Power the Network

Hosted by CLEAVES-BESSMER-MARIETTI, INC.

Business Management Education

Website RSS feed

Episodes

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

About the show

Hosted by CBM's own Vice President of Broadband, Tim Locker, Power the Network is bringing industry leaders to your feed every other week. One minute, you'll dive deep into products and innovative new processes. The next minute, you'll be learning timeless principles to equip you in your career. At CBM, we are powered by ownership, and we're bringing the same energy into podcasting with Power the Network. 

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 20, 202645 min

Chris Harness | Solving Rural Internet Crisis: Hometown Internet's Fiber Mission

For more information, connect with us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cbmrep.com/contact⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Discover how Hometown Internet is revolutionizing rural broadband by tackling the toughest terrain in the Ozarks. Learn the secrets behind successful fiber-to-the-home expansion. In this episode of Power of the Network, host Tim Locker sits down with Chris Harness, COO of Hometown Internet, to discuss the ambitious expansion of fiber-optic infrastructure in rural Arkansas and Missouri. With a background spanning decades in telecom construction, Chris shares his expert insights on navigating complex environmental hurdles, managing BEAD funding projects, and overcoming the unique challenges of building in rocky Ozark terrain. This deep dive into fiber deployment covers everything from the nuances of 'make ready' pole work to the importance of building a strong, local workforce. Whether you are an industry professional interested in ISP growth strategies or a community member curious about the future of high-speed connectivity, this conversation provides an honest look at the state of broadband today. Learn how Hometown Internet is prioritizing local growth to bridge the digital divide, providing essential services to underserved regions, and fostering long-term community development through reliable, high-speed fiber internet. If you've enjoyed this conversation, leave a review and subscribe so you don't miss any future episodes. Hosted by CBM's own Vice President of Broadband, Tim Locker, Power the Network is bringing industry leaders to your feed every other week. One minute, you'll dive deep into products and innovative new processes. The next minute, you'll be learning timeless principles to equip you in your career. At CBM, we are powered by ownership, and we're bringing the same energy into podcasting with Power the Network.

August 6, 202654 min

Tyler Wesselman | How This Construction CEO Grew from Intern to President

For more information, connect with us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cbmrep.com/contact⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ Discover how the ESOP business model drives growth and employee retention in the competitive construction industry. Learn top leadership strategies. In this episode of Power of the Network, host Tim Locker sits down with Tyler Wesselman, President of MegaKC, to discuss the transformative power of Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) in the construction sector. Tyler shares his journey from an intern to leading a 100% employee-owned firm in Kansas City. This conversation dives deep into construction management, the importance of strategic organizational structuring, and how to cultivate a high-performance culture by focusing on employee strengths rather than weaknesses. Viewers will gain actionable insights on how to build infrastructure for sustainable growth, handle complex succession planning, and navigate the unique challenges of non-union merit shops. Whether you are a business leader, construction professional, or interested in the mechanics of ESOPs, this discussion provides a blueprint for creating long-term value, financial freedom, and a legacy-driven company culture. Learn how aligning people with their strengths can overcome business plateaus and foster a team that acts like owners every single day. If you've enjoyed this conversation, leave a review and subscribe so you don't miss any future episodes. Hosted by CBM's own Vice President of Broadband, Tim Locker, Power the Network is bringing industry leaders to your feed every other week. One minute, you'll dive deep into products and innovative new processes. The next minute, you'll be learning timeless principles to equip you in your career. At CBM, we are powered by ownership, and we're bringing the same energy into podcasting with Power the Network.

