1 00:00:00,140 --> 00:00:04,460 Intro: The following program is brought to you by the Tennessee Broadband Association. 2 00:00:04,880 --> 00:00:10,580 Lead Tennessee Radio, conversations with the leaders moving our state forward. 3 00:00:10,610 --> 00:00:18,200 We look at the issues shaping Tennessee's future: rural development, public policy, broadband, 4 00:00:18,200 --> 00:00:22,730 healthcare and other topics impacting our communities. 5 00:00:23,680 --> 00:00:28,810 Carrie Huckeby: Hello, I'm Carrie Huckeby, the executive director of the Tennessee Broadband Association. 6 00:00:28,960 --> 00:00:33,610 My guest this morning on Lead Tennessee Radio is Greg Smartt. 7 00:00:33,640 --> 00:00:41,560 Greg is Ben Lomand Connect's CEO, and Ben Lomand is located right here in our hometown of McMinnville, 8 00:00:41,590 --> 00:00:49,480 Tennessee. Earlier this month, Greg stepped into the role of board president for the Tennessee Broadband Association, and 9 00:00:49,480 --> 00:00:54,010 he'll work in that role until June of 2024. 10 00:00:54,010 --> 00:01:01,750 And he also recently chaired the 2023 Annual Convention Committee, and I'm glad to report that went 11 00:01:01,750 --> 00:01:08,290 very well. We had over 350 attendees and about 70 vendors showcased. 12 00:01:09,010 --> 00:01:10,990 So it went great. 13 00:01:10,990 --> 00:01:14,380 And we're also happy to have that behind us, I'm sure. 14 00:01:14,380 --> 00:01:17,470 But thanks for joining me this morning, Greg. 15 00:01:18,260 --> 00:01:22,370 Greg Smartt: Yes. Thank you for reaching out to me, and I'm excited. 16 00:01:23,180 --> 00:01:29,870 This is probably my second or third podcast since I've taken the lead of CEO here at Ben Lomand. 17 00:01:29,870 --> 00:01:32,400 So pretty exciting things going on here. 18 00:01:32,420 --> 00:01:34,550 Carrie Huckeby: Well, you're an expert then, because – 19 00:01:35,000 --> 00:01:36,650 Greg Smartt: Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah. 20 00:01:36,890 --> 00:01:37,470 Yeah. 21 00:01:38,060 --> 00:01:45,320 Carrie Huckeby: Well, for those that don't know much about Ben Lomand Connect in our audience, tell us about your company. 22 00:01:45,350 --> 00:01:48,320 Tell us where you serve, how many you serve, number of employees. 23 00:01:48,980 --> 00:01:51,560 Just an overview of the company. 24 00:01:52,040 --> 00:01:54,290 Greg Smartt: Sure, a little bit about me. 25 00:01:54,290 --> 00:01:59,150 I am 39 years here at Ben Lomand. 26 00:01:59,420 --> 00:02:03,440 I started out on the ground and worked myself up through the ranks. 27 00:02:04,110 --> 00:02:11,960 I worked out on the lines to install and repairman to outside plant management, 28 00:02:11,960 --> 00:02:16,470 to project manager and now a CEO. 29 00:02:16,470 --> 00:02:23,780 And what a great career it has been for me and my family, and I'm very blessed. 30 00:02:24,320 --> 00:02:28,910 Ben Lomand covers Warren, White and Grundy counties. 31 00:02:29,450 --> 00:02:37,420 We also cover two-thirds of Van Buren County with our build outs going on in Coffee and Cumberland counties 32 00:02:37,430 --> 00:02:39,230 over the next few years. 33 00:02:39,980 --> 00:02:46,130 We have most of those counties covered, as you know, in our ILEC area. 34 00:02:48,920 --> 00:02:53,240 We also have small footprint in Franklin and Marion counties as well. 35 00:02:54,890 --> 00:03:02,450 We have about 33,000 customers with broadband, TV and phone service and 36 00:03:02,450 --> 00:03:06,180 system security and managed IT. 37 00:03:06,180 --> 00:03:10,970 Over 85% of our service area is built out in fiber. 38 00:03:11,570 --> 00:03:19,540 We currently have 150 employees, 10 temps and a little over 200 and some contractors. 