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 decades. She also talks candidly about leadership, industry changes, and what it means to be an employee-owned company in a rapidly evolving market.

Listeners will get a behind-the-scenes look at what makes CBM unique, how its employee-ownership model drives long-term relationships, and how strong leadership and culture empower team members to thrive. It's a thoughtful, personal conversation about longevity, legacy, and staying focused in times of change.

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 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 will get an inside look at how CBM’s employee-ownership model transformed not just operations, but its leadership philosophy, hiring practices, and long-term vision. From the humble beginnings of a founder with a card table to a multi-market rep firm, Duff offers personal insights, anecdotes, and lessons learned along the way.

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 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 early life and professional journey, including his tenure at Power and Telephone, and his post-retirement contributions to charity and community.

Michael emphasizes the significance of honesty, consistency, and adaptability in sales, underscoring that genuine relationships and trust remain essential despite changing business environments. The conversation also touches on personal endeavors, such as Michael's commitment to woodworking for the Pink Tractor Foundation, and managing the Telephone Museum at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

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 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 technology from its early technical issues to its present ubiquity in broadband access.

The conversation covers the transformative potential of fiber optic sensing technology, emphasizing its capabilities in monitoring critical infrastructure through acoustic, temperature, and strain detection. Paul also highlights the importance of raising awareness about this technology and its adoption in preventing damage and enhancing safety in utilities, transportation, and smart city projects.

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 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 labor shortages, supply chain issues, and the growing demand for broadband expansion.

The conversation explores the importance of strong relationships in the industry—both with employees and subcontractors—as well as the impact of federal funding initiatives like the BEAD program. Matt’s candid and engaging storytelling provides an inside look at what it takes to keep fiber in the ground, maintain a strong workforce, and navigate the evolving broadband landscape.

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 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 aftermarket services to sales, the importance of preparation in sales strategy, and how relationship-building plays a crucial role in securing long-term customers. He also discusses his passion for motorcycles, his experience running his own HVAC company, and how that hands-on background has influenced his approach to sales and customer service.

The conversation also dives into critical infrastructure topics such as cooling solutions for battery storage, the role of HVAC in data centers, and the future of nuclear energy versus renewable sources. Throughout the discussion, Jon emphasizes the importance of integrity, customer service, and mentorship in the industry.

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, 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 inside sales truly involves—beyond emails and phone calls—and how the team celebrates every win together.

Whether you're in sales, telecommunications, or just love hearing about great company culture, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. Tune in to hear about Phillip’s growth, his favorite aspects of CBM, and what makes their employee-owned model so special.

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 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 major markets has been shaped by his passion for people, problem-solving, and a commitment to customer success.

Throughout the conversation, Brett and Tim discuss the challenges of sales, the importance of relationships in business, and how CBM’s ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) structure fosters a culture of ownership and long-term success. They also dive into leadership philosophies, team building, and what it takes to thrive in today’s fast-changing market. Whether you’re a business leader, a sales professional, or someone interested in company culture, this episode is packed with valuable 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.

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 opportunities in the telecom space. We dive into the importance of strong rep relationships, how distribution dynamics are shifting, and what manufacturers can do to make working with them easier. Whether you're in sales, manufacturing, or telecom, this episode provides valuable takeaways on navigating partnerships and industry changes.

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 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 provides insight into how fiber technology has transformed over the years, discusses the importance of relationships in the industry, and reflects on the challenges and lessons he’s learned throughout his career.

Mike also dives into the business of fiber, the impact of technological advancements, and what the future holds for fiber optics, including developments like hollow-core fiber. He also shares personal stories about balancing work and family, the importance of mentorship, and what has kept him passionate about his work for over 50 years.

This episode is packed with insights, humor, and wisdom from one of the industry's most respected figures. Whether you’re a fiber optics professional, a telecom enthusiast, or just curious about the evolution of communications technology, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss!

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.