Chris Grundemann - Episode 152

This week, we had the privilege of hosting networking luminary Chris Grundemann on The Route to Networking Podcast. With a career spanning over two decades, Chris has made serious contributions to the industry, from founding his own consulting firm to co-creating The Network Automation Forum and FullCtl, his deep expertise and passion for networking are evident in every project he undertakes.

“So, when I was pretty young, my dad brought home a Texas Instruments computer…So I did learn, you know, a little bit of basic programming…almost at the same time I was learning how to read and write and do math… it was just kind of part of part of growing up” 

Growing up amidst the burgeoning computer revolution, Grundemann developed a keen interest in technology. In his early 20’s, faced with the responsibilities of a young family, he found himself working to make ends meet. It wasn’t until later that he considered pursuing a career in networking. He worked in a concrete plant programming PLC equipment and in low voltage wiring installing speaker cabling in new homes. Through this work he quickly caught the attention of a wireless service provider owner. Impressed by his skills, the owner confidently hired Chris and dismissed the entire technical staff.  

“And then I was me just figuring the whole thing out. So, I learned a ton, and an experience I wouldn't want to relive, but I'm grateful for having in my life.”

Unlike many professionals in the networking space, Chris's understanding of networks was primarily self-taught, driven by his willingness to learn and solidified through his hands-on experience. He shares that those early moments existed in a different paradigm, where there was no YouTube or TikTok and no one really knew what to do. 

“There was a time … for a few years where you just had to, like, be willing to not know what you were doing and still try it anyway.”

Chris is a master of time management and productivity, juggling a seemingly endless number of commitments and ventures with ease. His secret to accomplishing so much? A combination of time blocking and automating habits, as he openly admits. By strategically allocating his time and streamlining routine tasks, Chris has found a way to tackle his ambitious goals head-on.

Listen to Chris’s full career journey on this week’s episode of The Route to Networking Podcast. 

On Spotify: https://shorturl.at/vOYUs

On Apple: https://shorturl.at/RNzLF

Find out more about Chris here: 

• chrisgrundemann.com
• fullctl.com  
• networkautomation.forum