July 23, 202634 min

PLP's New Regional Manager Reveals Sales & Leadership Secrets | Eric Lage

For more information, connect with us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cbmrep.com/contact⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ Ever wondered how to excel in broadband sales? Discover how former utility manager Eric Lage transitioned to a key role at PLP. In this episode of Power of the Network, host Tim Locker sits down with Eric Lage, the new regional manager at Preformed Line Products (PLP), to discuss his unique career trajectory from being a utility operator to a manufacturing leader. This conversation offers a rare look at the broadband industry from both sides of the table. Eric shares valuable lessons on leadership, the importance of operational autonomy, and how sales professionals can better serve utility providers by understanding their unique technical needs. Whether you are in municipal utility management, outside plant engineering, or technical sales, you will gain actionable advice on how to build trust, navigate complex infrastructure projects, and improve your approach to consultative selling. The episode also highlights the current challenges of managing network projects, the impact of BEAD funding on future deployments, and why a 'servant leadership' model is critical to long-term success. Tune in to learn how to effectively bridge the gap between technical operations and sales success in the evolving telecommunications landscape. If you've enjoyed this conversation, leave a review and subscribe so you don't miss any future episodes. Hosted by CBM's own Vice President of Broadband, Tim Locker, Power the Network is bringing industry leaders to your feed every other week. One minute, you'll dive deep into products and innovative new processes. The next minute, you'll be learning timeless principles to equip you in your career. At CBM, we are powered by ownership, and we're bringing the same energy into podcasting with Power the Network.

July 9, 202650 min

Ben Foster | Is Your Company BUILT TO LAST?

For more information, connect with us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cbmrep.com/contact⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Discover the strategy behind sustaining a successful family-owned broadband business across four generations. Learn how to balance long-term legacy with rapid innovation. In this insightful episode of Power of the Network, host Tim Locker sits down with Ben Foster, leader of the fourth-generation family-owned company, Twin Valley. Ben shares his unique journey, from gaining essential experience at a non-family company to returning home to drive growth and community impact. This interview dives deep into the challenges of maintaining culture across generations, the strategic importance of values-based leadership, and the complexities of mergers and acquisitions in the telecommunications industry. We also touch upon Ben's recent appointment to the board for the NTCA and his vision for the future of rural broadband in the age of AI and shifting regulatory landscapes. Whether you are a business leader looking to scale, a professional in the telecom sector, or interested in the nuances of family-owned enterprises, this conversation provides a blueprint for building a business that is truly built to last. Learn how Twin Valley navigates competition, utilizes the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), and fosters deep community ties to ensure long-term, sustainable success. If you've enjoyed this conversation, leave a review and subscribe so you don't miss any future episodes. Hosted by CBM's own Vice President of Broadband, Tim Locker, Power the Network is bringing industry leaders to your feed every other week. One minute, you'll dive deep into products and innovative new processes. The next minute, you'll be learning timeless principles to equip you in your career. At CBM, we are powered by ownership, and we're bringing the same energy into podcasting with Power the Network.

June 25, 202642 min

Gateway Fiber's Secrets to Hyper-Growth & Customer Obsession

For more information, connect with us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cbmrep.com/contact⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Scaling a fiber broadband network in a competitive market isn't easy. Discover how Gateway Fiber navigates growth, supply chains, and infrastructure hurdles. In this insightful episode of Power the Network, host Tim Locker sits down with Jason Johns, VP of Network Development at Gateway Fiber, to discuss the rapid evolution of the fiber broadband industry. Two years after his last appearance, Jason provides an inside look at the challenges and triumphs of managing massive scaling efforts across multiple states. From navigating global supply chain pressure to implementing fiber-first expansion strategies, this conversation covers the operational realities of building modern connectivity in a crowded marketplace. They also explore the complexities of municipal permitting, the importance of robust customer-centric service models, and the evolving role of government grants like BEAD. Whether you are a telecom professional, infrastructure stakeholder, or industry enthusiast, this episode delivers actionable insights into the future of network development, the importance of long-term vendor partnerships, and the secrets to fostering a healthy corporate culture in a high-growth environment. Join us as we examine what it takes to build a network that truly serves the customer while staying agile and profitable. If you've enjoyed this conversation, leave a review and subscribe so you don't miss any future episodes. Hosted by CBM's own Vice President of Broadband, Tim Locker, Power the Network is bringing industry leaders to your feed every other week. One minute, you'll dive deep into products and innovative new processes. The next minute, you'll be learning timeless principles to equip you in your career. At CBM, we are powered by ownership, and we're bringing the same energy into podcasting with Power the Network.

