About - Communication Network Engineering, Inc.

Company History

In the spring of 2011, the owners of Communication Consultants, Inc. and Communication Network Engineers, Inc. proposed selling their engineering firms to four of their key employees. They felt this would be in the best interest of the existing clients and employees. Selling to another engineering firm may have lessened the commitment to the clients and jeopardize some of the staff's existing positions. On December 29, 2011, Communication Network Engineering, Inc. (CNE) was formed in order to acquire the assets of the two former companies. This formation was started by four long-term employees of these two firms.

In the spring of 2021, Communication Network Engineers, Inc. was acquired by Moore Holding Company. CNE became part of the Moore Holding Company employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) and is now a 100% employee-owned company. Led by 2 of the original owners, Blake Griffin and Steve Lewis, CNE retains its name, brand identity and current locations in Fargo, North Dakota and New London, Minn.

Moore Holding Company is based in West Fargo, North Dakota, and aims to bring the advantages of an ESOP to a larger group of employee-owners by expanding their family of companies and fulfilling their mission of serving a sustainable community of employee-owners.

The CNE leadership group is comprised of the following:

Blake Griffin, PE

President

Blake has a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from NDSU. Blake’s 28 years of telecommunications experience covers all areas of telecommunications, including COE, OSP, CAD and IT. In addition, Blake was involved in one of the first original FTTP field trials for RUS in 1995. Blake has completed or assisted in the completion of numerous RUS, stimulus and grant applications for funding for his clients. His professional affiliations and numerous PE certifications in multiple states demonstrates his willingness to go above and beyond to provide CNE’s clients with the latest and most comprehensive solutions.

Steve Lewis

Chief Operating Officer

Steve has 26 years of telecommunications experience, specifically in drafting and all areas of outside plant. He has been instrumental on almost every FTTP build that our company (and former company) has been involved with since one of the first FTTP field trials for RUS. Steve’s expertise in contract management and final design complements his work with field staff and ongoing client relationship management. He stays involved in every project he works on, from design to completion and beyond, and knows communication is key as a project evolves.

Team

CNE’s leadership team members have worked together for more than 20 years and have a combined 100+ years of industry experience. In addition, most the staff is made up of long-term employees. Everyone at CNE takes pride in having hands-on field experience. With that extensive experience and longevity, CNE employees have established strong relationships among each other, and they focus on developing those same kinds of relationships with their clients as well.

Our dedicated and experienced staff is comprised of expertly trained, technical employees. CNE pays special attention to the client through the cutover and implementation phases of a project. All personnel are kept abreast of current state-of-the-art industry developments by periodic attendance at manufacturers’ training and industry seminars.