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                     EXHIBIT 10.28 - EXECUTIVE DEFERRAL PLAN

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA             )       GERBER CHILDRENSWEAR, INC.
COUNTY OF GREENVILLE                )       EXECUTIVE DEFERRAL PLAN

                  GERBER CHILDRENSWEAR, INC. ("Gerber"), a Delaware corporation,
hereby establishes this Executive Deferral Plan for certain key management
employees this 29th day of December, 1997.

                  WHEREAS, certain key employees of Gerber who are members of a
select group of management or who are highly compensated have contributed to the
Gerber's growth; and

                  WHEREAS, the Board of Directors desires to reward such key
employees for their contributions and loyalty to Gerber by establishing a plan
of nonqualified deferred compensation for such key employees and entering into
an individual agreement with each employee chosen by the Board of Directors to
be covered by the Plan.

                  NOW, THEREFORE, the terms of this Executive Deferral Plan are
as follows:

                                    ARTICLE I

                          DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION

                  1.1 DEFINITIONS. For purposes of this Plan, the following
phrases or terms shall have the indicated meanings unless otherwise clearly
apparent from the context:

                  (a) "Account" shall mean the account established and
maintained by Gerber for the Participant.

                  (b) "Valuation Date" shall mean March 31, June 30, September
30 and December 31 of each Plan Year.

                  (c) "Beneficiary" shall mean the person or persons designated
by a Participant to receive any benefits payable hereunder in the event of the
death of the Participant, or in the absence of such a designated Beneficiary,
the Participant's estate.

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                  (d) "Board of Directors" or "Board" shall mean the Board of
Directors of Gerber.

                  (e) "Committee" shall mean the administrative committee
appointed to manage and administer the Plan and the individual Plan Agreements
in accordance with the provisions of Article X hereof.

                  (f) "Credited Contribution" shall mean credits by Gerber to a
Participant's Account as a result of the Participant's deferrals under Section
3.1.

                  (g) "Eligible Person" shall mean any executive officer of
Gerber.

                  (h) "Gerber" means the Gerber Childrenswear, Inc.

                  (i) "Participant" shall mean an Eligible Person who is
selected to participate in the Plan.

                  (j) "Plan Agreement" shall mean the written agreement (the
form of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A) that is entered into by and
between Gerber and a Participant concerning the Participant's salary deferrals.

                  (k) "Plan" shall mean this Executive Deferral Plan of Gerber,
as amended from time to time.

                  (l) "Plan Year" shall mean the twelve month period ending each
December.

                  1.2 CONSTRUCTION. The masculine gender when used herein shall
be deemed to include the feminine gender, and the singular may include the
plural unless the context clearly indicates to the contrary. The words "hereof,"
"herein," "hereunder," and other similar compounds of the word "here" shall mean
and refer to the entire Plan and not to any particular provisions or section.
Whenever the words "Article" or "Section" are used in this Plan, or a
cross-reference to an "Article" or "Section" is made, the Article or Section
referred to shall be an Article or Section of this Plan unless otherwise
specified.

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                                   ARTICLE II

                          ELIGIBILITY AND PARTICIPATION

                  2.1 ELIGIBILITY. In order to be eligible for participation in
the Plan, an Eligible Person must be selected by the Committee, which, in its
sole and absolute discretion, shall determine eligibility for participation in
accordance with the purposes of the Plan.

                  2.2 ACCEPTANCE. In order to participate, an Eligible Person
selected for participation in the Plan must sign a Plan Agreement. The Eligible
Employee's participation in the Plan shall commence only upon execution of a
Plan Agreement by both parties.

                                   ARTICLE III

                              PARTICIPANT'S ACCOUNT

                  3.1 DEFERRALS.

                  (a) Election of Deferral. Within the ninety (90) day period
prior to the beginning of each Plan Year, a Participant may elect to defer an
amount from five (5%) percent up to fifty (50%) percent (in increments of one
(1%) percent) of the salary that would otherwise be payable to the Participant
during the Plan Year. Within this ninety (90) day period, the Participant may
separately elect to defer an amount from five (5%) percent up to one hundred
(100%) percent (in increments of one (1%) percent) of any bonus that would
otherwise be earned by, and payable to, the Participant during the Plan Year.

                  (b) Revocation of Election. After the beginning of a Plan
Year, a Participant may not increase or decrease the amount of salary or bonus
deferred for that Plan Year, as elected under this section, except that the
Participant may revoke his election and have no deferrals made with respect to
salary and/or bonus that he has not yet earned.