June 11, 202628 min

John Mitchell Pt 2 | The SECRET to AI-Powered Lead Gen

For more information, connect with us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cbmrep.com/contact⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Discover how AI and modern CRM tools like RepFabric can revolutionize your manufacturer's rep firm. Optimize your sales performance today. In this insightful episode of Power of the Network, host Tim Logger sits down with John Mitchell, the creator of RepFabric, to explore how advanced technology and CRM systems are reshaping the landscape for manufacturer representatives. As sales teams face increasing pressure to balance administrative tasks with building meaningful relationships, this conversation provides a deep dive into the practical application of generative AI, vector databases, and, perhaps most importantly, the enduring need for 'human-in-the-loop' oversight. Discover how to effectively manage sales performance, set clear behavioral goals, and navigate the complex, multi-tier distribution networks common in the building and construction industries. Whether you are a seasoned sales veteran or a leader looking to modernize your agency's operations, John shares actionable insights on account research, territory planning, and fostering a culture of accountability. Learn how to leverage data-driven metrics to drive efficiency, improve your sales funnel, and empower your team to focus on high-impact opportunities that lead to long-term growth. If you've enjoyed this conversation, leave a review and subscribe so you don't miss any future episodes. Hosted by CBM's own Vice President of Broadband, Tim Locker, Power the Network is bringing industry leaders to your feed every other week. One minute, you'll dive deep into products and innovative new processes. The next minute, you'll be learning timeless principles to equip you in your career. At CBM, we are powered by ownership, and we're bringing the same energy into podcasting with Power the Network.

May 28, 202631 min

From Frustrated Rep to CRM Founder: John Mitchell's Rep Fabric Journey

For more information, connect with us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cbmrep.com/contact⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Struggling to manage rep firm data? Discover how specialized CRM tools and AI are revolutionizing daily efficiency for manufacturing representatives. In this episode of Power of the Network, host Tim Loger sits down with John Mitchell, the creator of Rep Fabric, to discuss the specific challenges faced by manufacturers' rep firms. If you are a sales professional or a rep firm owner dealing with fragmented data silos, commission management, or inefficient reporting, this conversation is for you. John shares his journey from working at Accenture to building an all-in-one 'nervous system' designed specifically for the unique needs of the rep industry. We dive deep into how to move away from administrative tasks to focus on high-value sales relationships. You will learn practical strategies for cleaning up bad data, implementing AI to streamline post-call recaps, and why nurturing trusted relationships remains the most important part of your business. Whether you are looking to adopt a new CRM or need to optimize your current workflow to stay competitive in an increasingly data-driven environment, you will find actionable insights to help your team perform at its peak. If you've enjoyed this conversation, leave a review and subscribe so you don't miss any future episodes. Hosted by CBM's own Vice President of Broadband, Tim Locker, Power the Network is bringing industry leaders to your feed every other week. One minute, you'll dive deep into products and innovative new processes. The next minute, you'll be learning timeless principles to equip you in your career. At CBM, we are powered by ownership, and we're bringing the same energy into podcasting with Power the Network.

