Zack Kilgore and Gabe Petersen
Buffering
Buffering - Powered by Calix is a weekly podcast hosted by Zack Kilgore and Gabe Petersen from the Calix Success and Field Strategy teams. We break down how marketing, data, and AI drive real-world growth, from customer experience to emerging tools and trends. With 25+ years of combined experience, Gabe and Zack cut through the noise on what drives results, where organizations get stuck, and how to optimize performance and growth. Views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the original creators, and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of external affiliates.
Author
Zack Kilgore and Gabe Petersen
Category
Podcast website
Latest episode
Jul 7, 2026
Where to listen?
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Episodes
The Discount Trap: How to Shield Your Brand from Price Wars 02.12.2025 36:27
This week on Buffering, we are exploring how brands can strategically recover (and avoid) the discount trap, as well as the psychological forces at play as consumers shift from deal hunting to genuine brand connections. Join Zack and Gabe as we break down why constant price cuts erode brand value and how deep discounts attract transactional shoppers instead of loyal fans.
Reimagining the Road Ahead: How Rivian Designs a Seamless Customer Path 25.11.2025 35:51
This week on Buffering, we dive into how Rivian is transforming the automative experience by blending immersive space with dynamic digital storytelling. Join Zack and Gabe as we explore how Rivian is creating a brand journey that prioritizes emotional connection over traditional sales tactics with a customer-first philosophy.
Buffering Ping: Defying Commoditization in Broadband 19.11.2025 7:41
In this Ping, we are looking to the western sky to ask: “Is your broadband business good, or Wicked?”. Join Zack and Christina as we draw on lessons from Wicked, and explore the two paths facing every service provider, while unmasking the industry’s “Wizard”, and the importance of delivering a trusted subscriber experience as a Broadband Experience Provider.
Your Digital Dynasty: Expanding Your Network with Seth Thompson 18.11.2025 37:36
This week on Buffering, we are joined by Seth Thompson, Sales Manager at Calix, to discuss building a career through content creation, long before the audience shows up. Join Zack, Gabe, and Seth as we break down how creators and professional can grow with consistency, turn small ideas into big moves, and publish content with purpose to grow your network.
Iterate to Innovate: Building E-Commerce with Steve Mammone 12.11.2025 55:36
This week on Buffering, we are joined by Steve Mammone, President and Co-Founder of getfused to discuss how companies can innovate online, and how AI is reshaping the future of digital sales. Join Zack, Gabe and Steve as we dive deep into the world of e-commerce, with Steve sharing his unique journey from a non-traditional marketing background to founding a leading creative agency, and how compani...
Buffering Ping: How Automotive Companies are Turning Service into Marketing 06.11.2025 9:55
In this Ping, we explore how companies like Tesla and Rivian are transforming automotive service into an effortless, proactive, and convenient experience, shifting brand narratives from transactional relationships to indispensable lifestyle partners that cement loyalty and turn operational excellence into a powerful marketing engine.
AI in Action: Implementing AI for Meaningful Outcomes with Drew Beverage 04.11.2025 35:45
This week on Buffering, we are joined by Drew Beverage from 360 Broadband to explore the journey from dial-up internet to cutting-edge AI integrations. Join Zack, Gabe, and Drew as we discuss how 360 Broadband is using AI to transform customer experience and internal operations, as well as the future of personalization at scale in sales and support.
New Game New Rules: The Future of Broadband Takes Shape 28.10.2025 34:01
This week on Buffering, we are sharing our favorite moments from ConneXions 2025 and exploring how agentic AI is reshaping the broadband landscape. From moving beyond prompts to securely activate AI agents to utilizing Market Insights for BSP to BXP transformation, join Zack and Gabe as we discuss some of the key-takeaways from ConneXions, and the impact for broadband leaders.
ConneXions25: How Nex-Tech Helps BSPs Tell Their Story in a Connected World 23.10.2025 20:27
In this ConneXions episode, Join Zack and Gabe as we sit down with Lindsay and Maggie from Nex-Tech to learn how they are redefining what it means to market in the rural broadband space, and how digital marketing, creative strategies, and exceptional customer experiences can make the difference in growing your brand.
ConneXions25: How SCTelcom is Innovating to Redefine Sales and Customer Experience 23.10.2025 11:01
In this ConneXions episode, join Zack and Gabe as we sit down with Weston Comfort, RVP of Sales Acceleration at Calix, and Paige Hermes, Business Solutions Manager at SCTelcom to explore how SCTelcom is transforming its culture, breaking bottlenecks, creating data-driven sales processes, and scaling a sales organization without compromising on customer experience.
ConneXions25: Building a Winning Sales Culture with eTex Communications 22.10.2025 11:48
In this ConneXions episode, join Zack and Gabe as we sit down with Larry Montgomery, Director of Sales at eTex Communications to talk about what it takes to build a winning sales culture in the broadband industry, how the right blend of sales and marketing can transform your business, and how AI can complement your organization, rather than replace.