39 00:03:19,540 --> 00:03:26,960 In 2024, Ben Lomand Connect will be celebrating our 70th year, so we're excited about that for 40 00:03:26,960 --> 00:03:27,680 sure. 41 00:03:28,190 --> 00:03:29,630 Carrie Huckeby: Wow, 70 years. 42 00:03:29,630 --> 00:03:31,250 That's hard to believe. 43 00:03:31,280 --> 00:03:36,440 But speaking of years, did it feel like 39 years, or did it pass really quick? 44 00:03:36,800 --> 00:03:44,480 Greg Smartt: Well, it really passed really quick, especially when you look back from then to 45 00:03:44,480 --> 00:03:52,340 now. You know, when you're sitting in that position 39 years ago, you're going, man, I can't 46 00:03:52,340 --> 00:03:54,320 wait. I can't wait to get there. 47 00:03:54,320 --> 00:04:01,730 And then when you get here, you're saying, "Boy, I wish I could go back and do things different." And so 48 00:04:02,840 --> 00:04:05,000 I learned a lot. 49 00:04:05,000 --> 00:04:12,740 The stuff that I do today and the things that we do here at Ben Lomand is because of the things we learned over the 50 00:04:12,740 --> 00:04:18,530 years from the people that taught us and mentor us. 51 00:04:18,530 --> 00:04:24,260 So I'm excited to be able to bring that to Ben Lomand. 52 00:04:24,440 --> 00:04:32,420 Carrie Huckeby: Yeah. I'm sure you remember the days like I do that we were really excited about getting caller ID and all the exchanges 53 00:04:32,420 --> 00:04:35,030 or having call waiting, you know? 54 00:04:35,030 --> 00:04:40,400 Greg Smartt: I was thinking about, I was going on back from eight party lines . 55 00:04:40,470 --> 00:04:47,390 When I started, we had eight party lines, and we went from rotary to 56 00:04:47,420 --> 00:04:49,720 touch-tone. 57 00:04:49,720 --> 00:04:54,830 And then we had to go through and change out the phones for all that. 58 00:04:55,040 --> 00:05:01,700 So yeah, the dial up, the dial up to DSL 59 00:05:01,730 --> 00:05:07,210 1.5, DSL 756k. 60 00:05:07,210 --> 00:05:10,250 I mean we've seen it all. 61 00:05:10,370 --> 00:05:17,960 I've done a speech not too long ago to the chamber here, and one of the topics was about change. 62 00:05:17,960 --> 00:05:21,450 How do you accept change in your organization? 63 00:05:21,450 --> 00:05:25,610 And I said, I don't know nothing more than change. 64 00:05:25,610 --> 00:05:32,090 Because everything I've ever done in my 39 year career, and my personal life, has been change. 65 00:05:32,300 --> 00:05:38,690 So if I didn't have change in my life, I'd probably wouldn't work as well. 66 00:05:38,810 --> 00:05:44,360 Carrie Huckeby: Well, if you don't like change, telecommunications is probably not the industry you need to be in, right? 67 00:05:44,930 --> 00:05:46,550 Greg Smartt: Absolutely. Absolutely. 68 00:05:46,550 --> 00:05:50,090 And you know, today we went from copper to fiber. 69 00:05:50,090 --> 00:05:56,780 And people say, "How long will fiber last?" Well, that's an unknown question. 70 00:05:57,050 --> 00:06:04,780 Today, we've got some that's 45 years old, and we're still running high speed circuits across it. 71 00:06:04,790 --> 00:06:08,150 So really, that question is unknown. 72 00:06:08,150 --> 00:06:15,980 But the technology changes on fiber through our cards and through our lasers and 73 00:06:15,980 --> 00:06:22,580 things like that. So the technology will just keep growing, and hopefully, fiber will take it on in. 74 00:06:22,700 --> 00:06:26,010 Carrie Huckeby: Normally, I say it will last longer than I'm going to. 75 00:06:27,390 --> 00:06:29,640 Greg Smartt: That's probably a true statement for me. 76 00:06:31,350 --> 00:06:39,180 Carrie Huckeby: Well, as the president of TNBA, and I know you have to have a crystal ball sitting on your desk as the 77 00:06:39,180 --> 00:06:40,650 CEO. 78 00:06:40,650 --> 00:06:48,510 But looking at the next 12 months and, of course, this was an exciting week with the BEAD announcement and Tennessee, 79 00:06:48,930 --> 00:06:53,180 you know, being allocated the $813 million. 