Craig Lekutis, Publisher of Wireless Estimator, and former Tower Family Foundation Board of Directors member, was recognized as the 2026 Guardian Award recipient presented by the Foundation at the NATE UNITE 2026 Awards Luncheon in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The Guardian Award recognizes a volunteer who has demonstrated noteworthy, consistent volunteerism in support of the Tower Family Foundation and its beneficiaries. Lekutis served as Secretary/Treasurer of the Board from February 2018 to February 2024 and recently rejoined the Foundation as a member of the Advisory Committee.
“Craig’s dedication to the Tower Family Foundation and to the families we serve extends far beyond his tenure on the Board of Directors. He is often the first to reach out when a fatality or accident occurs, ensuring the Foundation is informed quickly and can respond without delay,” said Kenny Blakeslee, Tower Family Foundation President.
“Behind the scenes, Craig works tirelessly to connect affected families with the Foundation, helping them access the vital financial bridge we provide. His commitment and volunteerism lighten the burdens of tower workers and their loved ones during their most vulnerable moments,” added Blakeslee.
“Craig’s diligence and early communication outreach make our Advisory Committee’s work possible. His support allows us to act swiftly for families in crisis, and we are grateful for his unwavering commitment,” stated Todd Schlekway, Tower Family Foundation Advisory Committee member and President & CEO of NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association.
Since its inception in 2014, the Tower Family Foundation has awarded over $3.4 million in donations and scholarships to eligible tower workers and their families. To learn more about the Tower Family Foundation, visit towerfamilyfoundation.org.
Lekutis began his career in journalism and, after a newspaper chain acquired the two weekly publications he founded, transitioned into the wireless infrastructure industry with Ellis Tower Company in 1984. He also served as a founding director of NATE when it was founded in 1995.
Following his tenure as American Tower’s National Director of Contractor Development, he launched WirelessEstimator.com in 2004, now a widely respected news and information platform dedicated to advancing contractor interests and promoting workplace safety.
His all-time favorite proverb is Maya Angelou’s: “I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back.”
The Tower Family Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization whose mission is to provide financial assistance to communications infrastructure workers and their family members in the aftermath of job-related accidents or fatalities, and to fund education scholarship opportunities for eligible industry communications infrastructure workers, their family members, and dependents.
