Brook Briner, telecommunications technician in IS infrastructure, retires on May 22 after a career that spanned more than 40 years, the last eight of which were spent at Akron Children’s.
Brook Briner, telecommunications technician in Akron Children’s information systems infrastructure, entered high school at an exciting time. The digital age was the “next big thing,” and Brook’s dad knew it. A person who understood wiring systems would play an integral part in the digital world.
“I wanted to become an auto mechanic, but my Dad encouraged me to study electricity,” said Brook, who attended Maplewood Career Center in Ravenna, Ohio. “It allowed me to find a job as an electrician right out of high school.”
During a career that spanned more than four decades, Brook has worked in telecommunications, maintaining phone systems for multiple corporations. He has watched the industry shift from analog to digital and, more recently, to digital intelligence with systems that support the Internet of Things (IoT), Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and 5G connectivity.
After eight years at Akron Children’s, Brook retires on May 22. His wife, Paula, retires on the same day. They plan to spend time with family, do puzzles, fish and travel. In fact, the couple, who are high school sweethearts, will celebrate their 41st wedding anniversary this year and are planning a trip to Hawaii. Brook, who enjoys NASCAR races, also plans to go to as many drag races as he can.
What brought you to Children’s?
I was a contractor, helping Children’s on their Nortel PBX phone system. Everyone was so friendly at Children’s. When Chuck Reid, a retired telecommunications tech, told me about an opening, I applied. Russ Johnson, who recently retired, interviewed and hired me.
Brook Briner and his wife, Paula, like to travel. The couple plans to travel to Hawaii this year.
What was going on in your life then?
I worked for another company and commuted from Uniontown to Cleveland. A shorter commute and working closer to home appealed to me. My son, Douglas, was a senior in mechanical engineering at The Ohio State University and applying for jobs. My wife and I worked full-time and either spent weekends visiting our son or working on projects. I still remember how we painstakingly sanded, primed and painted our old kitchen cabinets.
What have your biggest contributions been while here?
I’ve been involved with many renovation projects as Akron Children’s expanded to other cities and counties. In 2018, I spent a lot of time and effort to plan and work with our vendor to successfully complete an expansive upgrade of the Nortel phone system to an IP (Internet Protocol) telephony system architecture. The new platform was installed at Akron Children’s Beeghly and Akron campuses. I also take pride in the many projects I have participated in as Akron Children’s Pediatrics and Behavioral Health sites were added. Each brought more connectivity and increased functions that benefitted Children’s as we expanded.
How has Akron Children’s changed since you started here?
Despite all our growth, I see our providers and staff continuing to be “patient friendly” and welcoming to patients and their families, as well as employees. The friendly, welcoming culture is why I applied at Children’s in the first place.
What gave you the most satisfaction at work?
Knowing that I may have helped make someone’s day by taking care of an issue that was causing them grief. They have bigger worries than whether a phone works or not!
Brook Briner and his son, Douglas, at The Ohio State University with a “Briner” football jersey – number 16 for 2016, the year Douglas graduated.
What’s your most memorable moment at Akron Children’s?
I was excited to be recognized by another employee for a “job well done” as part of the “It’s the Little Things That Count” program.
With so many little children here, did someone or something especially touch your heart?
Every time I work on a phone in a sick child’s room and see them connected to the monitoring equipment, it pulls at me. I am continuously reminded of how blessed my wife and I have been to have a son who was healthy throughout his childhood.
What’s your idea of a perfect day?
Getting up whenever I want and drinking coffee while watching taped NASCAR races. Then making my wife her favorite breakfast, taking a walk together, swimming at our community pool and grilling our dinner as the sun sets.
Do you have any advice for people just starting at Children’s?
Just remember that whatever you do, it is always for the kids.
Brook Briner and his son enjoy attending drag races. They are pictured here at the Norwalk Raceway starting line.
What couldn’t you live without?
My wife and son. They are my heart and soul, and I am so grateful for them both!
What do you like to do when you’re not at work?
Besides going to the drag races, I’m always watching and rooting for the Ohio State Buckeyes and Lake High School football team. I go to the games, even though my son is no longer there. I will forever be a Lake Blue Streaks fan!
