Fiber’s $100B Opportunity: BEAD, Delays & What’s Next

WHAT YOUR EMPLOYEES AREN’T SAYING (AND WHY YOU NEED TO ASK)

This episode of Talk Fiber to Me, Baby is a wake-up call for every leader who’s ever said “we’ve got a communication issue.” Caleb and Josh Etheridge dive deep into one of the most critical, and most misunderstood, tools in any organization’s toolbox: communication. Whether you’re leading crews in the field or managing growth from the top, your ability to communicate clearly can either fuel your momentum or quietly fracture everything you’ve built. Inside the episode: ● Why “unmet expectations” usually come from unspoken expectations ● How to tailor your message to your team’s DISC profiles, not just your personal style ● 67% of employees say they’d go above and beyond if they just felt heard ● Strategy on a Page (SOAP): The simple framework EPC uses to keep communication on track as they scale ● What bad communication really costs your organization and how to fix it before it kills culture and growth You’ll hear hard-earned lessons, humorous confessions, and a few gut-check stats that will change the way you lead. This one’s about being the kind of leader people want to follow. Because if you’re not saying it clearly, they’re not hearing it. And that’s on you. #TalkFiberToMeBaby #EPC #Leadership #WorkforceDevelopment #BroadbandBusiness #CommunicationMatters #OrganizationalGrowth #DISC #SOAP #WeAreEPC

THE CITY EVERYONE WILL BE TALKING ABOUT

This episode of Talk Fiber to Me, Baby is a rally cry for rural revival. Caleb and Josh Etheridge are joined by Mayor Friday Ellis and Monroe Chamber President Roy Heatherly to unpack what it really takes to transform a city—not just with fiber and funding, but with vision, collaboration, and a whole lot of conviction. - How Monroe went from overlooked to unstoppable—with 28 new economic development leads in just two months. - The power of community buy-in: Why vision-setting works better when your residents help write the plan. - Broadband as a utility (not a luxury): Why connectivity is now as critical as water and sewer in Monroe’s growth strategy. - From drainage ditches to data centers—how infrastructure laid the foundation for $120M+ in federal investment. - Discussing the “Why not Monroe?” mindset shift that’s contagious across the I-20 corridor. This is practical, hands-on leadership focused on infrastructure, connectivity, and proving that rural communities can compete at the highest level. You’ll hear about lawnmower telehealth, pie-in-the-sky dreams that are now policy, and the very real economic firepower brewing in northeast Louisiana. Whether you’re a city official, a contractor, or an entrepreneur with big ideas in a small town, this episode is proof that the future belongs to the bold. #WeAreEPC #LouisianaJobs #TalkFiberToMe #EconomicGrowth

LIVE FROM METRO CONNECT IN FLORIDA

This episode is packed with expert insights from Phillip Macres (Klein Law Group), Francisco Maella (Dobson Fiber), and Rob Hanson (Vitruvi)—leaders who are shaping the future of broadband. Phillip Macres breaks down the legal landscape making sense of the challenges that are ahead. Dobson CEO Francisco Maella shares the on-the-ground realities of broadband expansion and how it’s transforming communities. Rob Hanson unveils how a cutting-edge GIS-based construction management platform is streamlining fiber deployment like never before. If you're in broadband, infrastructure, or just want to understand the real fight for digital expansion, this episode is a must-listen. Let’s talk, baby! Episode Breakdown: 00:00 – Introduction and Welcome 00:20 – Guest Introductions: Phillip Macres & Francisco Maella 00:43 – Navigating ARPA & BEAD Funding Complexities 16:57 – Importance of Industry Collaboration and Legislative Action 18:45 – Operational Challenges in Network Expansion 22:46 – Socio-Economic Impact of Broadband Projects 27:28 – Rob Hanson of Vitruvi: Leveraging GIS for Construction Efficiency #WeAreEPC #broadband #fiber #podcast

Fiber’s $100B Opportunity: BEAD, Delays & What’s Next

Broadband funding is shifting— what does it mean for fiber deployment? Josh sits down with Lori Adams, VP of Broadband Policy and Funding Strategies at Nokia, to unpack the latest on BEAD, federal funding challenges, and what’s ahead for ISPs. From policy changes to real-world deployment, she breaks down how funding decisions are shaping broadband expansion. Brendan West from Fibercom Engineering joins the conversation to talk about drones in telecom. His team is using high-precision photogrammetry (a technique that uses detailed aerial imagery to create precise 3D maps for engineering and surveying) to cut project timelines and streamline fiber deployment. Straightforward insights on broadband funding, emerging tech, and the strategies driving the industry forward. #Broadband #FiberDeployment #Infrastructure #Drones #TalkFiberToMeBaby #WeAreEPC 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:30 Panel Discussion on Broadband Funding 02:12 Challenges in Broadband Manufacturing 03:33 Build America, Buy America Act 06:56 Speculations on Future Policies 11:59 Conclusion of the Panel Discussion 13:18 Introduction to Fibercom Engineering 14:03 Innovations in Drone Technology 17:35 Future of Engineering with Drones 19:59 Final Thoughts and Farewell

AN INSIDE LOOK AT WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT IN LOUISIANA

Workforce shortages, education gaps, and the challenge of connecting job seekers to employers— Louisiana’s labor market is at a crossroads. In this episode of Talk Fiber to Me, Baby, Caleb and Josh Etheridge sit down with Matthew Dickerson, Business Development and Strategy Officer at Mid South Extrusion, to tackle the real state of workforce development in Louisiana and what’s being done to improve it. They’re diving into: - The hiring crisis – Why businesses are struggling to find qualified workers, despite a large pool of able-bodied job seekers. - Government red tape – How bureaucracy is slowing down workforce solutions (and what Louisiana is doing to cut through it). - The Utah "One Door" model – A system that could revolutionize workforce training in Louisiana. - Real solutions – What employers can do today to help bridge the workforce gap. Plus, Matthew shares eye-opening insights from his work with the Louisiana Workforce and Social Service Reform Task Force, including: - Why employability is more than just a résumé skill—it’s a mindset shift. - How businesses can take control of workforce development instead of waiting for the state to fix it. - The surprising ways education policy changes in 2026 will impact Louisiana’s economy. Whether you're a business owner, internet service provider, entrepreneur, policy-maker, or job seeker, this episode is packed with insights, real talk, and solutions you won’t hear in a policy report. Like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that shape Louisiana’s future! #LouisianaJobs #WorkforceDevelopment #EconomicGrowth #TalkFiberToMe #Entrepreneurship #JobMarket #WorkforceSolutions #WeAreEPC 00:00 The Mystery of Job Titles 00:39 Technical Difficulties and Office Humor 01:07 Camera Instructions and Podcast Introduction 01:51 Meet the Team: Introducing Matt Dickerson 02:37 Workforce Development in Louisiana 05:26 Challenges in Education and Workforce Awareness 09:57 Opportunities at Mid South Extrusion 16:53 The Importance of Employability 24:23 Challenges Faced by Single Mothers 25:00 The Importance of Work 25:19 Workforce Development Recommendations 27:24 Learning from Utah's One Door Model 29:03 Labor Force Participation Statistics 31:47 Addressing Social Service System Loopholes 35:44 Engaging Industry in Workforce Education 39:20 Call to Action for Businesses 43:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts