Broadband Breakdown

In this episode, Jason Smith, General Manager and CEO of Rainbow Communications shares a candid recount of his company's recent cybersecurity incident. He and Brian discuss how their organizational culture and leadership practices helped them navigate a complex crisis, turning a potential disaster into a growth opportunity. A cyber attack is a matter of "it's not if but when", and this episode is full of great advice to help BSP leaders prepare.

In this episode, Kasey Krueger shares his journey from Kansas to Tennessee, taking on the challenge of leading a cooperative telecom in a rapidly changing industry. We explore the key lessons in leadership, culture adaptation, strategic growth, and the importance of taking risks in your career.

In this episode, Jason Wille, Chief Marketing Officer of Range, shares insights on rural broadband expansion, innovative marketing strategies, and revenue diversification in the telecommunications industry. Discover how Range leverages community engagement, strategic campaigns, and new services to bridge the digital divide and grow sustainably.

In this conversation, Tim Brinkman, CEO of Garden Valley Technologies, discusses their operations and growth strategies with Brian. They explore the challenges of being landlocked in Minnesota and the decision to expand into Colorado. The conversation highlights the importance of revenue diversification, marketing strategies, and the dynamics of working with a small team. Tim reflects on the lessons learned during the expansion process and the future outlook for the company.

In this episode, Brian Weis speaks with Jenni Neff from Grand River Mutual about their expansion efforts into the Des Moines area, focusing on their CLEC initiatives. Jenni shares insights into the challenges they faced when entering a new market where they were relatively unknown, emphasizing the importance of building relationships with local communities, city officials, and developers. She discusses how their proactive approach to customer service and community involvement helped establish their brand in a competitive landscape dominated by larger providers.

This conversation explores the significant impact of the Telecom Act of 1996 on the telecommunications industry, particularly focusing on its implications for rural telecom providers and the Universal Service Fund. Mike Romano shares insights from his career, discussing the evolution of telecommunications, the challenges faced by different types of providers, and the ongoing relevance of the Act's principles. The discussion also highlights the 30th anniversary celebration of the Act and the future of telecommunications policy.

In this conversation, Chris Lovell, Chief Growth Officer of CLTel, discusses the transformative potential of AI in business, emphasizing its ability to enhance workflows and improve customer service. He addresses concerns about job displacement, highlighting the importance of redirecting efforts towards community engagement. The conversation also touches on the challenges of navigating the AI hype cycle, establishing effective AI policies, and the necessity of embracing change in the workplace.

Welcome to Broadband Breakdown by Innovative Systems! This is the podcast where broadband leaders tackle real-world challenges—and find solutions. Whether you’re working to improve NPS, modernize outdated systems, hire top talent, or stay competitive, this is your space for innovative ideas and expert insights.