In this episode of Power of the Network, Tim Drake sits in for host Tim Locker and is joined by Paul Mahlberg, General Manager of the Kansas Municipal Energy Agency (KMEA). The conversation explores how municipal utilities operate in Kansas, how KMEA supports small, city-owned electric systems, and how the energy landscape is changing amid rapid load growth, data centers, and AI-driven demand.

Paul shares an inside look at KMEA’s unique project-based model, its expanding services arm through Mid-States Energy Works, and the challenges facing rural utilities as energy prices, transmission planning, and infrastructure demands evolve. The discussion also dives deep into Southwest Power Pool (SPP), data center impacts, transmission expansion, and Paul’s long career in public power leadership.

For more information, connect with us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cbmrep.com/contact⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of Power of the Network, host Tim Locker, VP of Broadband at CBM, sits down with Kyle Goldwater, the Territory Sales Manager for Duraline covering Kansas and Missouri. Kyle is new to the communications industry—just five months in—and this conversation introduces him to customers across the region while giving listeners a look at the person behind the title.

Kyle shares his first impressions of the industry, his background with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and how his leadership training and small-town roots help shape his approach to sales, service, and customer relationships. He and Tim dive into topics like learning curves, industry culture, family balance, leadership, and the surprising similarities between park ranger life and broadband infrastructure work.

This episode is a mix of personal story, industry insight, and genuine conversation about what it means to serve customers well—whether you're selling duct or keeping lakes safe during a holiday weekend.

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.

For more information, connect with us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cbmrep.com/contact⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of Power of the Network, Tim Locker sits down once again

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.

For more information, connect with us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cbmrep.com/contact⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of Power of the Network, host Tim Locker, VP of Broadband at CBM, sits down with Mike Daffron from EnerSys to unpack the growing world of data centers—how they consume massive amounts of energy, the evolving technology behind backup power, and what it means for the grid. Daffron, a veteran in the energy storage industry, shares firsthand insight into what’s happening inside the modern data center—from soaring power loads to the shift toward safer, longer-lasting battery systems.

The conversation ranges from the macro scale of national energy infrastructure down to the chemistry of pure lead batteries and their role in keeping critical systems online. Along the way, Daffron also shares stories about his unique sales approach, the evolution of lithium technology, and the mentors who helped shape his career.

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.

For more information, connect with us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cbmrep.com/contact⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this follow-up episode of Power of the Network, host Tim Locker, Vice President of Broadband at CBM, continues his inspiring conversation with Dan Levac of Preformed Line Products (PLP). Building on part one, this discussion dives deeper into communication across generations, the importance of compassion and leadership in the workplace, and Dan’s personal story of survival and purpose after a life-threatening medical event.

Listeners will hear Dan reflect on his career journey, his philosophy on mentoring and humility, and how companies like PLP maintain a strong family-driven culture that fuels innovation and longevity. His insights on perspective, connection, and passion for the industry remind us why relationships—and stories—matter as much as the products we sell.

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.

For more information, connect with us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cbmrep.com/contact⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this milestone episode of Power of the Network, host Tim Locker welcomes back Dan Levac of PLP for a special conversation celebrating the podcast’s two-part 50th episode and two-year anniversary. Dan was the very first guest when the show launched, and now he returns to reflect on what’s changed since that initial discussion—particularly around BEAD funding, infrastructure challenges, and the evolving broadband landscape.

The conversation dives deep into the state of broadband initiatives, the realities of fiber deployment, and the role of alternative technologies. Dan emphasizes the long-term value of fiber as core infrastructure, its impact on everything from education to agriculture, and why investment decisions today will shape opportunities for generations to come. The episode also covers manufacturing challenges, BABA compliance, workforce development, and how organizations like PCCA and PLP are helping prepare the next generation of technicians, splicers, and entrepreneurs.

Whether you’re in telecom, government, or just passionate about connectivity, this episode sheds light on the opportunities and challenges facing the broadband industry today—and why the work being done now matters for every community.

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.

For more information, connect with us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cbmrep.com/contact⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of Power of the Network, CBM’s Vice President of Broadband, Tim Locker, sits in the hot seat as Brett Cooper flips the script and interviews him. Tim opens up about his career journey, the lessons he’s learned in sales and leadership, and why building trust and relationships is more important than ever in today’s business environment.

The conversation covers everything from the importance of integrity in sales to the challenges of balancing manufacturer expectations, distributor partnerships, and customer needs. Tim also shares personal insights about leadership, communication, and the role of mentorship in his professional growth. To round things out, he talks about his passion for the outdoors and his side business, Iowa Boys Fishing, which adds a personal dimension to his professional story.

Listeners will gain an inside look at the man behind the mic and how his story reflects CBM’s commitment to expertise, collaboration, and 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.

For more information, connect with us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cbmrep.com/contact⁠⁠⁠

In this special episode of Power of the Network, the script is flipped. Instead of hosting, Tim Locker, Vice President of Broadband at CBM, becomes the guest as Brett Cooper takes over the interviewer’s chair. This candid conversation dives into Tim’s 17-year journey at CBM, his transition into broadband leadership, and his vision for breaking down silos within the company to create a stronger “One CBM” culture.

Tim opens up about his career path—from construction work and fiber splicing to equipment sales and eventually leading CBM’s broadband initiatives. He shares how his technical background and real-world experience foster trust with customers and empower teammates. The discussion also explores the unique ESOP ownership culture at CBM, why teamwork drives success, and how personal values like family and mentorship shape Tim’s leadership style.

Listeners will gain an inside look at the man behind the mic and how his story reflects CBM’s commitment to expertise, collaboration, and 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.

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 Max Bohon, National Sales Manager for Preformed Line Products (PLP) on the utility side. CBM and PLP share over 60 years of partnership, and this conversation dives into Max’s career journey, PLP’s company culture, industry changes, and the keys to professional growth in a fast-evolving utility and broadband market.

Max shares how his engineering background unexpectedly led him into sales, his approach to continuous learning, and the importance of adaptability in an industry where both power and communications technology are rapidly changing. They discuss the challenges of selling new products to crews resistant to change, PLP’s commitment to domestic manufacturing and product quality, and the traits that help young professionals succeed in this field. The conversation also touches on sports, mentorship, and the value of company culture that fosters long-term employee retention.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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.

For more information, connect with us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cbmrep.com/contact

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In this episode of Power of the Network, host Tim Locker sits down with HR expert and longtime CBM partner, Nancye Combs. With nearly 40 years of experience, Nancye brings insight, clarity, and some hard-earned wisdom to one of the most complex areas of business: human resources. From hiring the right people to managing crisis situations and building organizational bench strength, Nancye walks listeners through what it means to run a people-first business that also protects the bottom line.

Listeners will gain practical strategies for smarter hiring, tips on navigating the post-COVID workplace, and a better understanding of how HR policies can protect both employees and leadership. Whether you're in HR or executive leadership, or just trying to grow your influence at work, this episode is packed with candid advice and memorable insights.

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.