Celebrating Our Top Xplorers: Q1 & Q2 Champions of Connectivity

We’re thrilled to announce the winners of our Top Xplorer Award for Q1 and Q2! These outstanding team members have gone above and beyond to embody Xplore’s core values of customer focus, teamwork, integrity, accountability, and innovation. Their dedication has not only improved our services but also made a tangible difference in the lives of Canadians living in rural communities. From ensuring seamless connectivity in the most remote areas to coming up with creative solutions that keep our customers connected, these individuals have shown what it means to be a true Xplorer. Stay tuned as we share their stories and celebrate their achievements, proving once again that with Xplore, better, faster internet is not just a promise—it’s a reality.

Patrice Fendley: Championing Team Spirit and Customer Care

Patrice Fendley has been with Xplore since March 2017, serving as a Customer Care Team Manager. With over 15 years in telecommunications and sales, she discovered Xplore through a radio ad. Patrice loves boosting her team’s morale and motivating them to exceed their goals. She ensures her team feels heard and supported, believing that her positive energy directly impacts their performance.

Patrice’s role is crucial in driving positive customer experiences. Through consistent coaching and accountability, she ensures her agents deliver the best interactions with customers. She believes that a positive attitude is a skill that can be cultivated and spread, leading to better customer service.

What sets Xplore apart for Patrice is the unwavering support from her colleagues, especially the leadership of Wendy Tremblay, Xplore’s Senior Manager of Customer Care in Fredericton. She feels truly supported and valued, which makes a significant difference in her work life.

Originally from Ontario, Patrice moved east at 11. She enjoys the balance of living in a semi-rural area, appreciating the slower pace and nature’s beauty. Patrice loves collecting rocks and leaves in the forest, buying plants, gardening, cooking, and living a healthy lifestyle.

Her coffee maker and her team motivate her every morning. She looks forward to finding wins throughout the day and making a positive impact. Her proudest career moment was becoming a manager at Xplore, a role she initially thought was beyond her reach. Winning the Top Xplorer Award for Q1 was a significant achievement, as it was the first time she felt truly recognized for being herself.

A heartfelt tribute from her colleague, David Jordan, highlights Patrice’s supportive nature:

“Ever since I've joined your team you've been supportive, and encouraging of my desires and dreams. Its been a rough ride over the last few months for me outside of work. When I checked my mail on Saturday, I had a letter addressed to myself, with the return address being the work office. Of course, my anxiety wouldn't let me not low-key panic over this letter, especially as the envelop was hand written. Upon opening the envelop, I discovered a card and a pin. I have never before had a Manager who gave a "physical" version of "I support you". Patrice, you are hands down, the best team manager I've personally had in any Call Centre job. <3” -David Jordan, Customer Care

Jeff E: A Journey of Growth and Dedication at Xplore

Jeff E has been a dedicated member of the Xplore team since 2013. Starting as a Customer Service Representative in Fredericton, NB, Jeff’s journey at Xplore has seen him take on various roles, including Technical Support Agent, Employee Coach, and Manager of the Customer Care Quality Assurance program. For the past five years, he has been an analyst in the Billing and Collections team, handling day-to-day activities for subscribers. Recently, Jeff transitioned to the Marketing team, where he supports the newly launched door-to-door team.

Jeff’s favourite part about working at Xplore is the people. He has had the opportunity to work with many talented individuals who have helped him grow professionally. In his current role, Jeff leverages data to improve customer experiences, constantly seeking ways to enhance service quality.

Originally from Saint John, NB, Jeff lived in Fredericton for ten years before settling in the small rural town of St. Stephen, NB, where he is raising his four-year-old daughter. He loves the rural lifestyle, especially the outdoor activities and coastal views it offers. Outside of work, Jeff enjoys maintaining his 100+ year old home and spending time with his daughter.

Jeff’s proudest career moment was landing his current role in Marketing, a position he had been striving for over the past five years. His dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed. Xplore’s Marketing & Sales Analyst, Becca Carter, who nominated Jeff for the Top Xplorer Award, praised his accountability and his integral role in developing the door-to-door sales program.

