President
Andrew Rodriguez
Andrew was born in San Antonio, Texas, and raised in the Palm Springs area, graduating from Palm Springs High School in 1989.
Following his graduation, Andrew enlisted in the U.S Army, where he became a Light Infantryman with the 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, known as the “MANCHUS.”
After his honorable service, Andrew returned home to pursue higher education and played football at College of the Desert.
His dedication and hard work led to a marketing internship with General Motors. This opportunity opened the door to the communications industry, thanks to an introduction from his uncle, Sam Ortega, at ICG Telecom Group. Andrew quickly advanced to the position of Inside Plant Fiber Optic Engineer, excelling in designing and managing installations.
With the encouragement from his uncle, Andrew transitioned to a role as an Account Executive.
Andrew’s determination enabled him to rise through the ranks, ultimately joining ICG FOTI.
Leveraging his extensive experience and industry knowledge, Andrew founded his first company, The I.V. Group Communications, with his wife Holly in 2001. Reflecting on their journey, Andrew stated, “We left the industry in 2010, and through a series of detours and life events, we realized the joy we derived from helping our customers. Surrounded by a talented group of individuals, we decided to return to our roots and have been blessed ever since.”
Controller
Holly Foster-Rodriguez
Holly is a Southern California native who earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Management with a minor in Accounting from Colorado State University.
She began her career in Land Development and spent eight successful years in Office Management, Bookkeeping, and Human Resources before transitioning to the Communications Technology industry.
She co-owned The I.V. Group Communications with her husband, Andrew Rodriguez. “When the recession of 2008 finally affected our business in 2010, we had to make the tough decision of leaving the industry”.
Holly took her valuable experience and went into the medical field, using the knowledge she gained through company ownership for processes and procedures. “I was blessed to be a part of a wonderful Hospice organization where I could work alongside some of the most compassionate people I ever met”.
In 2014, she reunited with Andrew at Solara Communications, combining their expertise to build a company that delivers top-notch technology solutions and exceptional customer service.
Outside of work, Holly enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and visiting the beach.
Project Manager
Kevin Walker
Kevin Walker is a Southern California native with over 20 years of experience in the industry.
His certifications include Network+, Hanwha, Cornering fiber optics, OSHA 30, Axis, and Tyco Illustra.
Kevin has worked on various projects, including managing, and leading new wireless network upgrades for Morongo Casino in Cabazon California.
He supervised the directive for the fiber optics installation infrastructure for Major League Baseball's Project Hawk-Eye in stadiums such as Angel Stadium, Petco Park, and Dodger Stadium.
As a project manager his administrative role for Amazon projects Kevin was responsible for managing the network construction of new Amazon Fresh store locations in Southern California, as well as servicing and maintaining existing stores. He also worked on projects for Nordstrom's and Nordstrom Rack new construction locations nationwide.
Kevin's experience as a network analyst involved overseeing installation and maintenance of networks for conventions, sports events, and expos nationwide. He has worked at events such as CES, NAB, AWE Reinvent, Comic-Con, VidCon, and more.
In his free time, Kevin enjoys kayaking, hiking, attending sports events, and musical concerts. His philosophy is that with a positive attitude and excellent customer service, success and progress are inevitable in an ever-changing industry
Director of Engineering
Todd Strand
A visionary in the realm of information transport, Todd brings over three decades of expertise to Solara Systems Inc. As a distinguished member of BICSI, the preeminent global authority in the information and communication technology (ICT) industry, Todd has been instrumental in shaping educational standards and practices worldwide. His leadership as the Western Region Director from 2010 to 2014 helped steer BICSI, a multi-million-dollar non-profit spanning 140 countries, towards new heights of educational excellence.
At the University of California, Irvine, Todd was the backbone of campus-wide communication infrastructure for over 30 years. He spearheaded the design, engineering, and installation of communications systems across numerous campus buildings, collaborating closely with architects and engineers to integrate advanced tech solutions into both new constructions and renovations. His work ensured that UCI remained at the forefront of educational technology.
Todd's academic journey is as impressive as his professional one. He has enriched his knowledge through the UCI Microcomputer and Digital Systems Engineering Program, with a specialization in Telecommunications Engineering. His certifications include: RCDD (Registered Communications Distribution Designer), OSP (Outside Plant Specialist), and LAN Specialist
At Solara Systems Inc., Todd leverages his vast experience and forward-thinking approach to deliver innovative communication solutions that are both robust and scalable, ensuring our clients are always connected to the future.