Rod Place

Currently serving as head of the technology consulting firm RiteWire, Inc., Rod Place has enjoyed a long career as an entrepreneur and management professional. As the former leader for MFS Intelenet, Inc., Mr. Place led the installation of the company’s central office switches. Previously the Vice President of Operations at MCI WorldCom, Inc. (now part of Verizon Communications, Inc.), Rod Place enjoyed a seven-year career with the telecommunications company. In addition, he assisted 180 Connect, Inc., a division of DIRECTV, Inc., as Vice President of Home Sales. In this capacity, he generated an annual revenue of $1.2 million during the sales and operation launch in Phoenix, Arizona, as well as revenues of $1.8 million for the Houston, Texas, market. Rod Place additionally opened the Salt Lake City, Utah, and Las Vegas, Nevada, markets, attaining profitability in the first month, and he oversaw the expansion of the entire organization. Furthermore, he assumed responsibility for all of the company’s product marketing and strategy for market penetration, including $500,000 audio systems and HGTV-awarded home theaters.

During his nearly four years as President of R-Tek Communications Inc. / Comm360 Systems Integrators, Rod Place created business and revenue plans and maintained responsibility for the company budget. Working with an elite clientele, he trained other personnel in the design and implementation of lighting, audio, and controlled video systems for homes valued up to $50 million. He also supervised the installation of home theater systems. During his tenure at R-Tek Communications, Rod Place saw an increase of revenue to $10 million in gross sales, and he expanded the company into three divisions: custom home, ProAV, and production home.

Over the years, Rod Place has garnered a number of accolades for his business skills, including designation as Manager of the Quarter in 1996 with MCI WorldCom. He continues to utilize his extensive experience in technology and management to assist clients at RiteWire, Inc. Rod Place attended the University of California, Berkeley, where he studied professional intensive telecommunications technology fundamentals and installation, and received his degree in 1994.