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                  3.2 CREDITED CONTRIBUTIONS. For each Plan Year, Gerber shall
credit to a Participant's Account such amounts ("Credited Contributions") as the
Participant shall elect to defer in accordance with his Plan Agreement. Such
Credited Contributions shall be credited to the Participant's Account as of the
Valuation Date of the Plan Year next following the date the Participant's
deferrals are made.

                  3.3 EARNINGS. Earnings shall be credited on the balance of a
Participant's Account at the base rate (prime rate) on corporate loans posted by
75% of the United States largest banking institutions as published by the Wall
Street Journal or similar publication. Such rate shall be determined as of the
beginning of the year and earnings on a Participant's Account shall be credited
to his Account at each Valuation Date at that rate until the beginning of the
next year. Earnings shall be determined and credited in the manner described
above.

                                   ARTICLE IV

                                    BENEFITS

                  4.1 VESTING. The Participant's Account shall be one hundred
(100%) percent vested and nonforfeitable at all times.

                  4.2 PAYMENT OF BENEFITS.

                  (a) Gerber shall pay to the Participant the sum of the
Credited Contributions and earnings in the Account on the Valuation Date after
the earliest of the following events: the Participant's termination of
employment (for any reason), death or disability or such other event as the
Participant may designate in his Plan Agreement. The Credited Contributions and
earnings in the Account shall be payable in a lump-sum, unless the Participant
in his Plan Agreement specifies otherwise or unless the Board of Directors or
the Plan Committee, upon the request of the Participant, directs otherwise.

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                  4.3 CHANGE OF CONTROL. In the event there shall be a change of
control of Gerber, this Plan shall terminate and Gerber shall pay all Credited
Contributions and earnings in the respective accounts in lump-sums to the
Participants. For purposes of this Plan, a "change of control" shall mean a sale
or series of sales in which more than fifty (50%) percent of the stock owned by
those individuals or entities as of December 31, 1997 has been transferred, or a
change during any twelve (12) month period in the composition of the Board of
Directors of Gerber such that more than fifty (50%) percent of the voting power
of such Board is substantially altered.

                  4.4 DISCHARGE. Any payment made by Gerber in good faith and in
accordance with the provisions of this Plan and a Participant's Plan Agreement
shall fully discharge Gerber from all further obligations with respect to such
payment.

                  4.5 DEATH. If the Participant is entitled to payment of a
benefit and dies prior to the complete payment of the Account, Gerber shall pay
the balance of the Participant's Account to the Participant's Beneficiary in
accordance with such designation of the Participant's Plan Agreement.

                                    ARTICLE V

                               SOURCE OF BENEFITS

                  5.1 BENEFITS PAYABLE FROM GENERAL ASSETS. Amounts payable
hereunder shall be paid exclusively from the general assets of Gerber, and no
person entitled to payment hereunder shall have any claim, right, security
interest, or other interest in any fund, trust, account, insurance contract, or
asset of Gerber from which payments may be made. Gerber's liability for the
payment of benefits hereunder shall be evidenced only by this Plan and each Plan
Agreement entered into between Gerber and a Participant.

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                  5.2 INVESTMENTS TO FACILITATE PAYMENT OF BENEFITS. Gerber
shall not be obligated to invest in any specific asset or fund. However, in
order to provide the means for the payment of any liabilities under this Plan,
Gerber may elect to do so and, in such event, no Participant shall have any
interest whatever in such asset or fund.

                  5.3 TRUST. Nothing contained in this Plan and no action taken
pursuant to the provisions of this Plan shall create or be construed to create a
trust of any kind, or a fiduciary relationship between a Participant and Gerber;
provided, however, Gerber may establish a separate trust to accumulate funds to
discharge its obligations hereunder. The Participant and his Beneficiary shall
have no rights, title or interest in any such trust(s).

                                   ARTICLE VI

                            TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT

                  Neither this Plan nor a Participant's Plan Agreement, either
singly or collectively, in any way obligates Gerber, or any subsidiary of
Gerber, to continue the employment of a Participant with Gerber, or any
subsidiary of Gerber, nor does either limit the right of Gerber or any
subsidiary of Gerber at any time and for any reason to terminate the
Participant's employment. Termination of a Participant's employment with Gerber,
for any reason, whether by action of Gerber or the Participant shall immediately
terminate his participation in this Plan. In no event shall this Plan or a Plan
Agreement, either singly or collectively, by their terms or implications
constitute an employment contract of any nature whatsoever between Gerber, or
any subsidiary, and a Participant.

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                                   ARTICLE VII

           TERMINATION, AMENDMENT, MODIFICATION, OR SUPPLEMENT OF PLAN

                  7.1 TERMINATION. Gerber reserves the right to terminate,
amend, modify, or supplement this Plan or any Plan Agreement, wholly or
partially, from time to time, or at any time.

