Meet our team.
Jim LaBrec, President
Jim graduated from Davidson College and holds a BA in Economics. Subsequent to graduation, he held sales and management positions in the reprographics industry. As deregulation in the telecom industry began to take hold, he made the transition to the competitive voice and data marketplace holding positions in branch management, regional director and vice president for both direct and indirect sales organizations. In 2005 he launched Converging Technologies, Inc. providing consulting services in channel sales development for technology firms. Ultimately, he became a partner with One Source Communications, Inc. where he designed, launched and managed the indirect sales channel including a vast group of technology partners and consultants. Jim’s desire to continue to serve the spectrum of companies ranging from SMB to Enterprise as a business owner in a local market led to his purchase of DTEL Telecommunications in 2019.
Jim is blessed to have a wonderful wife and three amazing daughters. He enjoys living on the water, traveling, and restoring classic VW Beetles. He is a past member of C12 Charlotte and is active in philanthropy with organizations such as Apparo.
Danny Satterlee, Director of Operations
Danny is a 2005 graduate of the State University of New York at Alfred, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Network Administration. Danny brings 15 successful years of Business Technology leadership to DTEL, having worked with small-to-medium sized businesses and multi-billion dollar enterprises as well. His technology background, coupled with the business acumen gained in previous leadership roles, complements DTEL’s already highly skilled, dedicated and growing team. Whether it be sales, service, or project management; security cameras, phone system, or network cabling; new installs, office moves, or an overhaul of your end-of-life technologies, feel free to reach out to Danny for assistance in partnering with DTEL and creating a successful long term partnership.
Travis Scoggins, Director of Service Operations
Travis Scoggins is a native to Gastonia with over twenty years’ experience in the technical field. From installation to maintenance to sharing some jokes, Travis is there for your every need. He is known widely for his friendly smile and dedication to building and maintaining customer satisfaction with every phone and surveillance system. When he’s not on the job, he loves listening to music and spending his time outside.
Shawn Blanton, Technical Solution Specialist
Shawn Blanton is from Rutherford County, NC where he has been working in the technology field since 1991. Shawn is happily married and has a combined family of 2 daughters, 3 sons, and 2 grandkids. His hobbies include wood working, small engine repair, and website design. He devotes time to several non-profit organizations, supporting his community and looking forward to meeting new charitable opportunities head-on. Finding his passion in local computer shops, and eventually migrating that passion into a successful small business, Shawn has performed network administration, project planning, server and workstation design and web development for the past three decades. In October of 2009 Shawn went to work for Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy (TJCA) as the IT Director. While at TJCA he began working with TeamCFA, (Challenge Foundation Academies) and supported several schools nationwide. Interestingly enough, Shawn became a customer of DTEL while working with the Charter Schools. Shawn had the foresight to implement Allworx phone systems in the schools, and gained knowledge of the inner workings of telephony systems, thus beginning the DTEL relationship. Fast forward to today, where Shawn has become a part of the team that successfully supported him as a customer.
A story line resulting in a win-win solution that benefits DTEL clients and DTEL staff as well. If you have Allworx, Hikvision, network cabling, Office 365, or just general technology inquiries, Shawn is prepared and ready to anticipate your every need. Give him a call today!
Field Engineers
Our field engineers come from a diverse background of cabling, IT, telephony, A/V and construction services to name a few. We are proud of our tenure and professionalism in the field and look forward to the opportunity to service our clients with excellence.
Charlie Peninger, Technical Sales Consultant
On May 28th, 2021, Charlie retired after serving DTEL for 25 years. He will continue to be a part of the family.
Charlie Peninger is a Gastonia native who served in the US Navy for four years as a communications electrician until he was honorably discharged in 1979. Charlie was then hired by Sothern Bell and continued to work there for 11 years. His education includes an AA degree at Central Piedmont Community College on the GII Bill while working full time. Charlie came to work for DTEL in July 1995 and purchased the company in 1996. DTEL was named “Small Business of the Year” by the Gaston Regional Chamber in 2015 and sold to Jim LaBrec in 2018. During his career, his civic involvement included serving on the board of Cornerstone Christian Center, later A.C.P.P., the Gaston Regional Chamber board of directors, past president and board member of the Gastonia Rotary Club, where I was named a Paul Harris Fellow, a member of American Legion Post #23 and he is an Eagle Scout. Charlie is married to Ann Tucker Peninger and together they have two daughters and two granddaughters. Peninger enjoys just about anything outdoors, especially the NC mountains.
Nancy Thomas, Office Manager
Nancy Thomas has worked with DTEL for 19 years, currently serving as the company’s office manager. Prior to joining DTEL, Nancy has worked in accounting and customer-service at Jo-mar spinning and taught in a preschool, with degrees from Western Carolina University and University of North Carolina Charlotte. Outside the office, she loves to spend time outside with her dog and cheering on the Panthers.
