Engineering to the
of Power & Connectivity
Primary Services
Make Ready Engineering
Zealous Edge assesses pole structures to determine their suitability for fiber attachments, recommending and implementing necessary modifications or replacements to ensure safety, compliance, and optimal network performance.
Field Data Collection
Zealous Edge gathers precise data on poles, pedestals, spans, and meter locations, while also verifying physical addresses and existing electrical infrastructure to provide comprehensive GIS-compatible shape files for accurate network planning.
Permit Management
Zealous Edge expertly manages complex permitting processes, including third-party applications, DOT and railroad permits, and conducts thorough permit rideouts to identify make-ready requirements, ensuring regulatory compliance and project efficiency.
Additional Services
Damage Assessment
Zealous Edge conducts detailed visual inspections of storm-affected areas, evaluating damage and providing strategic recommendations to enhance system resilience and expedite power restoration.
GIS Data Management
Zealous Edge updates GIS mapping systems to maintain data accuracy and seamless integration with outage management systems, while also optimizing mapping workflows and entering work orders with precision.
Hourly Rate Services
Zealous Edge provides specialized office-based tasks such as GIS work and process improvements, along with flexible fieldwork solutions for comprehensive data collection and infrastructure analysis beyond the standard scope of work.
Did You Know?
Make Ready Engineering is a crucial step in deploying fiber networks, ensuring that existing utility poles can safely support new attachments. It involves assessing pole conditions, verifying clearances, and identifying any necessary modifications to maintain safety and compliance. Proper make ready assessments not only enhance network reliability but also prevent costly delays, safety hazards, and project setbacks.
Here are some key facts:
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Safety & Compliance:
Improper pole attachments can lead to safety hazards and non-compliance with National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) standards, potentially resulting in fines and liability issues.
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Cost Efficiency:
We use innovative methods and the right people to ensure cost-effective engineering solutions. We only recommend what’s necessary to meet your goals and ensure success. Our approach delivers better results and cost savings.
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Network Performance:
We enhance power system reliability, which also benefits third-party attachers. By strengthening the main power system with best practices, we automatically improve network stability and dependability.
About Zealous
Jeff Fincannon brings a wealth of experience to Zealous Edge, combining decades of proven success with a forward-thinking vision for the company. Having built a distinguished career across multiple roles in the communications industry, Jeff leverages his expertise to chart a path of innovation, excellence, and growth for Zealous Edge.
Before founding Zealous Edge, Jeff held key leadership roles at other companies where he gained a strong technical background and honed his leadership skills. At his most recent position, Jeff led complex, large-scale projects and managed hundreds of employees and contractors, driving remarkable results in business development, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency. Similarly, his leadership and hands-on success in managing rebuilds and upgrades for major cable companies laid a foundation for his leadership style—the kind that inspires individuals to reach their full potential.
Drawing from this wealth of experience, Jeff now focuses on building Zealous Edge into a company guided by his philosophy of empowering teams, fostering strategic innovation, and delivering lasting results. Jeff’s proven track record positions Zealous Edge to not just meet but exceed client expectations through a blend of technical expertise and a people-first leadership approach. His vision for Zealous Edge is clear: to lead the industry by setting new standards in communication solutions while continuing to inspire and empower those around him.
At Zealous Edge, he is leveraging this robust track record to create a dynamic culture focused on innovation, strategic growth, and empowering teams to excel. While his previous accomplishments underscore his expertise and commitment to excellence, his work at Zealous Edge is driven by a bold vision for the future, aiming to deliver unparalleled solutions and lasting impact for clients yet to come.
Jeff Fincannon
Regional VP of Operations
Nathan Culpepper
Director of EngineeringNathan Culpepper is a telecommunications professional with over 25 years of experience, specializing in electric cooperative infrastructure and make-ready services within the utility industry. He has extensive experience managing OSP fiber optic installations for control systems and FTTH, as well as pole design for joint-use applications in electric co-ops. Nathan has also deployed SCADA systems in substations and managed storm outage responses, ensuring reliable utility networks.
In make-ready services, Nathan has led engineering and construction projects, developing streamlined processes to enhance efficiency. He established in-house field services to oversee engineering, materials, and construction, improving project outcomes. With a strong understanding of electric utility clearances, joint-use pole attachments, and permitting with DOT and pole owners, he delivers effective make-ready solutions.
Nathan’s extensive background in make-ready processes, permitting, and construction oversight makes him a trusted expert in deploying fiber networks within electric co-op territories and beyond, ensuring efficient, cost-effective, and compliant broadband expansion. Based in Northeastern Oklahoma, he remains a key contributor to electric co-op fiber deployment and make-ready advancements.
Jeff Tollett brings a forward-thinking vision to Zealous Edge, merging deep operational expertise with a passion for innovation in electric network and fiber deployment. With a career spanning large-scale projects across 16 states, Jeff’s leadership in electric cooperative initiatives and GIS-driven strategies has consistently advanced efficiency and operational excellence.
At Zealous Edge, Jeff leverages his extensive experience leading large teams and orchestrating Make Ready Engineering on over 220,000 distribution poles to pioneer solutions that streamline processes and integrate cutting-edge technologies. By collaborating with leading engineering software partners, he is modernizing practices and driving the next wave of growth for the organization.
Harnessing his expertise in ESRI and specialized client-based staking software, Jeff has played a pivotal role in mapping electric cooperative footprints and launching innovative managed services divisions. His background includes a 16-year tenure at a major distribution electric cooperative, where he excelled in roles spanning GIS, Construction Management, and large-scale fiber projects. This foundation underpins his skills in RFP preparation, cost monitoring, profit and loss oversight, and labor cost management.
With an eye firmly on the future, Jeff Tollett is dedicated to transforming the landscape of electric and fiber network projects, ensuring that Zealous Edge remains at the cutting edge of technological advancement and industry best practices.
Jeff Tollett
Director of EngineeringGet In Touch
Address
506 Rabbit Ridge Rd. Fair Play, SC 29643
Call Us
864.973.3621
Email Us
info@zealousedge.com