                  7.2 RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS UPON TERMINATION. Upon termination
of this Plan, Gerber shall immediately pay all benefits in lump-sums to the
Participants.

                                  ARTICLE VIII

                          OTHER BENEFITS AND AGREEMENTS

                  The benefits provided for a Participant and his Beneficiary
hereunder and under such Participant's Plan Agreement are in addition to any
other benefits available to such Participant under any other program or plan of
Gerber for its employees, and, except as may be otherwise expressly provided
for, this Plan and the Plan Agreements entered into hereunder shall supplement
and shall not supersede, modify, or amend any other program or plan of Gerber or
a Participant. Moreover, benefits under this Plan and the Plan Agreements
entered into hereunder shall not be considered compensation for the purpose of
computing contributions or benefits under any plan maintained by Gerber, or any
of its subsidiaries, which is qualified under section 401(a) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

                                   ARTICLE IX

                     RESTRICTIONS ON ALIENATION OF BENEFITS

No right or benefit under this Plan or a Plan Agreement shall be subject to
anticipation, alienation, sale, assignment, pledge, encumbrance, or charge, and
any attempt to anticipate, alienate, sell, assign, pledge, encumber, or charge
the same shall be void. No right or benefit hereunder or under any Plan
Agreement shall in any manner be liable for or subject to the debts, contracts,
liabilities, or torts of the person entitled to such benefit.

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                                    ARTICLE X

                         ADMINISTRATION OF THIS PROGRAM

                  10.1 APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEE. The general administration of
this Plan, and any Plan Agreements executed hereunder, as well as the
construction and the interpretation thereof, shall be vested in the Committee,
the number and members of which shall be designated and appointed from time to
time by, and shall serve at the pleasure of, the Board of Directors. Any such
member of the Committee may resign by notice in writing filed with the secretary
of the Committee. Vacancies shall be filled promptly by the Board of Directors.
Each person appointed a member of the Committee shall signify his acceptance by
filing a written acceptance with the secretary of the Committee.

                  10.2 COMMITTEE OFFICIALS. The Board of Directors may designate
one of the members of the Committee as Chairman and may appoint a secretary who
need not be a member of the Committee. The secretary shall keep minutes of the
Committee's proceedings and all data, records and documents relating to the
Committee's administration of this Plan and any Plan Agreement executed
hereunder. The Committee may appoint from its number such subcommittees with
such powers as the Committee shall determine and may authorize one or more of
its members or any agent to execute or deliver any instrument or make any
payment on behalf of the Committee.

                  10.3 COMMITTEE ACTION.All resolutions or other actions taken
by the Committee shall be the vote of a majority of those present at a meeting
at which a majority of the members are present, or in writing by all the members
at the time in office if they act without a meeting.

                  10.4 COMMITTEE RULES AND POWERS-GENERAL. Subject to the
provisions of this Plan, the Committee shall from time to time establish rules,
forms, and procedures for the administration of this Plan, including Plan
Agreements. Except as herein otherwise expressly

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provided, the Committee shall have the exclusive right to interpret this Plan
and any Plan Agreements, and to decide any and all matters arising thereunder or
in connection with the administration of this Plan and any Plan Agreements, and
it shall endeavor to act, whether by general rules or by particular decisions,
so as not to discriminate in favor of or against any person. Such decisions,
actions and records of the Committee shall be conclusive and binding upon Gerber
and all persons having or claiming to have any right or interest in or under
this Plan.

                  10.5 RELIANCE ON CERTIFICATES, ETC. The members of the
Committee and the officers and directors of Gerber shall be entitled to rely on
all certificates and reports made by any duly authorized legal counsel. Such
legal counsel may be counsel for Gerber.

                  10.6 LIABILITY OF COMMITTEE. No member of the Committee shall
be liable for any act or omission of any other member of the Committee, or for
any act or omission on his part, excepting only his own willful misconduct.
Gerber shall indemnify and save harmless each member of the Committee against
any and all expenses and liabilities arising out of his membership on the
Committee, excepting only expenses and liabilities arising out of his own
willful misconduct. Expenses against which a member of the Committee shall be
indemnified hereunder shall include, without limitation, the amount of any
settlement or judgment, costs, counsel fees, and related charges reasonably
brought, or settlement thereof. The foregoing right of indemnification shall be
in addition to any other rights to which any such member may be entitled as a
matter of law.

                  10.7 DETERMINATION OF BENEFITS. In addition to the powers
hereinabove specified, the Committee shall have the power to compute and
certify, under this Plan and any Plan Agreement, the amount and kind of benefits
from time to time payable to Participants and their Beneficiaries, and to
authorize all disbursements for such purpose.

