Q+A with Steven Hill

How do you describe your job to people outside of the industry?

I design the technology and security infrastructure – the cabling, connectivity, and devices like cameras, card readers, WiFi – so a new building works the way everyone expects it to work.

Why did you decide to become an engineer?

I never made the decision; my career path made it for me. I started as the guy who would pull, build, or fix cables for mainframe terminals and serial printers. When our first Local Area Network was being planned, I installed the cabling. To document it, I learned AutoCAD. To do things right, I got my BICSI RCDD (Registered Communications Distributions Designer) certification. Things just went from there.

How would you describe life at Ghafari?

Challenging, in a great way. I like to always be learning new things, and this kind of job makes it an imperative rather than just a nice goal.

What is the most exciting thing that has happened during your time here?

I always love to see photographs of completed projects, especially massive undertakings like the Turkish airport.

What is a key idea or lesson you have learned while working at Ghafari?

Know your limitations but always set out to exceed them.

How do you like to spend your free time?

I have too many hobbies. I’m a movie buff and collector of movie memorabilia. I’m an author of three books (two on horror movies made from 1920 to 1951, and one related to the TV show Doctor Who). I’m the MC and program director of an annual Doctor Who convention. I’ve made movies (look me up on IMDb). The only time I can really call “free” is usually spent watching movies with my wife.