OneNet’s Business Department Leverages Technology to Meet Operational Needs

Story by Christina Sneed, Strategic Communications Intern, Fall 2022

OneNet’s business department is quite the dream team. This department supports OneNet’s daily operations and initiatives and are primarily responsible for accounts payable, accounts receivable, purchasing and assets/inventory management. This team consists of a range of talented professionals who are dedicated to overseeing OneNet’s mission and vision as they continue to provide the best support services possible to OneNet’s subscribers.

“Through our business operations, our vision is to encourage public and private partnerships and recommend strategic policy to establish effective structures for providing world-class high-speed internet access throughout Oklahoma,” said Kevin Blake, who serves as OneNet’s business director.

Blake is responsible for overseeing the business department and ensuring that business goals and objectives are met. Blake is most passionate about OneNet’s ability to adapt to changes within federal and state requirements. This allows for the organization and its partners to adjust efficiently and effectively to changes that impact business operations.

“The most challenging part is adapting and adjusting, because no matter how much or how well you coordinate, circumstances change but at OneNet we are always prepared,” Blake confidently explains.

Adjusting to changes that affect occupational procedures can serve as a challenge to most, but they are no match for OneNet’s business department.

Lee Diamond assists OneNet’s business department with a wide-range of duties. Diamond works with assets as small as batteries for an employee’s mouse to overseeing the purchase and processing of multi-million-dollar equipment orders. OneNet has approximately 10,000 active assets across the state of Oklahoma that Diamond keeps track of from the time of purchase, through receiving, to disposal.

When asked how impactful technology is in his role, Diamond said, “We utilize different equipment and databases to disseminate information, such as where an asset is located, which subscribers may be leasing our equipment, cost analysis when determining pricing models, depreciation of assets and much more.”

He further adds, “It’s not just about the technology we install in the field for our subscribers, but it’s also about the technology we use on the back end. OneNet utilizes technology to help us better unitize technology.”

The influence that technology has in the daily role of business operations is essential to OneNet’s business department and helps increase the productivity of day-to-day tasks.

Lauren Gandy highlights the way technology affects her role and ensures effectiveness. “Technology plays a big role in my position by helping me increase the efficiency and speed of the purchasing process. Technology also ensures that the purchasing process for each request is tracked diligently,” Gandy said.

Gandy is responsible for the purchasing function on behalf of OneNet, this includes preparing requisitions, change orders, requesting quotes, researching products for those that require it, preparing reports, and maintaining accurate inventory and procurement records.

“I’m most passionate about assisting fellow OneNet employees by making the required purchases for their role. I’m also passionate about learning to increase my skills to further assist OneNet anyway I can,” Gandy adds when describing how zealous she is in supporting OneNet’s employees’ needs.

OneNet’s business department may be all about their business, but they make sure to enjoy their positions and sustain a quality work-life balance.

Laura Smith, who has been with OneNet for 20 years said, “I enjoy working with a great group of people.”

Smith plays a vital role in OneNet’s business department. Her duties include processing mail, scheduling meetings for the OneNet conference room, answering incoming phone calls and preparing invoices for payment.

In her free time, Smith said, “I enjoy spending time with family and completing projects in and outside of my house.”

Grant Martin has been with OneNet for three years and said, “My favorite part about being part of the OneNet family is the work environment and how everyone treats each other like a second family.”

Martin helps OneNet’s mission by processing invoices for payment, maintaining good relationships with OneNet’s vendors, and reconciling accounts that need analysis.

“I play guitar, go to the gym, and I am a group leader in my parish’s Catholic young adults’ group,” Martin said as he talks about what he does outside his role with OneNet.

As OneNet’s accounts receivable specialist, Lilia Concannon ensures that incoming funds are applied promptly so OneNet has funds available as needed.

“I also communicate with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission to request OUSF (Oklahoma Universal Service Fund) payments from the OCC for qualifying schools, libraries and rural health care subscribers,” Concannon adds.

Concannon makes time for a multitude of obligations outside of OneNet.

“We have three dogs that think they should have all of our attention.  Unlike children, they don’t grow up and move away.  I am active at my church, St. Andrew Catholic Church in Moore. My husband and I spend a lot of time with my large extended family,” Concannon said.

OneNet’s business department is a dream team of individuals who maintain a quality life inside and outside of the workplace. Each member brings something unique to the table and is vital in assisting OneNet in meeting and exceeding operational needs to serve the state of Oklahoma with its broadband needs.