                  10.8 INFORMATION TO COMMITTEE. To enable the Committee to
perform its functions, Gerber shall supply full and timely information to the
Committee on all matters relating

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to the Compensation of all Participants, their retirement, death or other cause
for termination of employment, and such other pertinent facts as the Committee
may require.

                  10.9 CLAIMS PROCEDURE.The Committee shall establish a
reasonable claims procedure which shall comply with the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

                  10.10 MANNER AND TIME OF PAYMENT OF BENEFITS. The Committee
shall have the power, in its sole and absolute discretion, to change the manner
and time of payment of benefits to be made to a Participant or his Beneficiary
from that set forth in the Participant's Plan Agreement.

                                   ARTICLE XI

                                  MISCELLANEOUS

                  11.1 EXECUTION OF RECEIPTS AND RELEASES. Any payment to a
Participant, a Participant's legal representative, or Beneficiary in accordance
with the provisions of this Plan or any Plan Agreement executed hereunder shall,
to the extent thereof, be in full satisfaction of all claims hereunder against
Gerber. Gerber may require such Participant, legal representative, or
Beneficiary, as a condition precedent to such payment, to execute a receipt and
release therefor in such form as it may determine.

                  11.2 NO GUARANTEE OF INTERESTS. Neither the Committee nor any
of its members guarantees the payment of any amounts which may be or become due
to any person or entity under this Plan or any Plan Agreement executed
hereunder. The liability of Gerber to make any payment under this Plan or any
Plan Agreement executed hereunder is limited to the then available assets of
Gerber.

                  11.3 RECORDS. Records of Gerber as to a Participant's
employment, termination of employment and the reason therefor, reemployment,
authorized leaves of absence, and compensation shall be conclusive on all
persons and entities, unless determined to be incorrect.

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                  11.4 EVIDENCE. Evidence required of anyone under this Plan and
any Plan Agreement executed hereunder may be by certificate, affidavit,
document, or other information which the person or entity acting on it considers
pertinent and reliable, and signed, made, or presented by the proper party or
parties.

                  11.5 NOTICE. Any notice which shall be or may be given under
this Plan or a Plan Agreement executed hereunder shall be in writing and shall
be mailed by United States mail, postage prepaid. If notice is to be given to
Gerber, such notice shall be addressed to Gerber, at its principal office, and
marked to the attention of the Secretary, Administrative Committee, Executive
Deferral Plan; or, if notice to a Participant, addressed to the address shown on
such Participant's Plan Agreement.

                  11.6 CHANGE OF ADDRESS. Any party may, from time to time,
change the address to which notices shall be mailed by giving written notice of
such new address.

                  11.7 EFFECT OF PROVISIONS. The provisions of this Plan and of
any Plan Agreement executed hereunder shall be binding upon Gerber and its
successors and assigns, and upon a Participant, his Beneficiary, assigns, heirs,
executors, and administrators.

                  11.8 HEADINGS. The titles and headings of Articles and
Sections are included for convenience of reference only and are not to be
considered in the construction of the provisions hereof or any Plan Agreement
executed hereunder.

                  11.9 GOVERNING LAW. All questions arising with respect to this
Plan and any Plan Agreement executed hereunder shall be determined by reference
to the laws of the State of South Carolina in effect at the time of their
adoption and execution, respectively.

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                  This Agreement has been executed by Gerber as of the date
first above written.

ATTEST:                            GERBER CHILDRENSWEAR, INC.

/s/ David E. Uren                  By:    /s/ Richard L. Solar
---------------------                   ----------------------------------------
Secretary                          Its: Senior Vice President

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                                                                    Exhibit 10.8

                         EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

         This Employment Agreement (the "Agreement") is made and entered into
effective this 1st day of January 2001 by and between U.S. RealTel, Inc., a
Delaware corporation (the "COMPANY"), and Mark J. Grant (the "Executive").

                                    RECITALS

         A. The Executive is to be employed as the President of the Company.

         B. The Company is engaged in the business of (1) acquiring, owning,
leasing, licensing, or otherwise controlling wireless communication devices'
sites and antennae and (2) leasing, subleasing, licensing, or otherwise granting
usage rights to such sites and antennae to wireless communications licensees and
users (3) the ownership or management of the tower business (4) development of
telecommunication infrastructure for both access and placement of equipment and
technology (collectively, the "BUSINESS").

         C. The Board of Directors of the Company (the "BOARD") recognizes that
the Executive can contribute to the growth and success of the Company and of the
Business, and desires to assure the Company of the Executive's employment and to
compensate him therefore.

         D. The Board has determined that this Agreement will reinforce and
encourage the Executive's attention and dedication to the Company and the
Business.

         E. The Executive is willing to make his services available to the
Company and on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth.

