorous high-rises others focused on.

A turning point came in 2005 when Peder recalls hearing the reports of his idyllic home city of Oslo “sitting inside of a fjord surrounded by snowcapped mountains” had the worst air quality of any of the capitals in Europe during wintertime. Traffic, like any metropolitan area, was an obvious issue but the true leading cause was the logistics with train and ship terminals next to the city center. The local government was shocked by this discovery and took decisive action towards sustainability. This included stopping the use of home heating oil, reducing traffic congestion, and establishing incentives for electric vehicles. Peder noted, “Nothing was being done for the logistics, the root issue. However, the logistic operators were already desperate to get out of the city, needing more space and modern facilities.” This was his opportunity to combine his background in shipping and real estate. “I started the company, Bulk Infrastructure, and worked with my investor clients to envision a more sustainable future for Norway. In doing so, I pushed the initiative towards moving logistics out of the city of Oslo.”

In 2010, having success with his first sustainability endeavor, Peder began receiving calls from potential clients regarding sites specifically for building data centers. “At this point, I had no clue what a data center was, I showed them everything I had, they left, and I never heard anything back! This happened three times. I said, wait a minute I have something here that’s interesting, but obviously, I did not have it. They didn’t come back and buy anything from me. They didn’t ask me to build a data center whatever that was, so I started studying the data center industry.”

Peder realized he could facilitate a historic push of data centers into Norway. The country was almost running on 98% renewable energy from hydropower, meaning the environmental impact of running such power-hungry demands could easily be met. Peder saw a chance to dive into the unknown again, combining his industrial real estate background with building and zoning for data centers. He began mapping out possible routes seeing data centers much like the cross-dock terminals and warehouses of his industrial real estate business.

Peder leveraged his skills and his newly found research about data centers to expand Bulk. He cites using his network of established contacts throughout his career, collectively teaming up with colleagues in the national rail and national grid sectors to solve the problem of the incoming emerging fiber networks.

“Norway has all this renewable power, but our early buildout in fiber was now more than 20 years old and had been chopped and changed for generations. We couldn’t provide continuous dark fiber over long distances, but this was about to change,” he said.

He created a ring structure in Norway to interconnect the coastline directly which unlocked some of the biggest surplus of renewable energy to Norway at the very southern tip of the country.

He envisioned building a large campus for data center companies to come together and build whatever they wanted using only renewable energy. The concept became reality, as it is the biggest substation in Europe utilizing sustainable energy, at 800 acres (or almost 3 square kilometers), and it is all interconnected with huge power resources. “We have a hundred megawatts on two feeds to our private substations and we have another 300 megawatts that we can tap into in 2026 when the national grid finishes a new mega substation on our land to interconnect new offshore wind with the current hydropower.”

In 2017 Peder found out that Google and Facebook considered building the first fiber cable from the U.S. to the Nordics in twenty years which later became known as the Havfrue cable. Through his vast network of connections, he found the right people to talk to about this up-and-coming project. Approaching both giants, he politely said, “I’m a real estate guy from Norway and I want to unlock all this renewable energy. I understand you’re going to build from the U.S. to Denmark and Ireland, can I please add Norway to the design of the network and become a partner and co-builder?”

They allowed him to build a Trans-Atlantic cable even though this was in a space that was unfamiliar to Peder. He jumped hard into this new venture. He was able to convince Google, Facebook, and later Aquacomms in coming on board to work on an agreement that aligned with all four parties – and so “we began.”

It took years of planning with some inevitable setbacks. However, with Google and Facebook being experienced buyers and builders in the subsea market, they made quick work of finding the suppliers necessary while Aquacomms brought the experience in operating these systems.

“I felt very protected within the group of companies we joined with, and the cable was then laid being the first cable to interconnect Norway with the U.S. and Ireland. This was a big achievement for me and my company,” he said smiling.

Peder reminisced on how impressed he was with the giant cable ship “Responder” from Subcom as it docked in Kristiansand where he got to go on board and look at all the facilities. “They had three tanks that each held 2800 kilometers of cable, enough to cross the Atlantic.  I remember being so impressed by the sheer power of the vessel for maneuvering rough seas while laying cable on thousands of meters depth with delicate tension control.”

Peder goes on and explains how the vessel uses a plow of 34 tons to bury the cable under the seabed, protecting it from fishing gear and anchoring in the North Sea as it crossed more than 70 other cables and pipelines like “threading a needle.”

He had the opportunity to pull the cable ashore with his brother, Erik, who worked on the data center campus. Peder thought, in the moment while the cable was in his hand, “My mother always said, do something you want to do, follow your passion and that is what we have always done. Two guys with no high education pulling Norway’s first trans-Atlantic cable ashore was quite a moment for me.”   

Later, Peder was key in terminating two other cable systems in the Nordic region, which also terminate into the Southern Norwegian landing in Kristiansand. Now there are several brand-new systems coming into southern Norway. Bulk started it all by building the backbone so that future cables could continue to land on the coastline and travel onwards to Oslo and Stockholm.

