Andrew was born in San Antonio, Texas, and raised in the Palm Springs area, graduating from Palm Springs High School in 1989.

Following his graduation, Andrew enlisted in the U.S Army, where he became a Light Infantryman with the 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, known as the “MANCHUS.”

After his honorable service, Andrew returned home to pursue higher education and played football at College of the Desert.

His dedication and hard work led to a marketing internship with General Motors. This opportunity opened the door to the communications industry, thanks to an introduction from his uncle, Sam Ortega, at ICG Telecom Group. Andrew quickly advanced to the position of Inside Plant Fiber Optic Engineer, excelling in designing and managing installations.

With the encouragement from his uncle, Andrew transitioned to a role as an Account Executive.

Andrew’s determination enabled him to rise through the ranks, ultimately joining ICG FOTI.

Leveraging his extensive experience and industry knowledge, Andrew founded his first company, The I.V. Group Communications, with his wife Holly in 2001. Reflecting on their journey, Andrew stated, “We left the industry in 2010, and through a series of detours and life events, we realized the joy we derived from helping our customers. Surrounded by a talented group of individuals, we decided to return to our roots and have been blessed ever since.”

Holly is a Southern California native who earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Management with a minor in Accounting from Colorado State University.

She began her career in Land Development and spent eight successful years in Office Management, Bookkeeping, and Human Resources before transitioning to the Communications Technology industry.

She co-owned The I.V. Group Communications with her husband, Andrew Rodriguez. “When the recession of 2008 finally affected our business in 2010, we had to make the tough decision of leaving the industry”.

Holly took her valuable experience and went into the medical field, using the knowledge she gained through company ownership for processes and procedures. “I was blessed to be a part of a wonderful Hospice organization where I could work alongside some of the most compassionate people I ever met”.

In 2014, she reunited with Andrew at Solara Communications, combining their expertise to build a company that delivers top-notch technology solutions and exceptional customer service.

Outside of work, Holly enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and visiting the beach.

For more than 30 years, Todd Strand was my friend. He was also a big part of the Solara family, and we would not be here without him.​

I met Todd when I was an inside plant fiber engineer with ICG Telecom Group, and he was in charge of infrastructure at the University of California, Irvine. Together we worked to bring fiber to the campus. That project started a friendship and partnership that lasted three decades.

Todd was the backbone of UCI’s campus communications infrastructure for more than 30 years. He designed and built systems that kept the university at the forefront of technology. As BICSI’s Western Region Director from 2010 to 2014, he helped shape industry education standards worldwide. He was an RCDD, an OSP Specialist and a LAN Specialist. He was a true expert in his field who never stopped learning and never stopped building.

But what I remember most is the phone calls. Whenever I had a wild idea or saw a new opportunity to invent something, Todd was the first person I called. He always picked up, and he always made the idea better.

Todd, even though it’s been more than a year since you passed, we miss you every day. Your mark on Solara will always be here, in the small things and the large things we do in the future.

Miss you Buddy!

– Andrew Rodriguez, President of Solara Systems Inc.