ConneXions25: How Elevate is Making Legendary Internet Real 22.10.2025 10:55
In this ConneXions episode, join Zack and Gabe as we sit down with Katie and Craig from Elevate Internet to explore how they are redefining what it means to be a Broadband Experience Provider. From launching Legendary Internet to empowering subscribers with self-install options, Elevate is setting a new standard for engagement and experience.
ConneXions25: How Cablelynx is Reimagining Customer Experience and Cutting Through the Noise 22.10.2025 13:47
In this ConneXions episode, join Zack and Gabe as we sit down with Laurie to talk about how Cablelynx is moderninizing marketing and building stronger community connections, cutting through the noise of legacy broadband marketing.
A Year of Buffering: From AI to Customer Experience, and Everything In Between 14.10.2025 41:52
This week on Buffering, we’re taking a moment to reflect on a year of Buffering – Powered by Success, to revisit the most memorable moments, guest highlights, and themes that shaped Buffering in 2025. Join Zack and Gabe as we prepare for ConneXions 2025, and share highlights that include everything from customer experience to consumer behavior, to AI.
Crafting Connections: Defining the Experience Beyond Speed 07.10.2025 30:34
This week on Buffering, we dive deep into the world of broadband tier naming connections, and explore how Bronze, Silver, and Gold tiers may be holding your brand back. Join Zack and Gabe as we discuss the hidden costs of the “metal standard”, the psychology behind plan names, and how to move beyond generic tiers to build authentic connections with your community.
The Agentic Browser: How Gemini is Reshaping the Marketer’s Funnel 02.10.2025 31:55
This week on Buffering, we’re exploring how Google’s Gemini AI is transforming the Chrome browser, making a pivotal shift in digital interaction. Join Zack and Gabe as we discuss actionable strategies for optimizing your content for AI and how you can ensure your message stands out in an agentic, AI-driven world.
Buffering Ping: Shop and the Art of Frictionless Shopping 23.09.2025 9:42
In this Ping, we explore how Shop is revolutionizing their customer experience with its frictionless shopping and powerful marketing tools. Join Zack and Gabe as we explore how a personalized Shop is personalizing the checkout process and leveraging post-purchase actions as marketing touchpoints.
We’ve Always Done It This Way: 10 Outdated Plays Still Haunting BSPs 16.09.2025 39:33
This week on Buffering, we are diving into the world of outdated practices that are still haunting broadband service providers, from all-day service appointments to phone-only support, we are exploring the top 10 mistakes that might be ruining your customer experience.
The World Broadband Tour: Global Trends That Shape Local Markets 09.09.2025 39:33
This week on Buffering, we’re taking you on a trip around the globe to explore how international broadband trends are shaping local markets. We’ll be diving into what broadband providers abroad are doing differently, and how North American BSPs can adapt these strategies in your own communities.
Insights to Impact: Turning Data into Direction with Candy Riem and Megan Powell 02.09.2025 40:20
This week on Buffering, we are joined by Candy Reim, Vice President of Marketing and Customer Solutions at Midwest Energy & Communications, and Megan Powell, RVP of Success – Broadband Platform at Calix to explore how fiber is the foundation for new revenue streams, and why Market Insights is reshaping how providers benchmark against competitors. Join Candy, Megan, Gabe, and Zack as we discuss...
The Buyer’s Lens: How Your Customers Rewrite Your Message 26.08.2025 35:02
This week on Buffering, we are diving deep into how your marketing messages are transformed by your customers’ perceptions, while exploring the “silent rewrite” and how buyers will pull your words into their own stories, reshaping your brand’s narrative. Join Zack and Gabe as we uncover the impact of branding missteps, and the importance of aligning your messages with your customers’ personal need...
Fearless Launch: Standing out with Differentiated Services with Roger Lewis 18.08.2025 39:16
This week on Buffering, we are joined by Roger Lewis, Vice President of Product Management & Business Development at GVTC to share his insights on launching new products and services, and the importance of financial analysis, reducing churn, and developing customer profiles. Join Zack and Gabe as we hear Roger’s perspective on the future of the broadband space, and share valuable advice for st...
Buffering Ping: Your Brand’s Next Move Might be on Reddit 14.08.2025 9:58
In this Ping, we are diving into the fascinating world of Reddit, often referred to as the Front Page of the Internet to explore how they have become one of the most vibrant online communities, and what that means for marketers. Join Zack and Gabe as we break down what makes Reddit so appealing for brands.
Lost Dollars: The Hidden Financial Impact of a Lost Journey 12.08.2025 31:55
This week on Buffering, we are diving deep in to the intricacies of the customer journey, and breaking down each stage from initial awareness to post-purchase engagement, and the financial impact churn and acquisition can have on your business. Join Zack and Gabe as we share insights on how you can optimize every touchpoint to enhance customer satisfaction and drive loyalty.
Beyond the Prompt: Living in a Post-Prompt World with AI 06.08.2025 34:07
This week on Buffering, we are diving deeper into the future of prompting, and what happens when AI no longer needs your input to take action. Join Zack and Gabe as we discuss how AI is already reshaping everyday tasks, and how new developments are already preparing us for a future where AI works proactively and independently.
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