May 14, 202645 min

Mastering Sales: Frank Foster's 30+ Years of Rep Training Secrets

For more information, connect with us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cbmrep.com/contact⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Are you tired of transactional selling? Discover the secrets to professional sales training and becoming a top-tier manufacturer representative. In this episode of Power of the Network, host Tim Locker sits down with veteran sales coach Frank Foster. With over 30 years of experience, Frank explores how to shift from basic transactional selling to a model focused on consultative discovery and building long-term relationships. Whether you are in the CPG industry, working as a manufacturer's rep, or looking to improve your inside sales team's effectiveness, this interview offers actionable strategies for professional growth. We discuss the importance of full-line selling, why asking the right discovery questions is the key to unlocking hidden buyer motivations, and how to effectively navigate the 'stress sandwich' of manufacturer, rep, and customer relationships. Learn why certifications like CPSC and CPMR are becoming industry standards for professional advancement, how to leverage inside sales for maximum productivity, and why trust remains the ultimate currency in modern sales. Perfect for sales professionals, students of the industry, and anyone looking to refine their approach to closing deals and managing complex accounts in today’s competitive market environment. If you've enjoyed this conversation, leave a review and subscribe so you don't miss any future episodes. Hosted by CBM's own Vice President of Broadband, Tim Locker, Power the Network is bringing industry leaders to your feed every other week. One minute, you'll dive deep into products and innovative new processes. The next minute, you'll be learning timeless principles to equip you in your career. At CBM, we are powered by ownership, and we're bringing the same energy into podcasting with Power the Network.

April 30, 202635 min

Tom Forshee | Building a Billion Dollar Blinking Light Brand

For more information, connect with us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cbmrep.com/contact⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Master the art of solution selling and explore the industrial world of signaling and lighting. Learn actionable sales strategies from industry experts. In this episode of Power of the Network, host Tim Locker sits down with Tom Forshee, a regional sales manager at Federal Signal, to pull back the curtain on the world of industrial signaling and high-impact sales. Whether you are a professional in the electrical industry or looking to sharpen your sales techniques, this conversation offers invaluable insights into consultative selling, building long-term customer relationships, and managing complex territories. Tom shares his unconventional journey from interior design and lighting to becoming an expert in industrial beacons and warning systems. We dive deep into the differences between transactional sales and value-added solutions, how to effectively manage rep relationships without direct authority, and the importance of maintaining a balance between prospecting and respecting the customer’s time. With over 125 years of history, Federal Signal’s evolution provides a fascinating case study on adapting to market demands in the petrochemical, manufacturing, and industrial sectors. Join us as we discuss how to stay top-of-mind with partners and why the 'last guy in' often wins the deal. If you've enjoyed this conversation, leave a review and subscribe so you don't miss any future episodes. Hosted by CBM's own Vice President of Broadband, Tim Locker, Power the Network is bringing industry leaders to your feed every other week. One minute, you'll dive deep into products and innovative new processes. The next minute, you'll be learning timeless principles to equip you in your career. At CBM, we are powered by ownership, and we're bringing the same energy into podcasting with Power the Network.

April 16, 202646 min

Chris Shoe | Why Smart Towns and Community Wi-Fi are Changing Rural America

For more information, connect with us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cbmrep.com/contact⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Discover how independent telcos are bridging the digital divide through robust broadband infrastructure and community-focused service. Join us as we explore the future of connectivity with Green Hills Communications. ‍In this episode of Power of the Network, host Tim Locker sits down with Chris Shoe, Plant Operations Manager at Green Hills Communications, to discuss the evolving landscape of rural internet service. As the industry faces critical challenges—from BEAD funding delays to the increasing demand for high-speed fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) networks—Green Hills shares their unique approach to balancing subscriber needs with long-term infrastructure health. We dive deep into the cooperative mindset that makes rural communications essential and examine why 'building it right the first time' is the ultimate strategy for operational success. Whether you are a fellow operator, a contractor navigating the complexities of fiber deployment, or simply interested in how small towns are gaining big-city speeds, this conversation provides essential insights. Learn about the shift toward micro-ditch technology, the importance of future-proofing network designs, and how local providers are navigating the political landscape to bring reliable digital access to underserved communities across Missouri and beyond. If you've enjoyed this conversation, leave a review and subscribe so you don't miss any future episodes. Hosted by CBM's own Vice President of Broadband, Tim Locker, Power the Network is bringing industry leaders to your feed every other week. One minute, you'll dive deep into products and innovative new processes. The next minute, you'll be learning timeless principles to equip you in your career. At CBM, we are powered by ownership, and we're bringing the same energy into podcasting with Power the Network.