About Fibersmith Engineering
Founded in 2013, Fibersmith specializes in engineering and consulting services tailored to rural internet service providers (ISPs), competitive local exchange carriers (CLECs), government entities, and other organizations committed to expanding fiber optic connectivity.
What began as a two-person operation managing inspectors, resident engineers, and funding paperwork has grown into a skilled team of designers, engineers, field inspectors, and consultants. Together, we bring decades of experience to every project.
Our longstanding partnership with Joseph D. Fail Engineering Company on several previous projects led us to join forces with the company in July 2023. Fibersmith’s acquisition of JDFEC brings more than 50 years of expertise to Fibersmith’s operations and enables our companies to scale into new markets and utilize the skills of both sets of talented employees.
At Fibersmith, we excel in all facets of telecommunications, with a focus on fiber optic design and implementation—particularly GPON networks. Our expertise also spans wireless and copper systems, allowing us to deliver comprehensive solutions.
Our services encompass a comprehensive range of expertise tailored to the needs of fiber optic projects. We specialize in network design and engineering, including inside and outside plant construction, broadband delivery systems, and related infrastructure. With a focus on quality and efficiency, our project supervision ensures that construction adheres to the highest standards and stays on schedule.
Fibersmith has also supported clients through the RDOF funding process, both successfully securing and implementing broadband expansion in underserved areas. Today, we continue that legacy by assisting current clients with BEAD funding applications, ensuring they are well-positioned to benefit from federal and state broadband initiatives.
By partnering with trusted manufacturers, distributors, and industry leaders, Fibersmith secures the resources necessary to turn visions into reality. Our operator-focused approach ensures we deliver practical, scalable solutions, tailored to meet the unique challenges of every client.
Our Leadership Team
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Donny Smith
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Donny Smith came to work in the telecommunications industry via a circuitous route. His entrepreneurial spirit led to years as a cattle exporter that created his signature Stetson cowboy hat look.
Donny would later go on to spend time as a programmer at IBM, and eventually to work on the first fiber-to-the-home project at Jaguar Communications.
His attempt at retirement was interrupted by continued communication from young entrepreneurs in the telecom industry hoping to learn from his success. Donny re-entered the telecom landscape to found Fibersmith in 2013, expanding fiber design and construction into rural areas.
Donny received a Bachelor of Science in computer science and an MBA from the University of Rochester.
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Nicholas Peña
VICE PRESIDENT
Nicholas Peña has more than 20 years of experience in the telecommunications industry. What started as a position in a call center eventually developed into a career designing fiber networks.
He joined the Fibersmith team in 2013 and now works alongside internet service providers and contractors to design and build fiber networks nationwide — often in rural areas with limited broadband access. He is deeply familiar with the grant and loan application and construction process, as well as the operational challenges faced by providers of all sizes.
Nicholas received his Bachelor of Science in computer information systems from Columbia College.
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Jennifer Gilman
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Jen Gilman brings over 15 years of extensive experience in management and tactical business leadership, specializing in service teams working as trusted partners to independent businesses across the globe.
She is well versed in managing and participating in large organizational projects to identify and improve process efficiency, standardization of work, IT optimization and employee skills flexibility. In her previous work she managed a ten-million-dollar budget with more than 70 direct reports, twice earning the highest level of recognition awarded by the company.
She now applies these same organizational talents building a productive customer-focused team committed to achieving outstanding service and design standards.
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Bob Fenlason
PRESIDENT
Bob has been with JDFEC since 2011. He has managed projects totaling more than $250 million over the past few years, including preparing contracts and bids, establishing project timelines, scheduling installations and inspections and more. He has also designed thousands of miles of fiber construction - both aerial and underground. He has extensive experience in fiber design, contractors, material vendors, regulatory filings, outside plant construction transport, access networks and wireless networks.