Power the Network

For more information, connect with us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠cbmrep.com/contact⁠⁠⁠⁠ In this episode of Power the Network, host Marla Sparks sits down with Dirk Schwartzkopf, Director of Plant Operations at GRM Networks. With nearly three decades of experience in telecommunications, Dirk offers a candid, behind-the-scenes look at how GRM has navigated everything from supply chain chaos during the COVID-19 pandemic...

For more information, connect with us at ⁠⁠cbmrep.com/contact⁠⁠ In this episode of Power of the Network, guest host Marla Sparks sits down with Jake Jonnes, Executive VP of Operations at Polywater. What begins as a fun origin story, from wetsuit lubricant mishaps to a global cable lubricant empire, evolves into a deep dive into Polywater’s innovation culture, ESOP ownership model, and field-driven...

For more information, connect with us at ⁠⁠cbmrep.com/contact⁠⁠ In this episode of Power the Network, host Tim Locker sits down with Dave Lucas, Regional VP at Siemens Energy, to explore the current landscape of power generation and transmission. From global tariffs and sales cycles to the explosive growth of data centers and the impact of AI, this conversation dives deep into the real-world chall...

For more information, connect with us at ⁠cbmrep.com/contact⁠ In this special episode of Power of the Network, Tim Locker sits down with Marla Sparks, President of CBM, to celebrate the company’s 65th anniversary and reflect on its journey, values, and vision. Marla shares her story of entering the industry, her rise through the ranks, and the guiding principles that have sustained CBM across six...

For more information, connect with us at cbmrep.com/contact In this special anniversary episode, host Tim Locker welcomes Duff Greenwood, former President and current Chairman of the Board of CBM, to reflect on the company’s 65-year legacy. Duff shares stories from his early days with CBM, the evolution of its ESOP culture, and the values that continue to drive success across decades. Listeners wi...

For more information, connect with us at cbmrep.com/contact In this insightful and heartwarming episode of "Power of the Network," host Tim Locker welcomes his long-time friend and mentor, Michael Kean, to discuss Michael's inspiring career in sales, personal values, and the importance of relationships in business. Michael reflects on his decades of experience, sharing candid stories from his earl...

For more information, connect with us at cbmrep.com/contact In this episode of Power of the Network, host Tim Locker welcomes Paul Dickinson PhD, Director of Business Development at Dura-Line, to explore the latest advancements and applications in fiber optic technology, particularly fiber optic sensing. Paul, with his extensive 35-year background in fiber optics, discusses the evolution of fiber...

For more information, connect with us at cbmrep.com/contact In this episode of Power of the Network, host Tim Locker sits down with Matt Wells of Bob Hull Inc., an underground contractor specializing in broadband infrastructure in the Midwest. Matt shares his journey from running a bar to leading a respected contracting company and offers insights into the challenges of the industry, including lab...

For more information, connect with us at cbmrep.com/contact In this episode of Power of the Network, host Tim Locker sits down with Jon Reddemann, Regional Manager with nVent, to discuss his journey in the HVAC industry, the challenges and strategies in technical sales, and the evolving role of energy storage in modern infrastructure. Jon shares insights into his career transition from managing af...

For more information, connect with us at cbmrep.com/contact In this episode, we sit down with Phillip Kenslow, a key member of CBM’s Inside Sales team, to discuss his journey, experiences, and insights in the telecommunications industry. Phillip shares how he transitioned into his role, the mentorship that has shaped his career, and what makes CBM’s team culture unique. He also sheds light on what...

For more information, connect with us at cbmrep.com/contact In this episode of Power the Network, host Tim Locker sits down with Brett Cooper, Vice President of Communications and Commercial Industrial at CBM. Brett shares his insights on leadership, mentorship, and the evolving dynamics of the industries CBM serves. With over 18 years at CBM, Brett’s journey from distribution sales to leading two...

For more information, connect with us at cbmrep.com/contact In this episode, we sit down with Pat Estenson from Polywater to discuss insights from the Mid-American Telecom Seminar and Showcase in Kansas City. Pat shares his experiences transitioning from the electrical side of the industry to the communications division, the evolving role of manufacturers and reps, and the challenges and opportuni...

