UPDATE – April 9, 2024 – A Celebration of Life is being planned for Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Elkhart Indian Motorcycle, 3016 Brittany Ct, Elkhart, IN, where family and friends are welcome to gather in celebration of Scott Allen Krouse, who passed away on April 1, 2024.
A Celebration of Life for Scott Krouse will be held on June 29, 2024.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be sent to Elkhart IMRG Chapter #1986, C/O Elkhart Indian Motorcycle, 3016 Brittany Court, Elkhart, Indiana 46514, for their work toward the benefit of Veterans and the rescue of young Female Survivors of Sex Trafficking.
Scott Krouse, a revered friend of many and a leading advocate for the wireless infrastructure industry, passed away on April 1, 2024, in Indianapolis, Indiana, at age 69, after a short illness.
He leaves a legacy of professional achievements and a community of colleagues who respected his contributions to the wireless communications field. Most importantly, he is remembered for his friendship that quickly developed once you met him and his extensive industry knowledge, often interspersed with his inventive, rolling humor.
Scott began his notable career in the tower industry at tower manufacturer Rohn in February 1985, initially working in the customer service/shipping department. Over almost four decades, Scott’s career evolved through various roles, including construction contracts administration and international sales, before culminating in his leadership at the NATE Wireless Industry Network (WIN).
In April 2000, Scott joined tower manufacturer PiRod as a national accounts manager, a role that expanded under Valmont Industries to include regional sales management for structures and components. His work with Site Pro 1, a subsidiary of Valmont Industries, further solidified his impact on the industry through successful customer base development in multiple territories.
Scott’s association with NATE – The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association was marked by significant contributions, including his involvement with the NATE Trade Show Committee and his pivotal role in establishing and directing the WIN program in 2016, with over 60 industry ambassadors and liaisons.
His efforts were instrumental in organizing NATE WIN Regional Conferences and representing NATE at various industry events.
Following his retirement in April 2021, Scott continued to engage with the sector as a retired NATE member and would represent NATE at other industry associations’ events.
He looked forward to attending the NAB show on April 13 in Las Vegas.
Diane Mueller, account executive at CITCA – The Communications Industry Training Academy, shared some fond memories of Scott.
“He always lit up the room with his infectious smile and laughter. And not to mention his quick wit and sense of humor. He planned many great motorcycle trips and looked forward to finally taking his Alaskan Cruise this fall. He will truly be missed, and I am grateful for the years of friendship we shared,” said Mueller.
“The NATE community extends our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Scott’s family and friends during this time of mourning. I was blessed to call Scott a friend and colleague when he served as our first NATE Wireless Industry Network Director on staff,” said Todd Schlekeway, CEO & President of NATE.
“Scott possessed a gregarious personality and an innate ability to connect with NATE members and stakeholders from throughout the industry. The association is grateful for Scott’s indelible contributions to our organization and the industry,” said Schlekeway.
Casey Banner, CEO of contracting firm Banner Enterprise, said he and Scott had conversations that typically drifted to motorcycle stories. “He did tell me the biggest reason for retiring was to spend more time on two wheels. He was a great man and always took the time out of his day to speak to you,” Banner said.
When NATE COO Paula Nurnberg joined the association in 1995, Scott was among the first to welcome her onboard, and she later got to work with him side-by-side for five years as he successfully developed the WIN program.
“Scott created bonds with NATE staff, members, and industry colleagues wherever life led him. While working with Scott, I gained a keen insight into his talents, hobbies, love of life, motorcycles, drive, and successes. He was a tremendous individual and friend who genuinely cared for people,” Nurnberg said.
Among his many talents, Scott possessed an FM disc jockey’s voice, and when presented with a keyboard, he became a maestro of melodies. In February 2023, Scott was honored as a recipient of the prestigious NATE Chairman’s Coin at the NATE UNITE 2023 Conference in Orlando, Florida.
When Scott’s NATE family learned of his failing health and that he had been hospitalized last Wednesday in intensive care, dozens of his friends began emailing their associates, knowing that there is power in prayer.
While they hoped and prayed for Scott’s recovery and presence, the Lord’s plan differed from theirs. On Monday, Scott was called to a more peaceful place beyond their understanding, where comfort and serenity embrace those called home in ways we can only imagine.
“Welcome, Scott, my friend. Nice Indian wheels,” says St. Peter. “Could I trouble you to tell some of my friends that hilarious tunic-splitting joke you told at the Panama City regional conference about the PIM testing Luddite who …”.
Services for Scott are currently being planned and will be provided by Wireless Estimator when they are available.
Tributes to Scott can be viewed and posted on LinkedIn.