Top tower broker Tom Engel leaves behind decades of deals—and deep respect from a grateful industry

In Featured News by Wireless Estimator

Tom Engel one of the most successful tower brokers in America passes.

Well-known and highly respected communications tower broker Tom Engel, 80, of Puyallup, WA, passed away on May 28, 2025, leaving behind his loving wife Shana, and their son, Derrick, and years of fond memories from his co-founder partner Jody McCoy of Strategic Tower Advisors, tower owners and others who worked with him since 1972 in the media business. According to McCoy, Engel passed due to respiratory complications.

After successful leadership stints in the cable television and cellular phone business, Engel started selling towers in the early 1990s. He was one of the first individuals to carve out a niche in tower brokerage and was recognized as the most experienced tower broker in the nation.

During that time, he earned the respect of tower companies, large and small, with his integrity and detailed knowledge of the industry. Tower consolidators trusted Engel and respected his deal-making skills and thorough service from due diligence to closing.

One client, Subcarrier Communications, benefited from Engel’s expertise, and its CEO, John Paleski, was saddened by his passing, but he took comfort in the remembrance of their three-decade association.

“I remember Tom calling me one day and asking if he could work with us in our quest to purchase broadcast towers around the nation. I quickly found out he was one of the best brokers in the country,” said Paleski.

“Our relationship continued for 30 years, and during that time, we closed over $20 million worth of transactions. Tom played a significant role at Subcarrier Communications. He helped us grow geographically and expand our client base. Tom had a gifted knack for closing deals. He effectively worked both sides until the deal was done. We feel a tremendous sense of loss given our long-term relationship and history. We will surely miss Tom,” added Paleski.

Engel had completed over 300 media-related transactions as a buyer, seller, advisor, or broker, totaling more than $1 billion, and had been involved in raising over $500 million in debt and equity for various entities.

He began his career in the media business in 1972, working for American Television & Communications. He served as CEO, COO, President, and VP of Bauce Cellular One, Jones Intercable, the Pat Thompson Company, MaxTel, Leonard International, and various Milestone Companies.

Engel, a graduate of the University of Wisconsin, had provided expert testimony to the Library of Congress and the U.S. Copyright Tribunal. He had also served as director and president of several communications trade associations, authored numerous articles in various trade journals, and presented on multiple panels related to towers, cellular, and cable television. His international experience includes Asia, the UK, and the South Pacific.