80 00:06:53,250 --> 00:06:58,170 Of course, I know there's a lot to that, and there'll be a lot of questions and a lot of conversation. 81 00:06:58,170 --> 00:07:06,120 But over the next 12 months, you know, what are going to be the top priorities for the association 82 00:07:06,120 --> 00:07:08,910 this year, and, you know, what's on your radar? 83 00:07:09,660 --> 00:07:15,720 Greg Smartt: Well, I guess number one, Carrie, would be to make sure that 84 00:07:17,730 --> 00:07:25,560 we have a voice there on Capitol Hill, and to make sure that we're listened to, and we're being 85 00:07:25,560 --> 00:07:33,360 able to give suggestions, and just be part of the activity going forward with this $813 86 00:07:33,360 --> 00:07:40,410 million. Our number one goal for all of us is for everyone to have 87 00:07:41,220 --> 00:07:47,430 the best broadband service in the United States, for sure. 88 00:07:47,460 --> 00:07:55,320 Tennessee, I feel like Tennessee is leading that way, and it is because of the organization that we're part of, 89 00:07:55,320 --> 00:08:00,840 the TNBA, and the leaders that have set that forward. 90 00:08:00,840 --> 00:08:08,460 And our I would say our goals is to continue down that path for at least the next 12 months, and 91 00:08:08,460 --> 00:08:14,970 especially getting through this BEAD funding and making sure that all customers 92 00:08:14,970 --> 00:08:21,810 are served with the very best broadband that can be put out there. 93 00:08:22,680 --> 00:08:30,500 Carrie Huckeby: True. I know there'll be a lot of inquires and conversations and listening sessions and things like that to make 94 00:08:30,500 --> 00:08:37,930 sure that the members, you know, are involved and are able to give feedback. 95 00:08:37,930 --> 00:08:45,380 You know, and as you said, Tennessee does rank in the top three states, I think, for broadband coverage and expansion. 96 00:08:45,380 --> 00:08:52,640 And many times when we go to meetings, we hear people say, "Well, you know, Tennessee is doing it really well. 97 00:08:53,150 --> 00:09:00,050 We need to look at them and, you know, see what they're doing." And of course, you know, that always makes us proud. 98 00:09:00,050 --> 00:09:06,470 And we love hearing that, that we are getting it right. 99 00:09:06,470 --> 00:09:14,120 But definitely, like you said, our voice on Capitol Hill and those partnerships, that collaboration 100 00:09:14,120 --> 00:09:16,520 has really been important. 101 00:09:16,520 --> 00:09:23,000 And so what role do you think the association has played in that over the last 5 or 10 years? 102 00:09:23,000 --> 00:09:25,730 I mean, how did we get, of course, Mr. 103 00:09:25,730 --> 00:09:29,550 Knowles is a huge part of that over the last ten years. 104 00:09:29,550 --> 00:09:33,510 But how do you think we got from where we were to where we are today? 105 00:09:34,050 --> 00:09:35,670 I mean, what work did it take? 106 00:09:36,910 --> 00:09:40,600 Greg Smartt: It took everyone getting on the same page. 107 00:09:41,960 --> 00:09:44,590 TNBA was a big part of that. 108 00:09:44,890 --> 00:09:52,410 Levoy being the leader of that at the time, and then coming in as a lobbyist. 109 00:09:52,420 --> 00:09:59,440 The presidents of the TNBA have really played a big important role 110 00:10:01,480 --> 00:10:09,460 bringing fiber, bringing broadband out of the, I guess, out of the 111 00:10:09,610 --> 00:10:12,330 woods, out of the dark, into the light. 112 00:10:12,330 --> 00:10:20,170 And Jonathan West and Chris Townson and all of those guys that I'm 113 00:10:20,800 --> 00:10:24,730 following have set those standards. 114 00:10:24,730 --> 00:10:32,080 And we've all spent tireless days and nights on the Capitol and trying 115 00:10:33,160 --> 00:10:38,280 to make sure our voice was being told and heard. 