Inspired by Norway being a leading country in sustainable solutions, Peder explores to see where else we can tap to create a greener world. He explains that Canada has renewable power at a large scale with some of the biggest hydro plants in the world in Northern Canada, Quebec, and Labrador especially. “They also have a huge amount of hydropower that is untapped. Once you move power, you lose the efficiency of the power as you transport at a very long distance – a grid loss,” Peder said.

Peder said, “My ultimate plan is to interconnect large renewable resources in the Nordics and Atlantic Canada with fiber and data center facilities to play a vital role in clean renewable energy for data processing.” He advises everyone to ask, “How green is our data? Are you asking IT services what the CO2 footprint on your compute is? There are many renewable energy-fed data centers around the world, but they aren’t even a green dot on the map because they are hidden under layers of different products. If you ask these questions, this will help bring a rise to those data centers that are contributing to a greener initiative.”

As we close the interview, Peder talks about his move to the United States to be closer to the “Leif Erikson” cable project. His next trans-Atlantic fiber cable from Norway to Canada, the first with only renewable energy as a source. He also explains that over the last couple of years, the U.S. government and large shareholders are starting to put more weight behind sustainability and ESG goals. He added, “This is the green shift I have been waiting for and I see a great opportunity for my company to play a role.”

___________

Thank you again, Mr. Peder Nærbø for taking time out of your schedule to share a bit of your ongoing journey with us and the greater telecoms community! And of course, there is more to the story of “The Architect of Sustainability”, Peder Nærbø, that we couldn’t cover that we may revisit in the future. This concludes this month’s feature of Luminaries in Telecom. Please feel free to add to the conversation! Did you meet Peder Nærbø at the recent ITW? What did you take away from his sustainable business model/projects that benefit his company while also helping to improve the environment? Sound off in the comments below with any fun facts/specifics that may have been missed. For any suggestions about any movers and shakers in telecom history you think deserve a feature, send a message to [email protected]. Thanks for reading, until next month.

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NJFX Helping Shape Telecom

NJFX Helping Shape the Industry & the Importance of Getting Younger Minds into Telecoms

Customers who land in the 2nd Floor Meet Me room will receive a FREE Home Run Cable!

Gil Santaliz

CEO

May 9, 2023

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, the telecommunications industry plays a pivotal role in connecting the world and facilitating the exchange of information. NJFX, a leading provider of global connectivity solutions, recognizes this importance and has implemented an internship program to foster innovation and talent within the industry. Explore the significance of involving younger generations in telecommunications and how NJFX is spearheading this initiative.

Embracing Technological Expertise: Younger individuals are typically more familiar with emerging technologies, growing up in an era of rapid digital transformation. Their exposure to the latest gadgets, platforms, and applications gives them a unique perspective and expertise that can fuel innovation in telecommunications. 

Fresh Perspectives and Creativity: Younger minds bring a fresh perspective and natural curiosity to the table. This enables them to approach problems with a creative mindset, often leading to groundbreaking discoveries and transformative solutions. By engaging young talent, telecommunications companies can infuse their operations with the energy and enthusiasm needed to stay at the forefront of innovation.

Bridging the Generation Gap: The telecoms industry is in a period of transition with experienced professionals retiring. By actively involving younger minds, we can bridge the generational gap and ensure a seamless transition into the future. It also fosters collaboration between different age groups, creating a diverse and dynamic workforce.

NJFX, a pioneer in connectivity solutions, recognizes the immense value that young minds bring to the telecommunications industry. Their internship program is a testament to their commitment to nurturing talent and shaping the future of the sector.

Here’s how NJFX’s program is making a difference:

Hands-on Experience: NJFX’s internship program provides students and young professionals with valuable hands-on experience in various aspects of the telecommunications industry. Interns work alongside seasoned professionals, gaining exposure to real-world projects and challenges. This practical experience equips them with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the rapidly evolving telecommunications landscape.

Mentorship and Guidance: NJFX’s internship program emphasizes mentorship and guidance. Our intern is paired with a dedicated mentor who provides support, advice, and industry insights. This personalized attention helps interns develop their talents, build confidence, and foster a strong professional network.

Exposure to Cutting-edge Technologies: NJFX interns can get to work with state-of-the-art infrastructure, gain exposure to emerging technologies, and contribute to groundbreaking projects. This exposure nurtures innovation and prepares interns to drive future advancements in the industry.

 

Building a Talent Pipeline: NJFX is building a talent pipeline that ensures a steady supply of skilled professionals to meet the industry’s evolving needs. By actively involving younger minds in telecommunications, NJFX, and other companies contribute to the overall growth and sustainability of the industry.

The telecommunications industry is at a critical juncture where innovation and adaptability are paramount for success. Engaging younger minds through initiatives like NJFX’s internship program holds the key to shaping the future of telecommunications. The fresh perspectives, technological expertise, and creativity that young talent brings to the table are invaluable assets in driving the industry forward.

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