Francois Major: Mastering IT Challenges and Supporting Xplore’s Mission

Francois Major has been with Xplore for nearly seven years, currently serving as the Service Desk Manager. His team handles all end-user support within the business. Originally from Montreal, Francois grew up in Cornwall and sought a quieter, small-town life, which led him to Xplore. He started in a leadership role at his previous company and worked his way back up at Xplore.

Francois loves the constant challenges his job presents. Supporting the business internally means dealing with a variety of issues and continuously learning and improving. He enjoys the diverse nature of IT, which involves every aspect of the business, from HR and recruiting to security.

Although his role doesn’t directly impact customers, Francois ensures quicker turnaround times for internal employees, helping them get the right tools and fixing issues efficiently. This internal support enables front-line agents and field workers to better serve customers, ultimately contributing to Xplore’s mission of providing better, faster internet.

What sets Xplore apart for Francois is its focus on providing rural internet, unlike other telecom companies he has worked for. He appreciates the company’s dedication to serving rural communities.

Outside of work, Francois enjoys spending time with family and friends, computer gaming, hockey, and learning about technology. His proudest career moments include receiving the Top Xplorer award and other team achievement awards, which recognize his contributions to major projects and milestones.

Xplore's VP, IT, Program Management & Security, Cheryl Brunato, who nominated Francois, praised his innovative solutions and willingness to go above and beyond.

Becca Carter: Transforming Data into Insights and Driving Success at Xplore

Becca has been a dedicated member of the Xplore team for five years, currently serving as a Marketing & Sales Data Analyst for the past year and a half. Her journey with Xplore began when her husband, who joined the company a year before her, recommended it due to his positive experience.

Becca loves helping her colleagues understand Sales & Marketing initiatives by explaining data in an accessible way. She finds joy in making complex information clear and useful for everyone. What sets Xplore apart for her is the genuine care the leadership teams show for their employees, both professionally and personally.

Originally from Northern New Brunswick, Becca now lives outside Fredericton, NB. She enjoys the rural lifestyle, especially the starry nights and easy access to the NB trail system, where she and her husband can ride their ATVs straight from their driveway into the woods. Outside of work, Becca loves reading.

Every morning, Becca is motivated by the importance of her first task: preparing reports for Xplore’s Executive Leadership team and other departments. These reports are crucial for business decisions, and she takes pride in delivering them promptly.

Becca’s proudest career moment came when she stepped up to take over many responsibilities from her previous manager, who left the company. Despite being in her role for only six months, she successfully managed the additional workload and kept the analytics operations running smoothly.

Jill Glenn, the Inside Sales Manager who nominated Becca, praised her willingness to help and her proactive approach. Becca’s ability to spot anomalies and correct errors has significantly benefited the team, showcasing her dedication and expertise. Her positive attitude and commitment to continuous improvement make her an invaluable asset to Xplore.

Daniel P: Driving Excellence Through Teamwork and Precision

Daniel P has been with Xplore since 2017, working as a data analyst in the back office. He joined the company when it opened in Cornwall, referred by a previous manager from another call center.

Daniel loves working with different work groups at Xplore. He finds the people supportive and appreciates the many opportunities for growth. The teamwork and willingness to help each other make it a positive experience.

In his role, Daniel focuses on reporting for the back office. His reports assist leadership in making decisions that impact customers. He coordinates different initiatives, ensuring they are handled properly and communicated effectively. His work includes upgrading customers to the best options available and auditing to ensure package changes are accurate.

What sets Xplore apart for Daniel is the teamwork. He frequently collaborates with various teams to ensure programs run smoothly. The receptiveness and support from colleagues make a significant difference.

Originally from Maxville, Ontario, Daniel now lives in Cornwall. He enjoys the quietness, nature, and slow pace of rural life. Outside of work, he likes kayaking and swimming, often visiting the Long Sault Parkway.

Daniel is motivated by his good colleagues and the positive work environment. His proudest career moment was transitioning into his current role, where he can use his skills in networking and programming. Starting in customer service, then moving to management, and finally to his current position, Daniel has embraced opportunities for growth.