116 00:10:38,280 --> 00:10:42,800 And it's a never ending thing. 117 00:10:42,800 --> 00:10:50,750 And I credit to all those guys that has done that and has got us to where we're 118 00:10:50,750 --> 00:10:53,300 at today. It's took a lot of work. 119 00:10:53,330 --> 00:11:01,250 Carrie Huckeby: It has. And I've been proud to watch it over the last many years and be able to participate 120 00:11:01,250 --> 00:11:04,050 in it just a little bit now. 121 00:11:04,050 --> 00:11:11,540 How important do you think our days on the Hills are and getting in there and telling that 122 00:11:11,540 --> 00:11:14,300 story? It plays a big role, don't you think? 123 00:11:14,720 --> 00:11:21,800 Greg Smartt: We have made some huge leaps and bounds over the last 3 or 4 years, Carrie. 124 00:11:21,800 --> 00:11:29,650 And I think that the TNBA plays a huge role to get 125 00:11:29,650 --> 00:11:34,100 Tennessee into the top three of states for broadband. 126 00:11:34,100 --> 00:11:37,160 I think that we are a major player in that. 127 00:11:37,190 --> 00:11:43,520 And it takes the work of all of us making that happen. 128 00:11:43,520 --> 00:11:51,080 And I'm very grateful and thankful that I have got a group that is really 129 00:11:51,230 --> 00:11:54,650 intelligent in that part, and I get to be part of that. 130 00:11:54,980 --> 00:12:00,230 Carrie Huckeby: Yeah. I think our group together just makes us all look a little better, doesn't it? 131 00:12:00,770 --> 00:12:04,130 Greg Smartt: Well, it makes us as a whole, It makes us complete. 132 00:12:04,130 --> 00:12:04,480 Carrie Huckeby: Yeah. 133 00:12:04,500 --> 00:12:12,200 Greg Smartt: And when we all work together, I see us working more with power companies today, too, than we did in the past. 134 00:12:12,200 --> 00:12:20,150 And I think the urgency of getting broadband out there is on everybody's radar right now. 135 00:12:20,150 --> 00:12:22,280 Not just us. 136 00:12:22,610 --> 00:12:29,270 We've always done broadband, but I think getting it better, getting 137 00:12:30,630 --> 00:12:36,610 it out there, and educating everybody about the do's and the don'ts. 138 00:12:36,610 --> 00:12:38,180 What is best, and what's not. 139 00:12:38,840 --> 00:12:39,980 I think that's huge. 140 00:12:39,980 --> 00:12:41,450 Carrie Huckeby: What works and what doesn't. 141 00:12:41,660 --> 00:12:44,270 Greg Smartt: That's correct. What works and what does not work. 142 00:12:44,270 --> 00:12:51,710 Carrie Huckeby: And I know on top of the work with the association that Jonathan also serves, we're very happy to have him 143 00:12:51,710 --> 00:12:56,600 representing our region on the NTCA board of directors. 144 00:12:56,600 --> 00:13:04,340 And also I think Chris Townson serves on the Government Affairs Committee with NTCA, so that 145 00:13:04,340 --> 00:13:08,000 keeps us connected on that national federal level as well. 146 00:13:08,000 --> 00:13:15,920 And of course we also go to Washington for the NTCA L&P Conference, which is another layer of that 147 00:13:15,920 --> 00:13:19,700 advocacy and education that the association takes part in. 148 00:13:19,700 --> 00:13:22,550 So you see that as important as well, right? 149 00:13:23,390 --> 00:13:27,770 Greg Smartt: Absolutely. We just got back not too long ago from there. 150 00:13:27,770 --> 00:13:34,460 And I'm going to probably say I've been doing this for three years, so I've made three trips to Washington so far. 151 00:13:35,060 --> 00:13:42,710 This one here was probably the best – probably one of the best ones that we've been at for 152 00:13:42,710 --> 00:13:45,380 me personally. 