Connecting Communities: Inside the Growth of Live Oak Fiber

In this episode of Trade Talk, Sarah and Lindsay sit down with Steve Smith, Founder and CRO of Live Oak Fiber, to talk about the infrastructure that’s quietly powering today’s construction industry—connectivity.From launching with a “PowerPoint and Excel deck” to serving tens of thousands of customers across the Southeast, Steve shares the story behind building a fiber network from the ground up—and why it matters more than ever for contractors, tradespeople, and entrepreneurs.They dive into:Steve’s 30+ year journey in telecommunications and what led him to start Live Oak FiberWhat “greenfield” infrastructure really means and why starting from scratch mattersHow fiber internet impacts business growth, productivity, and competitivenessWhy reliable connectivity is no longer optional for contractors and small businessesThe role Live Oak Fiber plays in supporting and investing in local communitiesThe company’s rapid growth across Florida and Georgia—and what’s nextAdvice for entrepreneurs on persistence, building the right team, and planning for long-term successYou’ll also hear how Live Oak approaches community involvement differently—focusing on intentional, relationship-driven engagement rather than just writing checks.Whether you’re running a construction business, managing a team, or scaling your company, this episode highlights why infrastructure behind the scenes can make or break your success. Check availability in your area at LiveOakFiber.comKey Quote“It’s always darkest before the dawn… you just have to keep going.” - Steve Smith, Live Oak Fiber (18:25)Listen & Subscribe:New episodes drop every other Tuesday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and Amazon Music. Like, subscribe, and leave a review to support the show.Got a topic idea or feedback? Email us at [email protected] or submit them at contractors-connect.com/podcast.