Grid Connection

ElectriCom
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Careers

Grid Connection is a podcast about the people, projects, and partnerships powering the utility infrastructure industry. Hosted by ElectriCom CEO Andy Leake, each episode features candid conversations with industry leaders, field experts, utility professionals, and the people working behind the scenes to build and maintain the systems our communities depend on every day. From power distribution and broadband expansion to storm response and workforce development, we explore the challenges, opportunities, and lessons shaping the future of rural infrastructure. Along the way, we'll share stories from the field, leadership insights, project experiences, and practical perspectives from those doing the work. At ElectriCom, we've spent more than 65 years serving rural communities, and one thing has remained constant: success is built on trust, relationships, safety, and a commitment to doing the job right. Whether you're a utility leader, broadband provider, contractor, engineer, or simply interested in the people behind critical infrastructure, Grid Connection offers honest conversations and real-world insights from an industry that keeps communities connected. No scripts. No fluff. Just real conversations from the people building what matters.

Episodes

  1. Sep 30

    Trust, Broadband & the Future of Rural Infrastructure

    In Episode 4 of The Grid Connection, ElectriCom’s Chuck Harmon joins Andy Leake for a conversation about what more than three decades in the telecommunications and utility infrastructure industry has taught him about relationships, trust and long-term success. Chuck shares his journey from the fiber manufacturing side of the industry to utility construction, reflecting on the evolution from long-haul fiber networks to fiber-to-the-home and the growing importance of connectivity in rural America. The conversation explores why relationships still matter in an increasingly competitive industry, what customers really expect from their contractors and vendors, and why owning mistakes can sometimes create stronger partnerships than getting everything right the first time. Chuck and Andy also discuss rural broadband expansion, BEAD funding, workforce challenges, increasing competition, the future of fiber and why dependable service continues to matter more than simply offering the lowest price. Most importantly, Chuck shares a lesson that has guided his career: sometimes the best thing you can do is simply show up. Whether you work in broadband, power, utility construction, economic development or infrastructure leadership, this episode offers a practical look at the relationships behind the infrastructure that keeps communities connected. The Grid Connection is presented by ElectriCom, a utility infrastructure partner serving power and telecommunications providers across rural America. Subscribe for more conversations with the people, leaders and partners building the infrastructure communities depend on. #UtilityInfrastructure #RuralBroadband #FiberOptics #Telecommunications #Broadband #UtilityConstruction #TheGridConnection #ElectriCom

    Trust, Broadband & the Future of Rural Infrastructure

  2. Aug 28

    How Data and AI Are Transforming Utility Construction

    In Episode 3 of The Grid Connection, ElectriCom CEO Andy Leake and Head of Strategy and FP&A Matt Breeden discuss how data, technology and artificial intelligence are changing utility construction. The conversation explores how better field data supports smarter decisions, stronger project visibility and more consistent execution. Andy and Matt also examine the practical role AI can play in construction, why technology must support—not replace—experienced people, and how contractors can prepare for the future while continuing to deliver safe, dependable infrastructure. Whether you work in utility construction, broadband, power or infrastructure leadership, this episode offers a practical look at how data and AI can improve the way projects are planned, managed and delivered.

    How Data and AI Are Transforming Utility Construction

  3. Jul 29

    Growth Without Losing What Matters | Leadership in Utility Construction with Thomas Hall

    In this episode of Grid Connection, Thomas Hall shares his perspective on leading ElectriCom through growth while protecting the values that have shaped the company for more than 65 years. He discusses the importance of developing people, maintaining a strong safety culture, building lasting customer relationships, and staying connected to the rural communities ElectriCom serves. The conversation explores what responsible growth looks like in utility construction—and why long-term success depends on more than adding crews, entering new markets, or completing more projects. It requires growing without losing sight of the people, trust, and purpose behind the work.

    Growth Without Losing What Matters | Leadership in Utility Construction with Thomas Hall

  4. Jun 16

    Beyond The Lowest Bid

    In the inaugural episode of Grid Connection, ElectriCom CEO Andy Leake joins Director of Marketing Benjamin Yost for a conversation about leadership, company culture, and the evolution of ElectriCom over the past 65+ years. Andy shares the story behind ElectriCom’s growth from a small rural contractor into a multi-division infrastructure partner serving power and broadband providers across multiple states. He discusses the lessons that have shaped his leadership philosophy, the importance of safety and relationships, and how the company has adapted to meet the changing demands of the utility industry. The conversation also explores what separates dependable contractors from those that create project challenges, why infrastructure projects fall behind, and what utility leaders should evaluate beyond price when selecting a long-term partner. Topics include: • The history and evolution of ElectriCom• Leadership lessons and company culture• Safety, quality, and accountability in infrastructure construction• Why projects succeed—or fall behind• Building long-term partnerships with utilities and broadband providers• What makes a dependable infrastructure partner Whether you're a utility leader, broadband provider, contractor, or industry professional, this episode offers an inside look at the people, principles, and decisions behind successful infrastructure projects.

    Beyond The Lowest Bid
  • 4 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

About

Grid Connection is a podcast about the people, projects, and partnerships powering the utility infrastructure industry. Hosted by ElectriCom CEO Andy Leake, each episode features candid conversations with industry leaders, field experts, utility professionals, and the people working behind the scenes to build and maintain the systems our communities depend on every day. From power distribution and broadband expansion to storm response and workforce development, we explore the challenges, opportunities, and lessons shaping the future of rural infrastructure. Along the way, we'll share stories from the field, leadership insights, project experiences, and practical perspectives from those doing the work. At ElectriCom, we've spent more than 65 years serving rural communities, and one thing has remained constant: success is built on trust, relationships, safety, and a commitment to doing the job right. Whether you're a utility leader, broadband provider, contractor, engineer, or simply interested in the people behind critical infrastructure, Grid Connection offers honest conversations and real-world insights from an industry that keeps communities connected. No scripts. No fluff. Just real conversations from the people building what matters.

Information

  • Creator
    ElectriCom
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    4
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Andy Leake
  • Show Website
    Grid Connection