153 00:13:45,380 --> 00:13:53,240 We got to interact with our representatives and our senators, and we probably got more talking 154 00:13:53,240 --> 00:13:55,310 points this time than ever. 155 00:13:55,340 --> 00:13:59,550 I feel like being as long as I've been doing it, for sure. 156 00:13:59,550 --> 00:14:01,400 I was really I was really proud. 157 00:14:01,610 --> 00:14:04,060 Carrie Huckeby: I felt like it was good too. 158 00:14:04,060 --> 00:14:11,990 It was only my second time to the L&P Conference, but I felt like it was really good because we had, like you said, 159 00:14:11,990 --> 00:14:19,850 those one-on-one with those legislators, and all of you did such a good job with our talking points and 160 00:14:20,060 --> 00:14:23,150 storytelling and what we do. 161 00:14:23,510 --> 00:14:26,300 So I was very pleased just to be a part. 162 00:14:26,300 --> 00:14:28,040 I didn't do any talking, thank goodness. 163 00:14:28,040 --> 00:14:31,310 But I got to observe, and it was great. 164 00:14:31,310 --> 00:14:32,510 Greg Smartt: Well, yeah. 165 00:14:32,510 --> 00:14:40,470 And as a CEO, we get to spend time with our representatives and senators every once in a while. 166 00:14:40,470 --> 00:14:47,160 But just to go on their playground, just to go to where they're having to beat the gavel and things. 167 00:14:47,160 --> 00:14:55,020 It was a very exciting and just getting to be part of that and how part of their time getting part of their 168 00:14:55,020 --> 00:14:57,960 time frame was just so exciting. 169 00:14:57,960 --> 00:15:01,740 And I won't have to say, this was the best one ever. 170 00:15:01,740 --> 00:15:02,430 Carrie Huckeby: Yeah, well. 171 00:15:02,430 --> 00:15:02,940 Greg Smartt: I have to say that. 172 00:15:02,940 --> 00:15:09,950 Carrie Huckeby: It was good, and no complaints about being in Washington DC during beautiful weather, for sure. 173 00:15:09,960 --> 00:15:11,400 Greg Smartt: Beautiful. Absolutely. 174 00:15:11,910 --> 00:15:13,620 It's a great place. 175 00:15:13,620 --> 00:15:16,170 I think everybody should visit that at least once in their lifetime. 176 00:15:16,590 --> 00:15:22,770 Carrie Huckeby: They should. Well, this time next year, you know, let's say we do another podcast. 177 00:15:22,800 --> 00:15:30,750 What do you hope that you've accomplished as president or the association may have accomplish this 178 00:15:30,750 --> 00:15:32,220 year? Anything particular? 179 00:15:32,910 --> 00:15:36,890 Greg Smartt: Well. No, not really. 180 00:15:36,920 --> 00:15:44,690 More of us uniting together and probably moving out of our comfort zones and doing 181 00:15:44,690 --> 00:15:52,220 more talks with other companies and spreading the message and just building our friendship 182 00:15:52,220 --> 00:15:56,120 and building our partnerships as we go. 183 00:15:56,450 --> 00:16:04,340 I look for that to be the needle moving that we're going to be looking for, and everybody else 184 00:16:04,340 --> 00:16:09,010 is going to be looking for, to move the broadband across the state of Tennessee. 185 00:16:09,020 --> 00:16:14,240 So I was very excited about our convention. 186 00:16:14,240 --> 00:16:17,690 Like you said, there was 350 people attended. 187 00:16:17,690 --> 00:16:20,570 That's huge and over 70 vendors. 188 00:16:20,570 --> 00:16:22,970 I know we pretty much run out of space there. 189 00:16:22,970 --> 00:16:25,970 We're going to have to make more room for next year, I hope. 190 00:16:25,970 --> 00:16:29,540 And that was some exciting times. 191 00:16:29,540 --> 00:16:34,100 There were a lot of new faces, a lot of new exposures. 192 00:16:34,100 --> 00:16:39,540 And I would just like to see that continue to grow and to strengthen. 193 00:16:39,540 --> 00:16:47,400 And us still stay in that top three, if not number one, broadband providers in the state of 194 00:16:47,400 --> 00:16:48,030 Tennessee. 