Formed in 2002 by the Colton family, Integrated Communication Systems (ICS) is an IBEW 332 sound and communications (S&C) contractor with 85-90 employees. Their work is roughly 55-60% AV, 30% fire alarm, and the rest data. ICS customers include LinkedIn, HP, Children’s Hospital at Stanford, and UC Berkeley School of Business. We visited ICS at the SK Hynix campus, where IBEW 332 members are installing AV and fire alarms for 58 rooms.
Jarod Fontaine | ICS Production Manager
“I started in the field in 2013 as a data foreman, and I’m a member of 332. It used to be that S&C was the red-headed stepchild of the electrical world. But the field has come a long way, and now there’s respect when we walk onto a job site because people know we’re IBEW.
“We have about a dozen employees who have gone through the three-year S&C apprenticeship. But most of our workforce learned in the field, and folks were organized into the union because there has been so much work. The NorCal JATC now has a six-month course where people can go back and get certified to validate what they know from the field. The value of being union and folks going through the JATC is that they learn the overall trade at a high level. It makes for a great partnership between ICS and the union.
“ICS is a family environment where everyone works together to get things done. We hold our employees in high regard and represent the union well. When you keep people working and show your appreciation for their work, nothing but good can come out of your shop.”
Zack Colton | Fire Alarm Project Manager
“ICS is a family business. My father is the CEO, I’m the fire alarm project manager, one brother is the AV project manager, and another is the fire service manager.
“I worked for a friend’s dad’s construction company as a laborer in the summers growing up. I realized I enjoyed construction but knew I wanted to be in the office running projects. So I went to Chico State for a construction management degree, then worked Whiting-Turner on the Google Bay View site.
“I knew that someday I’d work for my dad, and sure enough, four years ago, someone left and I came on board. It was trial by fire at first, but luckily there are some really good project managers here that I shadowed. After four years, I finally feel proficient and am running jobs successfully.
“It’s great to be a union shop, as you always know you’re getting good tradesmen. We have a great relationship with IBEW. Having a partnership with Local 332 is an important and vital part of our work. When we come together, we all do good work and make a lot of money for each other. We’re a family business and the IBEW is extended family.”
ICS: Local 332 Sound & Communications Members
Leo Silveira | Senior Data Foreman
“I started in sound and communication in 1994, left for a few years, and have been back for 20 years. When I first started, people didn’t really do the apprenticeship. Back then, it was more learning on the job. But if I started today, I’d definitely do the program. You get exposed to all sides of the work–AV, fire, and data–and get the certificates.
“I was lucky: when I came in, there were foremen who really wanted to teach me the trade, and it jump-started my career. That’s the way the union is with camaraderie on the job. I grew up doing team sports, and it feels similar, where you make everyone feel important like they’ve got something to contribute. I’ve made a lot of close-knit friends in the union, and it’s really changed my whole life as someone who didn’t finish college.
“I’ve worked for three companies in my career, and so far ICS has been the best. I’ve been here for three years, and there’s a lot of opportunity here. They really take care of their guys and make you feel appreciated.
”My advice for younger folks is to do the apprenticeship, and when you are on the job, show the foremen that you really want to learn. So learn, get better, and take on more responsibility. That goes a long way.”
Jimmy Cordova | Fire & AV Installer/Technician
“I’ve worked at ICS for six years doing fire and AV. Before that, I worked at Comcast and got my feet wet. I just completed the six-month course with the NorCal JATC. It was an awesome program to touch base on all the areas and reaffirm everything
I know from being the field.
“The work is great because it’s different every day: different locations, different scenarios, and different customization.
“I love being a union shop because there’s more professionalism than nonunion. We have a ‘whatever it takes to get the job done’ attitude with safety as a priority. The union is constantly fighting for what’s right and getting competitive pay raises for us. Having a union job is helping me save for a house.
“I go to union meetings and a few functions. I would like to be more involved, but I’m busy with my family. My wife and I have four daughters. They are good kids, born and raised in San Jose. When I do have some down time, I like to shoot hoops at the YMCA.
“My advice for the younger people who are getting involved in the trades is to do the schooling. It’s worth it.
This is not just a job, it’s a career, and if you stay in the trades, you’ll be able to take care of your family. I have.”
Richard Flores | AV Technician
“I just got into the union a few months ago, and I’ve been with ICS for a month and a half. Before that, I was nonunion AV for nine years. I’m in the process of taking the test.
“I always liked being handy with electronics. I like having people be able to use a room I installed. Technology is a part of our day-to-day lives, and S&C members help people stay connected through our work.
“This is a big project with ICS, and I like that every day is a new challenge. All the rooms are different.
“I like being in a union shop. It’s all about safety first and having the right tools. The union is by the books, and the work is structured and organized. I like that.
“I was born and raised in San Jose. My girlfriend and I live with my parents with our six-year old daughter, and we are expecting our second child. I like helping my parents out around the house. And of course, our technology is rigged. There’s a little tech device for everything. I wish I had more hours in the day to spend with family and improve my skills at work. Someday I hope to be a programmer.”