For more information, connect with us at cbmrep.com/contact In this episode of Power of the Network, host Tim Locker sits down with industry veteran Mike Lamb, who has been in the telecommunications and fiber optics industry for over five decades. Mike shares his journey from testing radar and missile systems in the late ‘60s to witnessing and contributing to the evolution of fiber optics. He prov...

For more information, connect with us at cbmrep.com/contact In this episode, we sit down with Oscar Perez, the new Sales Manager for Fusion Splicers at OFS, to discuss his transition into the broadband industry. Oscar shares insights about his career journey from IT to technical sales, his experiences at trade shows, and the challenges of learning the intricate details of the fiber and cabling ind...

For more information, connect with us at cbmrep.com/contact In this episode of Power the Network, host Tim Locker sits down with David Gordon, founder of Channel Marketing Group, to dive into the evolving landscape of marketing and sales in the electrical and HVAC industries. David shares his insights on what it takes to create demand, the role of marketing in building brand preference, and the st...

For more information, connect with us at cbmrep.com/contact In this episode of Power the Network, we welcome our newest team member, Chris Kitterman, who recently joined the CBM family. Chris shares his initial impressions of the company and his excitement about taking on his new role. Coming from a background in telecommunications, Chris is eager to build relationships with customers in Iowa and...

For more information, connect with us at cbmrep.com/contact In this episode of Power of the Network, host Tim Locker sits down with his colleague Tim Drake, Vice President of the Utility Group at CBM, to explore the values and practices that drive both personal and professional success. With years of shared experience, the two Tims reflect on what makes CBM a standout company in the industry and d...

For more information, connect with us at cbmrep.com/contact In this episode of Power the Network, host Tim Locker sits down with Larry Fausett of Finley Engineering at the Mid-American Telecom Seminar and Showcase (M.A.T.S.S.) in Kansas City. As the first engineer featured on the show, Larry shares his expertise and perspectives on the broadband industry, touching on current challenges, leadership...

For more information, connect with us at cbmrep.com/contact In this episode, we dive into the nuances of the manufacturer-rep relationship with Chris Chancelor from CBM. Chris shares his unique perspective as someone who has been both a manufacturer and a rep, providing valuable insights for sales teams and rep firms. This episode highlights key strategies for fostering effective communication, bu...

For more information, connect with us at cbmrep.com/contact In this episode of Power of the Network, host Tim Locker, Vice President of Broadband at CBM, speaks with Shawn Smith of WTC Communications at the Mid-American Telecom Seminar and Showcase in Kansas City. Sean shares insights about WTC's ambitious fiber-to-the-home expansion, leadership strategies, and the challenges of scaling operations...

For more information, connect with us at cbmrep.com/contact In this episode of Power of the Network, host Tim Locker, Vice President of Broadband at CBM, broadcasts live from the Mid-American Telecom Seminar and Showcase (M.A.T.S.S.) in Kansas City. This event brings together manufacturers, providers, and customers to explore the latest trends and innovations in broadband and telecommunications. T...

For more information, connect with us at cbmrep.com/contact In this episode of Power of the Network, host Tim Locker, Vice President of Broadband at CBM, broadcasts live from the Mid-American Telecom Seminar and Showcase (MATSS) in Kansas City. Tim brings insights from this key industry event, featuring expert perspectives and valuable discussions about the latest developments and trends in broadb...

For more information, connect with us at cbmrep.com/contact In this episode of Power of the Network, host Tim Locker, Vice President of Broadband at CBM, sits down with Billy Lao, the General Manager and CEO of DILO and DILO Direct Companies. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Billy shares insights into his journey, the evolving landscape of utilities, and the challenges and opportu...

For more information, connect with us at cbmrep.com/contact In this episode of Power of the Network, Tim Locker, Vice President of Broadband at CBM, sits down with Chris Barr, an industry innovator from Communication Innovators based in Pleasant Hill, Iowa. Chris shares his experiences and passion for mentoring others and how he has dedicated much of his career to uplifting those around him. His e...

For more information, connect with us at cbmrep.com/contact In this episode of Power of the Network, Tim Locker, Vice President of Broadband at CBM, sits down with Jake Irwin, Senior District Sales Manager at Dura-Line, to discuss the changing landscape of the telecom industry. With over four years of experience at Dura-Line, Jake has swiftly climbed the ranks, earning respect for his leadership a...