                                    AGREEMENT

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants
set forth herein, the parties agree as follows:

         1. EMPLOYMENT

                  1.1 EMPLOYMENT AND TERM. The Company hereby agrees to employ
the Executive and the Executive hereby agrees to serve the Company on the terms
and conditions set forth herein.

                  1.2 DUTIES OF EXECUTIVE. During the Term of Employment under
this Agreement, the Executive shall serve as the President of the Company, and
shall exercise such power and authority as may from time to time be expected of
an executive in the position of Executive as set forth in this Agreement or
otherwise reasonably delegated to him by the Board and/or the CEO. The Executive
shall report directly to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company. The
Executive shall diligently and faithfully perform his obligations hereunder,
devote substantially all of his professional time and attention to the Business
and affairs of the
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Company, and promote the interests of the Company. It is the Executive's
intention to minimize his investment banking relationship with Access Financial
Group, Inc. Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision of this
Agreement, nothing provided herein shall be deemed to prohibit the Executive
from continuing to serve in his present capacity as the President - Capital
Markets of Access Financial Group, Inc., and it shall not be a breach or
violation of this Agreement for the Executive to (i) serve on corporate, civic,
or charitable boards or committees (ii) deliver lectures, fulfill speaking
engagements, or teach at educational institutions, or (iii) manage personal
investments, so long as such activities do not significantly and materially
interfere with or significantly and materially detract from the performance of
the Executive's responsibilities to the Company in accordance with this
Agreement.

         2. TERM.

                  2.1 INITIAL TERM. The initial Term of Employment under this
Agreement, and the employment of the Executive hereunder, shall commence on
January 1, 2001 (the "COMMENCEMENT DATE"), and shall expire one (1) year
thereafter, on December 31, 2001, unless sooner terminated in accordance with
SECTION 5 hereof (the "INITIAL TERM").

                  2.2 RENEWAL TERMS. At the end of the Initial Term, the Term of
Employment automatically shall renew for successive one (1) year terms (subject
to earlier termination as provided in SECTION 5 hereof), unless (i) either the
Company or the Executive delivers written notice to the other during the twelfth
month of the employment agreement or the Executive's election not to renew the
Term of Employment (as defined herein) or (ii) the Company, and the Executive
have not by the end of the Initial Term mutually agreed in writing upon the
financial compensation that the Executive is to receive during such Renewal
Term. In such event, the Executive will be paid six (6) months compensation of
both his base salary and the automobile allowance.

                  2.3 TERM OF EMPLOYMENT AND EXPIRATION DATE. The period during
which the Executive shall be employed by the Company pursuant to the terms of
this Agreement is sometimes referred to in this agreement as the "Term of
Employment" and the date on which the Term of Employment shall expire (including
the date on which any renewal term shall expire), is sometimes referred to in
this Agreement as the "EXPIRATION DATE."

         3. COMPENSATION.

                  3.1 BASE SALARY. The Executive shall receive a base salary at
the annual rate of One Hundred Seventy Five Thousand Dollars ($175,000) (the
"Base Salary") during the Term of Employment, with such Base Salary payable in
installments consistent with the Company's normal payroll schedule, subject to
applicable withholding and other taxes. [The Base Salary shall be reviewed, at
least annually, for merit increases and may, by action and in the discretion of
the Board, be increased at any time or from time to time.]

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         4. EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT AND OTHER BENEFITS.

                  4.1 REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES. Upon the submission of proper
substantiation by the Executive, and subject to such consistent and reasonable
rules and guidelines as the Company may from time to time adopt with respect to
the reimbursement of expenses of executive personnel, the Company shall
reimburse the Executive for all reasonable expenses actually paid or incurred by
the Executive during the Term of Employment in the course of and pursuant to the
Business of the Company. Any expenses incurred by the Executive in excess of ten
thousand dollars ($10,000.00) must be approved in advance by the CEO.

                  4.2 COMPENSATION/BENEFIT PROGRAMS. During the term of
Employment, the Executive shall be entitled to participate in all medical,
dental, hospitalization, accidental death and dismemberment, disability, travel,
and life insurance plans and executive insurance programs, and any and all other
plans as are presently and hereinafter offered by any of the Company to its
respective executive personnel, including savings, pension, profit-sharing, and
deferred compensation plans, subject to the general eligibility and
participation provisions set forth in such plans. The Company shall maintain (a)
officers and directors liability insurance and (b) insurance covering the
Executive in the event of kidnap, ransom, and extortion, each commensurate with
Company policy.

                  4.3 WORKING FACILITIES. During the Term of Employment, the
Company shall furnish the Executive with an office, secretarial help, and such
other facilities and services suitable to his position and adequate for the
performance of his duties hereunder. The office for the Executive shall be
located in South Florida.

