Employee Spotlight: Roberto Tellez, aka “The Squirrel” Behind R3's Operations
At R3, we take pride in the people who not only keep the lights on—but build new ones, string the wiring, and somehow make it all look effortless while cracking a joke. This month, we’re shining the spotlight on one of the most unique forces in our company: Roberto Tellez, our Technical Operations Manager, Network Operations Manager… or as he likes to call himself, “The Squirrel.” (Just give it a few months—his title might change again.)
With over 11.5 years of experience and unmatched commitment, Roberto has shaped, rebuilt, and reimagined key parts of R3’s infrastructure and culture. He’s not only a fixture of our technical team, but also a living example of what it means to lead with purpose, curiosity, and compassion.
A Career Sparked by Curiosity (and a Fork)
Roberto’s origin story is as electrifying as his presence at R3. “Seven-year-old me, an electric outlet, and a metal fork,” he recalls. That literal shock sparked more than just his curiosity—it kicked off a lifelong mission to understand how things work and why they were built the way they were. That inquisitive spirit never left him. Instead of being content with simply using technology, he’s always wanted to know what it’s solving and how to improve it.
That mindset evolved into a career where no two days are ever the same. “I don’t have a job 😊,” he says. “That’s what I love most. Not one day the same, each fire a different color—a chance to change someone’s life even a little, to create a memory.” For Roberto, work is more than a profession—it’s a routine filled with purpose, joy, and the occasional chaos that he handles with finesse.
Pattern Recognition, Pressure, and Purpose
What sets Roberto apart in his field is more than technical knowledge—it’s his ability to recognize patterns, trust his instincts, and solve deeply human problems. Over the years, he’s been through high-pressure scenarios where success was the only option, and that trial by fire helped forge a skill set that’s as rare as it is valuable.
Among the achievements he’s most proud of? Teaching himself networking from scratch, creating automation that eliminated tedious work at NINR, executing a pen test that turned out to be very real, and earning the immense trust he now operates within. He speaks of these milestones with quiet pride and humility—but they’ve helped redefine what operational excellence looks like at R3.
A Starbucks Conversation That Changed Everything
Roberto’s story at R3 began at a Starbucks in Wildwood Manor, where he met Rob McGowan. That conversation wasn’t just about joining a company—it was about aligning with a mission. “The reason he shared resonated with a purpose in my life: to help others through our skills and talents,” Roberto says. “Along the way I’ve made promises to Ms. Eve to take care of him and his family (he adds a lot of people to his family), so this is my forever home.”
That depth of loyalty, connection, and intention has guided Roberto’s time here. For him, R3 is more than a workplace—it’s where he belongs.
Empathy in Action
One of the most important lessons Roberto has learned while working with the team is the value of empathy. “Sharing cups of ocean water,” as he poetically puts it—taking the time to understand where someone is coming from, even if it’s just through a small conversation.
“We could automate everything,” he says. “What’s left? A bunch of humans with a need to be alive.” It’s a reminder that even in a tech-driven world, people remain at the center of it all.
When things get tough, Roberto doesn’t retreat—he zooms out. He looks beyond the immediate problem to understand the larger goal. If it’s a team member who’s struggling, he’s the first to step in, provide a break, or lighten the load. These moments become sparks—his fuel to keep pushing forward. “Fires can get out of control sometimes,” he says, “so you need humility to stay grounded and keep dancing in the rain.”
Beyond the Job: Nature, Family, and Calculation
Outside of work, Roberto recharges in nature—at the top of a mountain, in the middle of the woods, or on an island in the middle of a lake. “Just listening to the world and breathing in the moments,” he says.
If he can’t make it outdoors, his favorite way to ground himself is equally poetic: “Early in the morning, before my Karen wakes up, I listen to her heartbeat until I match. Just resets my mind like a reboot.”
He’s also passionate about helping his family build a future, breaking the norms around things like finances and home ownership, and constantly recalculating paths forward. “Always calculating. :D”
Hidden Talents and Playlist Power
It wouldn’t be a true spotlight without some fun facts. Roberto’s hidden talents include an insane sense of smell and superhuman memory recall for small details—an asset in both tech and trivia.
And when it comes to powering through a challenge, his current playlist is stacked with high-octane tracks:
- “Hurt” by Dead Poet Society (feat. The Warning Paula)
- “Out of Style” by Limp Bizkit
- “Silent Stranger” by Against The Current
Hit play on any of those and you’ll get a glimpse of the fire that drives him.
Lessons That Last a Lifetime
Among the best advice he’s ever received comes from one of his early mentors, Mr. Celso Michel. “How do they feel? What did they hear? What did they see?” Those three questions still guide how Roberto works, leads, and interacts with others. It’s not just about solving problems—it’s about seeing the world through someone else’s eyes.
He also keeps a deeply personal and grounded vision of success. If he were to win the lottery? “Pay off all my debt/bills. I want to feel worthless—for a few months 😊.” Not in a negative way, but in a freeing one: to live without the weight of owing or being owed, just to exist in peace.
The Freedom to Grow
What Roberto is most grateful for at R3 is the freedom—to explore, to experiment, to share wisdom, and to learn from others. “There are no walls here,” he says. “You get to experience the picture you paint for your future. You can test your idea of ‘I would like to do…’ and see it in real time, through your actions.”
It’s a rare kind of workplace where you’re encouraged to become the best version of yourself—and Roberto embodies that spirit fully.
A Legacy of Impact
For Roberto, R3 is defined by one word: Family. “The way we support each other, even the way we fight with each other—it all comes from a place of purpose,” he says. “This work is bigger than a task or a ticket. We’re creating ripples that impact lives.”
And make no mistake—Roberto has created ripples, waves, and entire new blueprints during his time here.
Roberto, thank you for your wisdom, your energy, and your heart. You’re not just a leader—you’re a builder of culture, a spark of innovation, and a reminder that even the most technical roles can be profoundly human. We’re grateful to be part of your orbit, and we can’t wait to see where your squirrel instincts take us next.
