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LEAF Communications Taps Strategic New Hire to Support Burgeoning Growth
[April 06, 2021]

LEAF Communications Taps Strategic New Hire to Support Burgeoning Growth


LEAF Communications, a proven telecom leader serving Fortune 500 clients across the U.S. with cutting-edge wireless solutions, today announced the strategic new hire of Curtis Dean Burkhart as senior director of DAS Enterprise Sales.

DAS (distributed antenna systems) are critical to building safety and wireless connectivity as they amplify wireless signals in locations where radio frequencies cannot penetrate. DAS networks are typically implemented in locations such as shopping malls, school campuses, office buildings, hotels, high-rises or larger venues like sports stadiums and arenas to ensure safety and first responder communication, as well as ensure that mobile users can access a strong signal. LEAF's 22 years of experience, strong carrier relationships and technical and jurisdiction expertise set it apart in this space, and in his new role Burkhart will be tasked with meeting growing demand.

"With the need for wireless services growing constantly, ensuring connectivity for buildings, venues, campuses and business parks is a must," said Dan Leaf, CEO and president of LEAF Communications. "We are proud to welcome Curtis Burkhart to our team as we continue to support the needs of our growing client roster within our DAS division."

LEAF's engineering and technical experts are trained in various iDAS, oDAS, ERRCS and small cell technology network protocols. From initial engineering, design and installation, to testing and analysis, its experts ensure a complete end-to-end solution.

Burkhart is a 25-year industry pro with a history of success at brands like Nextivity (News - Alert), Inc. where he helped establish new multi-carrier produts for "middleprises" and was one of few sales innovators to successfully gain traction in the DAS industry with passive amplification broadband devices. His prior role as area vice president at American Fire Wire, establishing the start-up's credibility and market share in two-hour fire-rated cable used in Emergency Responder Radio Communications Systems (News - Alert) (ERRCS), also uniquely prepared him to support LEAF's growth in the ERRCS market.



ERRCS, also known as public safety or first responder DAS systems have become a mandated in-building requirement for many municipalities around the country. These networks essentially re-transmit fire or police radio frequencies to ensure first-responders can communicate in the case of an emergency that jams traditional phone signals. In a post-9/11 world, these networks are both being built into newer buildings and retrofitted into older venues. It's thought to be only a matter of time before all buildings are required to comply, hence the steady increase in demand for LEAF's specialized services, which range from ERRCS design and construction planning to successful deployment and maintenance. Whether NFPA 72, NFPA 1221, CFC 510 or others, LEAF designs and builds association having jurisdiction (AHJ)- and code-compliant systems that meet all current and expected future requirements.

"I couldn't be more thrilled to join the LEAF Communications team," said Burkhart. "I look forward to expanding LEAF's DAS and ERRCS customer base across the U.S. and believe my wide network of industry associations with enterprises, manufacturers, distributors and integrators puts me in a unique position to help support LEAF's continued growth and expansion."


Burkhart received his bachelor's degree in political science from Claremont Men's College and resides in Danville, Calif. with his daughter, Madison, and son, Dylan, who is graduating from ASU in May. In his free time, Burkhart is a self-proclaimed golf nut.

About LEAF Communications, Inc.: Founded in 2013, LEAF Communications is an award-winning California-based telecom firm serving clients across the U.S. with cutting-edge wireless solutions under its five divisions within the company. With more than 3,800 completed projects for clients including Tesla, Yahoo!, T-Mobile (News - Alert) and other Fortune 500 giants, LEAF specializes in small cell deployment, 5G integration, first-responder systems (ERRCS), site acquisition real-estate services, architecture and engineering, and complete project management and construction services. With boots on the ground in 20+ states, LEAF's highly trained team of seasoned industry experts are familiar with unpredictable obstacles and are often able to fix problems before they arise. LEAF is certified by the National Veteran Business Development Council and has been recognized as one of Inc.'s Fastest-Growing Private Companies. It has also been honored with a slew of excellence in entrepreneurship accolades from reputable organizations such as Ernst & Young and the Small Business Administration. To learn more about LEAF's turn-key telecom solutions that ensure its clients remain connected, compliant and competitive, visit www.leafcomm.com.


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