60 seconds with John Dundas

John Dundas, director at Dundastech, talks about his career in the two-way radio sector, with a focus on providing major sporting events with wireless communications

How do you spend most of your time at work?

This all depends on the project. With something like the Olympics it’s near enough 24/7 as you are always thinking about the ‘what ifs’. On more normal projects I’d say its completing reports, carrying out surveys/analysis and working on my ‘to do’ list.

Describe your most unforgettable project.

It has to be Rio. The size of the project, the variety of locations/solutions and the challenges that had to be faced on a daily basis.

What’s the most unusual thing you’ve seen while working in the radio sector?

While on a site visit in Minnesota a notice on the door to the roof warned about nesting birds. What they didn’t tell you was the birds were American bald eagles and the nest was in the metalwork of a large billboard.

What advice would you give to a young radio engineer who’s starting their first job in the industry?

I would say keep an open mind. Learn from the people around you. Keep up-to-date with the various solutions that are being provided by the various radio manufacturers.

How has your role changed since you started working within the radio industry?

I started off in technical sales and moved my way up the ladder in various companies. In 2015 I started my own consultancy company so I am now a company owner and director.

What do you do in your free time to relax?

If I am away on a project and have free time I like to explore the city I am in. Any other time it will be feet up watching a good boxset on TV or going out to the cinema.

Dundas started Dundastech in 2015 as he believed there was gap in the market for someone to provide radio and spectrum help on mega-sporting events. Prior to that he was radio and spectrum manager for the Toronto 2015 Pan America/ParaPan Games.