                  4.4 AUTOMOBILE ALLOWANCE. During the Term of Employment, the
Company shall provide the Executive with an automobile allowance of One Thousand
Five Hundred Dollars ($1,500) per month (the "ALLOWANCE"), which amount is
intended to compensate Executive for wear and tear and, in addition, reimburse
the Executive for all costs of gasoline, oil, repairs, maintenance, insurance,
and other expenses incurred by Executive by reason of the use of Executive's
automobile for business from time to time.

                  4.5 OTHER BENEFITS. The Executive shall be entitled to such
paid vacation each calendar year during the Term of Employment as the Executive
and the CEO shall mutually agree, to be taken at such times as the Executive and
the CEO shall mutually and reasonably determine. The Executive shall receive
such additional benefits, if any, as the CEO and/or the Board shall from time to
time determine for similarly situated management members.

         5. TERMINATION.

                  5.1 TERMINATION CLAUSE. The Company shall at all times have
the right, upon written notice to the Executive, to terminate the Term of
Employment for Cause (as defined below). For purposes of this Agreement, the
term "CAUSE" shall mean (i) an action or omission of the Executive which
constitutes a willful and material breach of, or willful and material failure or
refusal (other than by reason of his disability or incapacity) to perform his
duties under, this Agreement which is not cured within thirty (30) days after
receipt by the Executive of written notice of same, (ii) fraud, embezzlement,
misappropriation of funds, or breach of trust in connection with his services
hereunder, (iii) a conviction of any crime which involves a breach of

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trust or a felony, (iv) gross negligence in connection with the performance of
the Executive's duties hereunder, which is not cured within thirty (30) days
after receipt by the Executive of written notice of same and which the Board in
its reasonable discretion deems to be good and sufficient cause to terminate the
Executive's employment with the Company, or (v) failure by the Executive to
timely achieve the financial projections set forth for him in the "2001-2003
USRT Business Plan," a copy of which is annexed hereto as ATTACHMENT A. Any
termination for Cause shall be made by written notice to the Executive, which
notice shall set forth in reasonable detail all acts or omissions upon which the
Company is relying for such termination. The Executive shall have the right to
address the Board regarding the acts set forth in the notice of termination.
Upon termination pursuant to this SECTION 5.1, the Company shall pay to the
Executive any accrued and unpaid Base Salary through the date of termination;
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that if the termination is made pursuant to clause (v) of
this SECTION 5.1, the Company shall also pay to the Executive a severance
payment equal to six (6) months of the annual Base Salary and of the Allowance
at the time of such termination. Upon any termination effected and compensated
pursuant to this SECTION 5.1, the Company shall also pay reimbursement for
reasonable business expenses incurred prior to the date of termination, subject,
however, to the provisions of SECTION 4.1.

                  5.2 DISABILITY. In the event the Executive shall be unable, or
fail, to perform the essential functions of his position, with or without
reasonable accommodation, for any period of six (6) months or more, the Company
shall have the option, in. accordance with applicable law, to terminate this
Agreement upon written notice to the Executive. Upon termination pursuant to
this SECTION 5.2., the Company shall (i) pay to the Executive any accrued and
unpaid Base Salary through the effective date of termination specified in such
notice, and (ii) pay to the Executive a severance payment equal to six (6)
months of the Executive's Base Salary and of the Allowance at the time of the
termination of the Executive's employment with the Company. Upon any termination
effected and compensated pursuant to this SECTION 5.2, the Company shall also
pay reimbursement for reasonable business expenses incurred prior to the date of
termination, subject, however, to the provisions of SECTION 4.1.

                  5.3 DEATH. Upon the death of the Executive during the Term of
Employment, the Company shall pay to the estate of the deceased Executive any
accrued and unpaid Base Salary through the Executive's date of death. Upon any
termination effected and compensated pursuant to this SECTION 5.3, the Company
shall also pay reimbursement for reasonable business expenses incurred prior to
the date of termination, subject, however, to the provisions of SECTION 4.1.

                  5.4 TERMINATION WITHOUT CAUSE. At any time the Company shall
have the right to terminate the Term of Employment by written notice to the
Executive providing that the Company pays the Executive, upon providing notice,
the present value of any remaining balance due of his base salary and automobile
allowance that is still owed in the eighteen month period of this contract using
a discount rate of the prime rate plus two percent (2%). Upon any termination
pursuant to this SECTION 5.4 (that is not under any OF SECTIONS 5.1. 5.2. 5.3,
5.5 OR 5.6), the Company shall (i) pay to the Executive any accrued and unpaid
Base Salary through the date of termination set forth in the notice (or such
later date as required by the notice provisions

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of this Agreement), and (ii) pay to the Executive a severance payment equal to
six (6 months of the Executive's Base Salary and of the Allowance at the time of
the termination of the Executive's employment with the Company. Upon any
termination effected and compensated pursuant to this SECTION 5.4, Company shall
also pay reimbursement for reasonable business expenses incurred prior to the
date of termination, subject, however, to the provisions of SECTION 4.1.