Xplore’s Senior Manager, Contact Center Operations, Darcey Christie, who nominated Daniel, praised his keen eye for detail and dedication. His commitment to accurate reporting and willingness to work late to ensure data accuracy exemplify his team spirit and customer focus.

Kart Vasudevan: Leading with Innovation and Heart at Xplore

Kart Vasudevan has been a cornerstone of Xplore since she joined on April 24, 2012. Starting as a programmer analyst, she was the only one on the team apart from her boss. Over the years, Kart’s dedication and expertise have seen her rise to the position of manager, now leading a team of 10 developers. She oversees all development projects, ensuring smoother operations and a better customer experience.

Originally from Chennai, India, Kart moved to Woodstock, New Brunswick, in 2011. She fell in love with the small-town charm and community spirit. After four years, she relocated to Brampton but continues to work remotely, staying deeply connected to her team in Woodstock. Kart appreciates the close-knit environment at Xplore, where even the CEO and COO are approachable and genuinely interested in their employees’ lives.

Kart’s passion for programming and solutioning has been a driving force in her career. She enjoys helping her team find innovative solutions and has a strong bond with her colleagues. Despite working remotely, she remains an integral part of the Woodstock team, even joining their potlucks virtually.

Her role at Xplore is pivotal in enhancing the customer experience. Kart always puts herself in the customer’s shoes, ensuring that self-serve options are user-friendly for everyone, regardless of their technical background.

Outside of work, Kart loves cooking fresh meals daily, a tradition from her homeland. She enjoys sharing her culinary creations with her colleagues, who adore her spicy dishes. Her daughter, inspired by Kart’s work, even dreams of joining Xplore one day.

Kart’s proudest career moment was launching the Xplore Activation process in 2014, a self-serve feature that significantly improved customer service. Xplore’s Manager, Application Development Candice Martell, who submitted the nomination, said Kart has played a crucial role in developing and improving many of Xplore’s key processes. “She is an extremely valuable and respected resource to everyone in IT.”

Tracey Dore: Empowering Teams and Elevating Customer Service at Xplore

Tracey Dore is the Control Center Development Lead at Xplore, commonly known as Install Management. With a decade of experience at Xplore, Tracey is responsible for documenting new processes and delivering training to internal agents and external partners. Her extensive knowledge has made her the go-to expert in her department, allowing her to collaborate with various teams across Xplore.

Before joining Xplore, Tracey worked in home care for the elderly. While rewarding, she sought a career change in early 2012 and found her new home at Xplore. What she loves most about her role is the opportunity to meet new people and empower them with the knowledge they need to succeed.

Although Tracey doesn’t interact directly with customers, her role ensures that agents and partners are well-equipped to deliver excellent customer service. She often steps in to de-escalate situations and provide support, ensuring a positive customer experience.

What sets Xplore apart for Tracey is the strong family-like dynamic. She feels unwavering support and collaboration from her team and others at Xplore. Growing up in a community known for its forestry and the World’s Largest Axe, Tracey continues to enjoy rural living, embracing the outdoors and its freedom.

Outside of work, Tracey is passionate about crafting, especially Christmas decorations and quilting. Her three amazing children inspire her daily, and she stays busy keeping up with their activities. Her proudest career moment was resolving a customer’s issue so effectively that she received a heartfelt email of gratitude, a memory she cherishes to this day.

Tracey’s dedication and hard work have been recognized by her colleagues, Nigel Harrison and AJ Struyk, who praise her for her reliability, knowledge, and willingness to go above and beyond. Congratulations, Tracey, on being a Top Xplorer Award winner!

As we wrap up, let’s take a moment to appreciate the incredible efforts of our Q1 and Q2 Top Xplorer Award winners. Their commitment to excellence and passion for connecting rural Canadians have set a high standard for all of us. At Xplore, we believe that every connection counts, and these team members have proven that with dedication and innovation, we can overcome any challenge. Here’s to celebrating their achievements and looking forward to even more success stories in the future. Together, we’re making rural life in Canada better, one connection at a time.