195 00:16:48,030 --> 00:16:49,740 Carrie Huckeby: Yeah, it's good to have a goal. 196 00:16:49,800 --> 00:16:52,890 I mean, you know. Yes. 197 00:16:52,890 --> 00:16:54,900 And I was happy with the convention, too. 198 00:16:54,900 --> 00:16:59,220 We had, as you said, many new members, new faces and old friends. 199 00:16:59,970 --> 00:17:05,430 But I have to ask, do you think there is a comfort zone in the broadband industry? 200 00:17:06,190 --> 00:17:09,970 Greg Smartt: I see a difference in it than what it was three years ago. 201 00:17:10,010 --> 00:17:11,380 Carrie Huckeby: Yeah. 202 00:17:11,380 --> 00:17:17,380 Greg Smartt: I see more people talking, more things being done as partnerships. 203 00:17:19,330 --> 00:17:22,950 And I think the best is yet to come. 204 00:17:22,970 --> 00:17:24,460 Carrie Huckeby: Yeah. Collaboration. 205 00:17:24,880 --> 00:17:29,230 Greg Smartt: Yes, I do. I feel like that we're all finally getting on the same page. 206 00:17:29,770 --> 00:17:33,040 Carrie Huckeby: Cool. Well, Greg, thank you for talking with me. 207 00:17:33,220 --> 00:17:35,170 I look forward to working with you. 208 00:17:35,170 --> 00:17:38,080 Of course, we've worked together before, many years ago. 209 00:17:38,080 --> 00:17:41,020 We won't talk about all the years we have together. 210 00:17:41,530 --> 00:17:42,550 Greg Smartt: It's great. 211 00:17:42,550 --> 00:17:50,410 Yeah, it's great. Me and you are also got a little side gig there at the local part. 212 00:17:50,680 --> 00:17:51,040 Carrie Huckeby: That's right. 213 00:17:51,040 --> 00:17:53,110 Greg Smartt: So we're spending a lot of time together. 214 00:17:53,110 --> 00:17:59,560 Carrie Huckeby: That's right. Right. We serve on our local Industrial Development Board, and so we live in the same town. 215 00:17:59,560 --> 00:18:02,890 And also we tend to see each other. 216 00:18:03,700 --> 00:18:05,620 Greg Smartt: You are my customer, Carrie. 217 00:18:05,720 --> 00:18:06,890 Carrie Huckeby: That's right. That's right. 218 00:18:06,890 --> 00:18:09,110 Yeah, that's right. I have your gig service. 219 00:18:09,620 --> 00:18:10,220 Greg Smartt: That's right. 220 00:18:10,370 --> 00:18:12,680 Carrie Huckeby: You're so good, Greg, at drawing that out of it. 221 00:18:14,740 --> 00:18:15,530 Greg Smartt: I was going to plug there, okay? 222 00:18:15,530 --> 00:18:17,480 Carrie Huckeby: Yeah, here's a plug. 223 00:18:17,570 --> 00:18:20,000 I have Ben Lomand Connect gig service. 224 00:18:20,000 --> 00:18:22,580 I work right here at home on the farm. 225 00:18:22,580 --> 00:18:26,180 And it would not be possible without it, so. 226 00:18:27,020 --> 00:18:29,090 Greg Smartt: Life changes right in front of our eyes. 227 00:18:29,120 --> 00:18:30,500 Carrie Huckeby: It does. It does. 228 00:18:30,500 --> 00:18:37,970 But anyway, I look forward to working with you, supporting our members, planning the joint convention coming up in 229 00:18:37,970 --> 00:18:42,860 October, and whatever else comes our way during your term. 230 00:18:42,860 --> 00:18:49,640 So, you know, as I said, there's this little thing called BEAD that we'll be watching closely this year, I'm sure. 231 00:18:50,240 --> 00:18:54,260 Greg Smartt: Absolutely. I couldn't do it without you, Carrie I do appreciate everything you do. 232 00:18:54,260 --> 00:19:02,060 And without you, TNBA, it has to have structure, and you're there for 233 00:19:02,090 --> 00:19:03,740 that, and I appreciate your help. 234 00:19:03,740 --> 00:19:04,760 Carrie Huckeby: Well, thank you. 235 00:19:04,880 --> 00:19:08,720 Well, my guest is been Greg Smartt, CEO of Ben Lomand Connect. 236 00:19:08,720 --> 00:19:14,820 And you've been listening to Lead Tennessee Radio, produced by the Tennessee Broadband Association. 237 00:19:14,820 --> 00:19:21,560 Cooperative and independent companies connecting our state's rural communities and beyond with world class broadband.