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 growthYou’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

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

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 Welcome00:20 – Guest Introductions: Phillip Macres & Francisco Maella00:43 – Navigating ARPA & BEAD Funding Complexities16:57 – Importance of Industry Collaboration and Legislative Action18:45 – Operational Challenges in Network Expansion22:46 – Socio-Economic Impact of Broadband Projects27:28 – Rob Hanson of Vitruvi: Leveraging GIS for Construction Efficiency#WeAreEPC #broadband #fiber #podcast

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 #WeAreEPC00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:30 Panel Discussion on Broadband Funding02:12 Challenges in Broadband Manufacturing03:33 Build America, Buy America Act06:56 Speculations on Future Policies11:59 Conclusion of the Panel Discussion13:18 Introduction to Fibercom Engineering14:03 Innovations in Drone Technology17:35 Future of Engineering with Drones19:59 Final Thoughts and Farewell

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 #WeAreEPC00:00 The Mystery of Job Titles00:39 Technical Difficulties and Office Humor01:07 Camera Instructions and Podcast Introduction01:51 Meet the Team: Introducing Matt Dickerson02:37 Workforce Development in Louisiana05:26 Challenges in Education and Workforce Awareness09:57 Opportunities at Mid South Extrusion16:53 The Importance of Employability24:23 Challenges Faced by Single Mothers25:00 The Importance of Work25:19 Workforce Development Recommendations27:24 Learning from Utah's One Door Model29:03 Labor Force Participation Statistics31:47 Addressing Social Service System Loopholes35:44 Engaging Industry in Workforce Education39:20 Call to Action for Businesses43:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

This episode of Talk Fiber to Me, Baby goes deep into the latest roadblocks in broadband expansion. Caleb and Josh Etheridge, the brother duo behind EPC, break down their recent trip to Washington D.C., where an executive order froze all federally funded broadband projects, including BEAD. Instead of pushing progress, they found themselves tackling critical funding delays that are leaving the industry in limbo.- What really happened in D.C.? A firsthand look at Washington Mardi Gras and why it matters for the future of broadband.- BEAD funding: stalled. Louisiana led the way—checking every box before any other state and coming in 40% under budget. So why is the money still sitting?- The real impact. Small ISPs, manufacturers, and contractors have poured millions into the workforce training and equipment. Now, without clarity, their investments are at risk.- A call to action. Caleb and Josh lay out what needs to happen next and why the fiber industry must come together to break through the gridlock.We’re talking government slowdowns, industry upheaval, and what’s next for broadband deployment in Louisiana and beyond. Don’t miss it!Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Episode Setup 01:21 Washington Mardi Gras Experience 04:21 Impact of Executive Order on Fiber Industry 05:25 Challenges and Discussions with Legislators 06:38 State-Level BEAD Program Insights 10:56 Concerns Over Federal Regulations and Funding 21:31 Build America, Buy America (BABA) Compliance 25:43 Congressional Approval and Power Dynamics 26:30 Unified Voice for Louisiana's Internet 27:45 Challenges and Expectations in Broadband Deployment 29:42 Mapping and Auditing Internet Services 31:27 Fiber vs. Alternate Technologies 35:37 Broadband Funding and Non-Deployment Dollars44:09 Call to Action for ISP’s and Contractors 49:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts How is the BEAD freeze impacting you? Share your thoughts in the comments—we want to hear your perspective on the future of fiber.#BroadbandExpansion #BEADFunding #FiberDeployment #Infrastructure #AmericanManufacturing #BABA #TalkFiberToMeBaby #WeAreEPC

In Episode 2 of Talk Fiber to Me, Baby, Caleb and Josh Etheridge dive into one of the fiber industry's toughest challenges: building networks that last in rural America. With $20.4 billion in RDOF funding on the table and Louisiana alone needing 20,000 workers just for BEAD deployment, the brothers aren't just talking fiber—they're weaving together the real questions about sustainability. (Pun fully intended.)Key Topics Include:· Why investing in rural broadband without a local workforce strategy is like building a bridge that leads nowhere.· EPC’s evolution from 'How do we hire 20 people?' to 'How do we create lasting economic impact?'· The critical link between local workforce development and network sustainability (because fiber doesn’t fix itself).· Why state-level decisions often trump federal mandates.Drawing from their experience scaling EPC to 120+ employees, Caleb and Josh share practical insights on:· Building lasting workforce development programs (translation: solving rural talent shortages without smoke and mirrors).· Training local talent for long-term maintenance.· The real costs of maintaining rural networks.Whether you’re an ISP mapping out your long-term sustainability, a contractor looking to grow, or just someone fascinated by rural broadband’s future (and fiber puns), this episode delivers the straight talk you need.

Grab a chair (and maybe a hard hat) because things are about to get real—and really funny. In the lively inaugural episode of Talk Fiber to Me, Baby, Caleb and Josh Etheridge—the dynamic brother duo behind EPC—share their journey in the world of connectivity. Spoiler alert: it’s about way more than just fiber deployment.With stories that are equal parts gritty and hilarious, the brothers share how they went from humble beginnings to building a company that’s not just about laying fiber but bridging communities. From their first client meeting, where they tried to act like they had it all together, to accidentally turning their first job site into an unplanned water park, Caleb and Josh keep it real.Their signature mix of humor and hustle shines as they dive into navigating government funding (yes, it’s as fun as it sounds), building a company culture that doesn’t suck, and tackling the very real challenges of getting fiber networks up and running. You’ll hear about missteps, like the time they definitely hit something they shouldn’t have, and victories, like turning a back-of-the-napkin idea into a thriving enterprise.This episode is packed with insights for ISPs, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals—delivered with the kind of wit and wisdom that only comes from two brothers who’ve seen it all (and lived to podcast about it).Oh, and don’t miss the teaser for future episodes. Expect top-notch guests to join the fun, covering everything from workforce development to deployment strategies and insider tips on navigating programs like BEAD and USDA ReConnect, and many more!So, grab your coffee—or something stronger—and join Caleb and Josh as they talk fiber, connection, and the occasional chaos of doing what they love.