Stone-Goff Partners, a growth-oriented private equity firm focused on technology-driven business-to-business service companies, today announced the appointment of David Makuen as Chief Executive Officer of SGP portfolio company John Staurulakis, LLC (“JSI” or the “Company”), a leading nationwide provider of specialty consulting and engineering services to rural broadband telecommunications operators. Mr. Makuen succeeds Tasos Tsolakis, who will assume the role of Chairman of the Board.
Mr. Tsolakis has served as CEO since 2020, leading the company through significant growth and transformation. The planned transition marks a new chapter for JSI, as the company continues its commitment to supporting customers in delivering superior broadband solutions to their communities.
Formerly CEO of Citi Trends, Mr. Makuen brings extensive experience in driving growth at large organizations while maintaining a steadfast focus on customer-centric strategies. His leadership and people first approach motivates and empowers team members in the field helping to foster deep customer relationships. Additionally, his track record of leveraging digital technology and analytics makes him well-suited to lead JSI in the evolving broadband industry. His vision and strategic leadership will be instrumental in driving JSI’s next phase of growth.
“I am honored to join the team at JSI and build on the strong foundation laid by Tasos and the Staurulakis family,” said Mr. Makuen. “The broadband industry is evolving rapidly, and JSI is incredibly well-positioned to continue leading the way in both innovation and service excellence. I am especially passionate about our national footprint that brings high-speed fiber broadband to the homes and businesses in underserved communities. JSI’s broad suite of services plays an important role when it comes to business development, access to education and healthcare and creating new remote job opportunities. With Tasos’s continued involvement and the strength of our existing leadership team, I am committed to ensuring we remain agile and continue delivering outstanding value to our customers.”
Mr. Tsolakis will remain closely involved in the company’s future as Chairman. Specifically, he will focus on continuing JSI’s legacy of broadband innovation by creating and growing the company’s technology offerings, such as Intelli-Fiber, the industry’s premier end to end digital engineering solution.
“David is the right leader for JSI at this time of transformation,” said Mr. Tsolakis. “His experience, vision, and dedication to employees and customers align perfectly with the values that have made JSI a trusted partner in the broadband industry. Under David’s leadership, the company will continue to thrive. I’m excited to continue supporting the company’s growth in my new role as Chairman.”
Laurens Goff, Managing Partner at Stone-Goff Partners, expressed gratitude for Tasos’s leadership and confidence in David’s appointment. “Tasos has done an outstanding job leading JSI through an important period of growth and transformation. His strategic vision and dedication have been invaluable, and we’re grateful for his continued involvement as Chairman,” said Mr. Goff. “I’ve known David for years and have seen firsthand his ability to successfully lead complex organizations with a customer-first mindset. Under his leadership, JSI is well-positioned to continue its growth trajectory.”
Board members Manny and Leo Staurulakis also shared their enthusiasm for the transition. “JSI has always been about combining innovation with customer focus,” said Leo Staurulakis. “Our family is incredibly proud of what we have built over the decades. We are deeply thankful for Tasos’s leadership over the past several years. With David at the helm and Tasos as Chairman, the company is in great hands to continue that legacy and drive new opportunities for our customers and partners,” said Manny Staurulakis.
About JSI
JSI is a full-service consulting and broadband solutions leader, providing financial, engineering, management, operational, regulatory, and strategic assistance to independent communications service providers. JSI’s business knowledge, experience and proven success help its customers plan and realize long-term success and profitability. JSI has relationships with approximately 750 communications entities in 46 states and several US territories. Headquartered in Greenbelt, MD, with offices across the United States, JSI can be found at www.jsitel.com.
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