An Example Worth Following

We’re still early in 2026 and with what we’ve seen so far (late February as this letter is being written), it’s fair to say that just about anything could happen this year and little if anything should surprise us. That’s my caveat to the rest of what I’m about to say. Regardless of what happens over the coming 10 months, I suspect that among the most moving and inspirational speeches I’ll hear throughout the year happened January 21. That evening Douglas Sherwood, a BICSI-certified Technician and data center team lead with CBRE, was crowned Installer of the Year for a second consecutive year, and took the podium to address the thousands gathered at BICSI’s Annual Awards Banquet.

Sherwood, who appeared to be as prepared for his speech as he was for the competition he won, combined physical props with heartfelt sentiments while thanking his family for their support through multiple years participating in the Cabling Skills Challenge. I and perhaps others in the audience expected Sherwood’s gratitude for his family to be the totality of his remarks; it was not. With equal passion, he turned his attention to his peers in the information and communications technology (ICT) industry, imploring them on two fronts. First, he addressed fellow competitors in the Skills Challenge, encouraging them to return to the competition next year, and in the meantime sharpen their skills in every way possible so they can improve their performances over what they accomplished this year. He announced that 2026 was his final year competing in the Skills Challenge, guaranteeing a new champion next year.

Douglas then appealed to the assembled crowd—and indeed the industry at large—to dedicate some of their time and capabilities to volunteer efforts within the trade and specifically with BICSI. Like his remarks to Skills Challenge competitors, this appeal from Sherwood is a request for others to follow in his footsteps. His rise from an initially frustrating experience in the competition to the status of repeat champion happened in public for all observers to see. Sherwood’s volunteer efforts on behalf of BICSI Cares and other groups within that association, largely have taken place behind the scenes. His appeal for volunteerism was the furthest thing from a “Look-at-me” moment. Rather, knowing that his victory as Installer of the Year gave him an opportunity on-stage and on-camera to address thousands of people, Douglas Sherwood chose to use that time in the spotlight to plant seeds for later harvest.

“I want to challenge each and every one of you to get involved, give back,” he said in the moment he earned through his own skill and persistence. “BICSI has so many volunteer opportunities. Pick one. Help support BICSI and the future of the ICT community.”

With most of the year still head of us, it’s not too late to keep, or even make, a resolution for 2026. Maybe yours will be to become the next Installer of the Year. Maybe it will be to serve others by offering your time and talents. Either way, Douglas Sherwood is an example worth following.