NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association has released a new video that highlights the skill, safety, and teamwork on display at the 2025 Tough Tower Event in North Jackson, Ohio, held in June. The annual competition, built around real-world tasks in climbing, safety, rescue, rigging, installation, and speed, is designed to showcase the technicians who keep America’s communications networks running.
“The Tough Tower Event is all about highlighting the men and women that make our industry great,” said Chris Thomas, event partner and Owner/CEO of Tri County Tower, LLC. “These are the folks that are the backbone of our nation’s communications infrastructure, and we want to shine a spotlight on the skill and dedication of tower technicians.”
This year’s field featured seven two-person teams from across the country. Preliminary rounds took place on June 5, with semifinal and final rounds on June 6.
Verità takes grand prize
TOUGH TOWER CLIMBERS John Martinez, at left, and Michael Flynn won the competition’s top prize on Sunday, as well as sharing $7,500 for displaying their skill and industry knowledge. Both climbers have 12 years of experience in the industry.
Champion: Verità Telecommunications Corporation (Plymouth, MI) — John Martinez and Michael Flynn, who won the $7,500 grand prize and premium harnesses from event sponsor FallTech
Second Place: Elevated Services (Carrollton, OH) — Chris Pierce and Steven Kirsch
Third Place: FordCom Wireless (East Palestine, OH) — led by Frankie Newman and Chris Smith
All three winning teams also received prize packs from NATE, a top event sponsor. “The NATE organization is thrilled to be part of this event because it highlights tower technicians—their competencies, their skillsets—it highlights the workforce that keeps all industries running smoothly,” said Jessica Cobb, NATE board member.
Full 2025 Field
Tech Construction (Huntingdon Valley, PA): Siarhei Rushnyski, Dzmitry Lebedz
American Power Tower (Ashtabula, OH): Mike Bryson and his son Cole — returning after a third-place finish last year
Liberty (West Jordan, UT): Rodney Wozab, Michael Downward
SBA Communications (Boca Raton, FL): Curtis Robinson, Ryan Salisbury — SBA produced last year’s champions, Joe Hayes and Ethan Preston
Beyond the leaderboard, the video and event enhance safety culture, craftsmanship, and career pathways for tower technicians—disciplines that directly translate to jobsite performance and network reliability. “Tough Tower is about honoring the people who make this industry work from the ground up,” said Thomas. “These teams showcased the kind of craftsmanship, endurance, and respect for safety that this field demands every day.”
Co-founded by Tri-County Tower and STG Communication Services, this year’s gathering also featured hands-on demos and sponsor networking. “As the dust settles on this year’s challenge, one thing is clear: the bar has been raised,” said