                  5.5 TERMINATION BY EXECUTIVE.

                           a. The Executive shall at all times  have the right,
by written  notice not less than sixty (60) days prior to the termination date,
to terminate his Employment Term.

                           b. Upon termination of the Term of Employment
pursuant to this SECTION 5.5, the Company shall (i) pay to the Executive any
accrued and unpaid Base Salary through the effective date of termination
specified in such notice. Upon any termination effected and compensated pursuant
to this SECTION 5.5(b), the Company shall also pay reimbursement for reasonable
business expenses incurred prior to the date of termination, subject, however,
to the provisions of SECTION 4.1.

                  5.6 SURVIVAL. The provisions of this ARTICLE 5 shall survive
the termination or expiration of this Agreement, as applicable.

         6. CONFIDENTIALITY, NONSOLICITATION, AND NONCOMPETITION.

                  6.1 CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION. The Executive shall not at any
time divulge, communicate, use to the detriment of the Company or for the
benefit of any other person or persons, or misuse in any way, any Confidential
Information (as defined below) pertaining to the Company and/or the Business.
Any Confidential Information or data now or hereafter acquired by the Executive
with respect to the Company and/or the Business (which shall include; but not be
limited to, information concerning the Company's financial condition, prospects,
technology, customers, suppliers, sources of leads, and methods of doing
business) shall be deemed a valuable, special, and unique asset of the Company
that is received by the Executive in confidence and as a fiduciary, and the
Executive shall remain a fiduciary to the Company with respect to all of such
information. For purposes of this Agreement. "CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION" means
information disclosed to the Executive or known by the Executive as a
consequence of or through the unique position of his employment with the Company
(including information conceived, originated, discovered, or developed by the
Executive) prior to or after the date hereof, and not generally or publicly
known, about the Company or the Business. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing
herein shall be deemed to restrict the Executive from disclosing Confidential
Information to the extent required by law.

                  6.2 NONSOLICITATION OF EMPLOYEES. At all times while the
Executive is employed by the Company and for the six (6) month period
immediately following the termination of the Executive's employment with the
Company for any reason, the Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, for
himself or for any other person, firm, corporation, partnership, association, or
other entity employ any employee or former employee of the Company, unless

                                       5
<PAGE>   6

such employee or former employee has not been employed by the Company for a
period in excess of six (6) months. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no provision
of this Agreement shall be deemed to bar the Executive, from so employing
Alexandra Sweade or causing such third party employment of her.

                  6.3 NONCOMPETITION. At all times while the Executive is
employed by the Company and for the one (1) year period immediately following
the termination of this Agreement by the Executive or by the Company for Cause,
the Executive will not (i) manage, operate, participate in the ownership or
operation of;, act as agent of, or, with or without compensation and whether as
employee or independent contractor or in any other capacity, render services to
a business enterprise principally engaged in the Business within Brazil,
Argentina, Chile, or such other jurisdiction(s) in which the Company has
contemplated and/or commenced to engage in the Business prior to the termination
or expiration of this Agreement (collectively, the "REGION") or (ii) call upon
or communicate with any person or entity which was a customer, contractee, or
lessor of the Company at any time within the one (1) year immediately preceding
such call or communication for the purpose of soliciting or obtaining for the
Executive's own account or for any employer, partner, co-venturer, or affiliate
of the Executive, other than the Company, any business, customer, order, or
contract related to the Business to, from, or with such person or entity or for
the purpose of diverting from the Company such business, customer, order, or
contract (iii) or cause any violation of the existing non-compete agreement with
Spectracite Holdings, Inc.

                  6.4 UNRESTRICTED ACTIVITIES. The Executive represents and
warrants to the Company that the Executive has the skill, expertise, and ability
to earn a living in the unrestricted activities that remain open to the
Executive.

                  6.5 SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE INJUNCTION. It is recognized and
hereby acknowledged by the Executive and the Company that a breach by the
Executive of any of the agreements and covenants contained in this ARTICLE 6
will cause irreparable harm or damage to the Company, the monetary amount of
which would be difficult, if not impossible, to ascertain. As a result, the
Executive and the Company agree that the Company shall have the right to seek
and obtain the remedy of specific performance and/or injunction with respect to
any violation or threatened violation of any provision of this ARTICLE 6. In the
event of an actual or threatened breach by the Executive or any person or entity
or any of the provisions set forth in this ARTICLE 6, the Company shall be
entitled to an injunction restraining the Executive and any such other person or
entity from undertaking or continuing the prohibited conduct.

