• Posted: January 19, 2022

Spending the first 13 years of his career at a wireless design and management company, where he interfaced with electrical contractors to implement communication installation services, Thomas Pedergnana noticed a gap in the marketplace for contractors that were knowledgeable about Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS).

“I had partnered with a large number of electrical contractors on projects and developed a long list of ‘lessons learned.’ So I developed a business plan to build a wireless installation division with the right electrical contractor,” said Pedergnana, Vice President at Malko Communication Systems.  “After interfacing with quite a few contractors, Malko and I came to an agreement, so I came on board to start their wireless division.”

After helping to build the wireless division at the Chicago-based company, Pedergnana’s duties expanded, eventually leading to a leadership role at the company. Now more than eight years later, Malko’s unique dedication to innovation, hard work and putting the customer first keeps the company at the forefront of the communication installation services industry.

“Going back 95 years ago, the founder of the company started off converting homes and businesses from gas to electric. So if we look at it back then, there was nothing more cutting edge than electricity,” said Pedergnana. “What’s really helped Malko thrive through almost a century was always looking at emerging trends and technologies and anticipating the needs of the marketplace.”

Other examples of this commitment to innovation include creating innovative technologies to launch businesses, working with fiber optic cabling when it first came out, taking on security systems as they transition from analog to digital, and more. Pedergnana credits Malko’s focus on integrated systems with being a point of differentiation for the company today.

“We’re able to provide complete turnkey systems. We will handle the planning, design or design assist, installation, commissioning, programming and/or maintenance of these different technology systems. We’re not just an installation company. We are a one-stop-shop where we can interface with the customer or another electrical partner to help bring these systems to a project.”

While other contractors will subcontract a variety of systems, Malko has the unique ability to handle all systems in-house, offering turnkey services. They often partner with other electrical contractors to help them capture additional scope for these advanced systems. Through this turnkey approach and partnerships, they realize efficiencies in how they install and maintain systems. Examples include technicians roughing in cable for multiple systems simultaneously, for designers to be mindful of other systems for raceway, or connections or testing. This integrated approach allows Malko to efficiently and proactively navigate projects. 

When asked what the “gas to electric” conversion is in today’s marketplace, Pedergnana answered.

“Our wireless team is working with new and upcoming technologies, so there’s private LTE and CBRS (​​Citizens Broadband Radio Service) networks. We’re working with 5G technologies, as that’s being rolled out in the marketplace. We’re working with IOT, which is the internet of things, which is machine to machine communications. And then the other thing we’re considering cutting edge (as it’s not the typical design approach) is the ability to converge multiple systems together within a single/converged cabling infrastructure. If planned and installed properly, a converged network solution can provide a wide variety of benefits. A single cabling infrastructure can reduce costs, reduce footprints, streamline raceway, lower electrical consumption, and help build for the future.”

As technologies continue to evolve, Malko’s deep expertise and size are also points of differentiation. Malko employs around 100 people, but their reach and capabilities far exceed their size because of their partnerships with other union electrical contractors, systems integrators, and technology partners.

“We’re large enough to handle any sized project, but we’re small enough to provide a custom and complete solution, And a hands-on approach,” said Pedergnana. “This is all we do. So we definitely provide a custom approach and we have a company principal involved in every single project. The fact that we have executive level oversight on all of our projects shows the level of care and support that we provide as an organization.”

If you’re looking for a reputable partner in the area of communication installation services, look no further than Malko Communications Services.