In an engaging episode of 5G Talent Talk hosted by Carrie Charles, CEO of Broadstaff Talent Solutions, Serghei Busmachiu, founder and CEO of Utilities One, shared his inspiring journey and business strategies. From his early days as a cable technician to leading a nationwide critical infrastructure company, Serghei's story is a testament to determination, innovation, and effective leadership.

This episode delves into Utilities One's unique approach to growth, its commitment to employee development, and its expansion into bordering industries. Let's break down the key insights from the podcast.

From Moldova to the United States: A Journey of Resilience

Serghei's story begins in 2013, when he immigrated to the U.S. from Moldova in search of a better life. His early days were defined by hard work, starting as a dishwasher at Johnny Rockets and even selling ice in Alaska, a surprising but lucrative venture during the hot summer months. These experiences instilled in him a deep appreciation for resilience and adaptability.

In 2014, a chance interaction with a Comcast technician sparked his interest in the cable industry. With determination and curiosity, Serghei became a cable technician, where he not only learned the technical aspects of the role but also mastered the art of customer satisfaction. This pivotal experience laid the groundwork for his entrepreneurial journey.

"I learned what true customer satisfaction means and how important it is to go the extra mile," Serghei recalls.

The Birth and Growth of Utilities One

Utilities One was founded in 2016 as a fulfillment business specializing in installation and repair services. However, Serghei's vision quickly expanded as he identified opportunities to diversify. By 2018, Utilities One had ventured into telecom construction and engineering, followed by a wireless division during the peak of the 5G rollout.

Today, Utilities One operates in over 30 U.S. states, providing turnkey solutions encompassing planning, design, engineering, construction, and last-mile installation. Beyond telecom, the company has strategically expanded into adjacent industries such as power delivery, renewable energy, and water infrastructure.

Utilities One's "Unicorn" Service Model

Serghei attributes the company's success to what he calls a "unicorn" service model—a unique approach that combines excellence across multiple service areas. Unlike competitors who specialize in one aspect, Utilities One excels in engineering, construction, and fulfillment simultaneously.

"We go beyond client expectations, delivering unmatched quality and reliability across every part of our service," Serghei explains. "We don't overpromise, but we consistently overdeliver."

This holistic approach has made Utilities One a trusted nationwide partner for critical infrastructure projects.

Scaling Through People

With over 3,000 employees today, Utilities One's rapid growth is deeply rooted in its commitment to attracting and nurturing talent. Serghei emphasizes the importance of building a strong leadership team, highlighting COO Joseph DiMelis’s pivotal role in bringing skilled leaders who share his vision.

Serghei's journey as a cable technician gives him a unique ability to relate to his employees. He understands the challenges they face, from working in extreme conditions to handling customer pressure.

"I know what it's like to work in a 100-degree attic in Florida with customer pressure. That experience helps me connect with my team on a personal level," Serghei shares.

The Grit-Driven Culture at Utilities One

At Utilities One, success is driven by a culture of hard work and grit. Drawing inspiration from his background in mixed martial arts, Serghei fosters a mindset of perseverance and continuous improvement.

"We may not always be the smartest in the room, but we will outwork everyone else," he says. "Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard."

This culture has resulted in exceptional employee retention, with many team members staying with the company since its inception. Examples like Ivan Galkin, who rose from technician to Vice President, illustrate the opportunities for growth within the organization.

Training the Utilities One Way

Utilities One's approach to training is unconventional yet effective. Instead of following external models, the company emphasizes hands-on challenges to help employees reach their full potential. Serghei describes the philosophy as "shooting for the moon and landing among the stars."

The training focuses on:

• Pushing Limits: Challenging employees to step outside their comfort zones.

• Learning from Failure: Encouraging employees to embrace failure as a stepping stone to success.

• Leadership Development: Supporting team members to grow into leadership roles.

"Without failure, there are no winners. It's about learning, improving, and winning again," Serghei says.

Diversification into Adjacent Industries

While telecom remains the core focus, Utilities One is making strategic moves into power delivery, renewable energy, and water infrastructure. These industries align with national priorities such as the Biden Administration's carbon pollution-free goals by 2035 and net-zero emissions by 2050.

Key Growth Areas

• Power Delivery: Enhancing power grids to support AI, EVs, and smarter infrastructure.

• Renewable Energy: Developing solar farms, wind turbines, and sustainable energy projects.

• Water Services: Addressing the need for clean water through pipeline construction and water meter installations.

A Vision for the Future

Serghei's vision for Utilities One is both ambitious and inspiring. He aims to establish the company as a global leader in critical infrastructure. Current international initiatives include rebuilding residential areas in Ukraine and exploring opportunities in South America.

"The vision for Utilities One is to be a partner of choice for critical infrastructure, not just in the U.S., but globally," Serghei states.

Lessons from the Podcast

1. Start Small, Think Big: Serghei's journey shows the power of starting with what you have and scaling through vision and perseverance.

2. Prioritize Team Development: Investing in your people creates a strong foundation for growth.

3. Diversify Strategically: Expanding into adjacent industries ensures long-term sustainability and relevance.

4. Lead by Example: Relating to your team through shared experiences fosters trust and loyalty.

Listen to the Full Podcast

For a deeper dive into these insights, tune in to 5G Talent Talk with Carrie Charles. Discover how Serghei Busmachiu and Utilities One are shaping the future of critical infrastructure with innovation, determination, and leadership.