Get to Know April Gurney
April is the Senior Vice President at Megladon, overseeing all business functions and fiber optic assembly while increasing operational efficiency and providing engineered solutions to some of the most complex challenges discoverable in telecommunications, data center, test & measurement and beyond.
Hello April! Tell us more about yourself – where do you come from? Where have you worked previously?
I am originally from California, but I’ve spent most of my life in Austin. I began my career with Megladon 25 years ago, right after graduating from high school.
You’ve been with the TyRex Family for over 25 years and have experienced Megladon’s growth first-hand. Can you describe your Megladon journey? Are there any highlights that stand out?
I began my journey on the production team and have steadily worked my way up through various roles, including Line Lead, Production Manager, Engineering, Research and Development, Operations Manager, and ultimately Senior Vice President
What excites you about fiber optics!? Could you share a few highlights you’ve experienced here at Megladon and as a TyRex Group family member?
I truly enjoy working one-on-one with customers to customize solutions for their fiber needs. Whether it’s tailoring a breakout solution or developing an entirely new product, I find the process exciting and fulfilling! Understanding the end user’s requirements and guiding a project from its initial concept through production and installation is the most rewarding part of my work.
Managing and keeping track of all the ongoing processes, custom cable orders and production coming in and out of the door must require a high-level set of skills. What special skills or talents do you have that you rely on to make it all work?
Managing and coordinating all the moving parts requires a combination of organization, attention to detail, and strong communication skills. I rely heavily on my ability to prioritize tasks and delegate effectively to ensure every process stays on track. Problem-solving is another key strength—I enjoy tackling challenges and finding efficient solutions when issues arise. Additionally, my years of experience have honed my understanding of production workflows and customer needs, allowing me to anticipate potential bottlenecks and maintain a smooth operation.
What are your major areas of focus and what are you looking to expand on in Megladon as well as the TyRex Family more broadly?
My major areas of focus include driving innovation in fiber optic solutions, streamlining production processes, and ensuring exceptional customer service by delivering tailored products that meet unique needs. At Megladon, I’m looking to expand our capabilities in custom product development and explore emerging technologies to maintain our competitive edge. Within the TyRex Family, I’m committed to fostering collaboration between teams, sharing best practices, and contributing to sustainable growth initiatives that align with our core values and long-term vision.
At TyRex, we like to say: “We work hard and we play hard, and we continuously foster a caring culture for our employees.” So, when you’re not running production lines and caring for our customers’ products here, what hobby do you most enjoy outside of the facility?
I love watching football, especially the Longhorns – Hook’em! I enjoy spending time outdoors, especially biking and swimming, and I find crafting to be a great creative outlet and stress reliever. I also enjoy doing my own manicures — a skill I picked up years ago while attending cosmetology school.
April Gurney
Senior Vice President
April Gurney began her Megladon career out of high school over 25 years ago and has worked her way up from production to engineering, operations management and is currently Senior Vice President. Her technical expertise and fiber optic knowledge combined with her leadership, communicative and organizational qualities guide Megladon’s business operations and are responsible for launching countless new products and custom fiber solutions for its customers. In her spare time, April enjoys being outdoors. If she’s not finding a new biking trail or swimming, she’s likely expressing her creativity through crafting at home in South Austin.
