When David Sherrill joined CommScope as a factory operator in 1987, he wasn’t looking for a lifelong career. He simply wanted steady work, reliable benefits and a place where he could build a future. CommScope already had a reputation as one of the premier employers in North Carolina’s Catawba Valley, but getting hired wasn’t easy. A friend encouraged him to apply, opening the door to a career that now spans nearly four decades.
A few years later, David found himself in an unfamiliar role. CommScope had begun forming employee-led problem-solving teams, and although he was one of the newest members, his teammates selected him to lead the group. The assignment pushed the young operator outside his comfort zone. It also gave him the opportunity to present the team’s work to CommScope founder Frank Drendel and other company leaders. For David, the prospect was challenging but a little intimidating as well.
The presentation marked a turning point in David’s career. A few weeks later, he received a handwritten note from Frank, thanking him for his work and telling him how much he’d enjoyed the presentation. David framed the letter, paired it with a photo from the presentation and has carried both with him every time he’s moved to a new office.
More than a thank you note
The letter remains a reminder to keep saying yes whenever an opportunity pushes him beyond his comfort zone.
Over the years, David has taken on roles that led him far beyond the factory floor. He helped build new manufacturing operations in Alabama and North Carolina before moving into product line management. Today, he serves as Senior Director of Outside Plant Cable Product Management. No matter where his career has taken him, the handwritten note has remained framed in his office.
CommScope also became part of David’s family story. His wife, Kim, joined the company as one of its first female engineers, and two of their children have also worked at CommScope, making it a place where multiple generations of the family have built their careers.
David credits many people for his growth, including supervisors who encouraged him to stretch beyond his day-to-day responsibilities and mentors who urged him to continue his education while working full time. Today, David says his greatest achievement is helping other people grow, just as others once helped him.
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Celebrating 50-Years of CommScope: A Letter from Our Co-Founder, Frank Drendel
The parking lot
More than 30 years after receiving the letter, David moved into an office in the same area where Frank worked. As he carried boxes from his old office, the framed letter came with him, just as it had through every move before. He saw Frank walking through the office parking lot, stopped him and held up the letter.
“I want to thank you for everything you’ve done for me at CommScope,” he said.
As David recalled, Frank replied, “David, I didn’t do a thing for you. I need to be thanking you for what you’ve done for CommScope.”
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Celebrating 50 Years of CommScope
This article is part of a special series marking CommScope’s 50th anniversary. Throughout the year, we’ll look back at the people, milestones and defining moments that helped build the company, along with the legacy that continues to guide it today.