                  6.6 SURVIVAL. The provisions of this ARTICLE 6 shall survive
the termination or expiration of this Agreement, as applicable.

         7. ASSIGNMENT. Neither party shall have the right to assign or delegate
its or his rights or obligations hereunder, or any portion thereof, to any other
person.

         8. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and
enforced in accordance with the substantive laws of the State of Florida,
without giving effect to the conflict-of-laws provisions thereof.

                                       6
<PAGE>   7

         9. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement
between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and, upon
its effectiveness, shall supersede all prior agreements, understandings, and
arrangements, both oral and written between the Executive and the Company (or
any of their respective affiliates) with respect to such subject matter. This
Agreement may not be modified in any way unless by a written instrument signed
by each of the Company and the Executive.

         10. NOTICES. All notices required or permitted to be given hereunder
shall be in writing and shall be personally delivered by courier, sent by
registered or certified mail, return receipt requested or sent by confirmed
facsimile transmission addressed as set forth herein. Notices personally
delivered, sent by facsimile, or sent by overnight courier shall be deemed given
on the date of delivery and notices mailed in accordance with the foregoing
shall be deemed given upon the earlier of receipt by the addressee, as evidenced
by the return receipt thereof, or three (3) days after deposit in the U.S. mail.
Notice shall be sent (i) if to the Company, addressed to Perry Ruda c/o U.S.
RealTel, Inc., One Financial Plaza, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33394, Attention: CEO,
and (ii) if to the Executive, to his address as reflected on the payroll records
of the Company, or to such other address as may be in accordance with this
provision.

         11. BENEFIT, BINDING EFFECT. This Agreement shall be for the benefit of
and binding upon the parties hereto and their respective heirs, personal
representatives, legal representatives, successors, and, where permitted and
applicable, assigns, including, without limitation, any successor to the
Company, whether by merger, consolidation, sale of stock, sale of assets, or
otherwise.

         12. SEVERABILITY. The invalidity of any one or more of the words,
phrases, sentences, clauses; provisions, sections, or articles contained in this
Agreement shall not affect the enforceability of the remaining portions of this
Agreement or any part thereof; all of which are inserted conditionally on their
being valid in law, and, in the event that any one or more of the words,
phrases, sentences, clauses, provisions, sections, or articles contained in this
Agreement shall be declared invalid, this Agreement shall be construed as if
such invalid word(s), phrase(s), sentence(s), clause(s), provision(s),
section(s), or article(s) had not been inserted. If such invalidity is caused by
length of time or size of area, or both, the otherwise invalid provision will be
considered to be reduced to a period or area which would cure such invalidity.

         13. WAIVERS. The waiver by either party hereto of a breach or violation
of any term or provision of this Agreement shall not operate nor be construed as
a waiver of any subsequent breach or violation.

         14. DAMAGES. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to prevent the
Company or the Executive from seeking and recovering from the other damages
sustained by either or both of them as a result of its or his breach of any term
or provision of this Agreement. In the event that either party hereto brings
suit for the collection of any damages resulting from, or the injunction of any
action constituting, a breach of any of the terms or provisions of this
Agreement, then the party found to be at fault shall pay all reasonable court
costs and attorneys' fees of the other.

                                       7
<PAGE>   8

         15. SECTION HEADINGS. The article, section, and paragraph headings
contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect
in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

         16. CONFIRMATION. Whenever the Company is required to take action
hereunder, the Company shall act consistently and uniformly and, notwithstanding
anything herein to the contrary, failure to so act shall be interpreted against
the Company in the event of a dispute between the parties. The Executive shall
be able to interpret those acts or decisions taken by the Company to be the acts
and decisions of the Company.

         17. NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARY. Nothing expressed or implied in this
Agreement is intended, or shall be construed, to confer upon or give any person
other than the Company, the Executive, and their respective heirs, personal
representatives, legal representatives, successors, and permitted assigns, any
rights under or remedies by reason of this Agreement.

         18. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which
together shall constitute one and the same instrument and agreement.

                                       8
<PAGE>   9

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Agreement as of
the date first written above.

                                           THE COMPANY:

                                           U.S. REALTEL, INC.

                                           By:    /s/ Perry H. Ruda
                                               ---------------------------------
                                           Name:  Perry H. Ruda
                                           Title: CEO

                                           THE EXECUTIVE

                                               /s/ Mark J. Grant
                                           -------------------------------------
                                               Mark J. Grant

                                       9

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