The StoryConnect Podcast

Pioneer Utility Resources
  • 4.8 (17)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

StoryConnect features interviews with marketers, communicators, CEOs and other leaders at cooperative and independent broadband companies, electric cooperatives and municipal power providers. The goal of the podcast is to help listeners discover ideas to shape their stories and connect with their customers. It is produced by Pioneer Utility Resources.

  1. 3D AGO

    Fiber Cup Champions: How Team Midwest Scores with Esports Sponsorships, With Candy Riem

    From cross-branding and tournaments to a local college team sporting the utility's name on its arena, Michigan's Midwest Energy & Communications plugs directly into a high-bandwidth internet subscriber audience. Candy Riem shares how Team Midwest turned an esports sponsorship into an effective broadband marketing story.

    14 min

  2. MAR 25

    Discovering Key Metrics for Broadband Providers, With Erika Nelson

    Erika Nelson of Lynxx Networks talks about the KPIs broadband providers should be paying attention to. From market share and ARPU to digital analytics and customer reviews, Erika shares how her team uses data to guide decisions and measure success.

    20 min

  3. MAR 11

    Incentives That Build Stronger Teams, With Shelly Hansel

    Shelly Hansel, public relations director at SCTelcom, discusses creative ways cooperatives can incentivize employees and strengthen company culture. From referral bonuses to “Going the Extra Mile” awards and even monthly half-days off, Shelly shares how recognition, trust and leadership at every level help build a team of people who want to stay at the company for decades.

    22 min

  4. FEB 25

    The Power of Strategic Partnerships, With Chris Townson

    Andy Johns is joined by Chris Townson, CEO of West Carolina and Upcountry Fiber, to talk about what makes a strong partnership. Chris shares candid lessons from working with telcos, electrics and municipalities—including how to evaluate opportunities, align missions, manage egos and build lasting agreements. Recorded live at the Calix ConneXions conference.

    22 min

  5. FEB 11

    Turning Data Into Direction: How ECE Fiber Turns Metrics Into Momentum, With Ty Houglum

    KPIs, NPS, churn—oh my! Data doesn’t have to be daunting. Ty Houglum, CIO at ECE Fiber, shares how his team turns numbers into action, building a culture that makes data meaningful, not mysterious. Notes: Filmed at Calix ConneXions conference.

    16 min

  6. JAN 28

    Improving Your Writing Style with Planning, With Christina Sawyer

    A blank page can be scary—unless you already know what you’re writing. In this episode, Mt. Wheeler Power’s Christina Sawyer shares how using AI to brainstorm story ideas at the start of the year gave her more time to research, write with confidence and even inspire other utilities through the Ruralite share package. Notes: Filmed at NWPPA's Northwest Innovations in Communications conference.

    19 min

  7. JAN 21

    The Keys to Connecting With Kids, With Joey Clift

    As a writer on shows like Paw Patrol, Spirit Rangers and Cocomelon Lane, Joey Clift shares some of the keys to reaching the youngest audiences. Joey will be a speaker at StoryConnect 2026.

    31 min

  8. JAN 14

    Connected Senior: Digital Literacy Program, With Bill Gerski

    From teaching 95-year-olds to stream their favorite shows to connecting the 5,000th home to fiber, Beacon Broadband proves inclusion and innovation go hand in hand. Bill Gerski shares how their Connected Senior Program bridges generations and the ways other Utility Pioneers can replicate the success in their own communities. Notes: Filmed at Calix ConneXions conference.

    24 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

StoryConnect features interviews with marketers, communicators, CEOs and other leaders at cooperative and independent broadband companies, electric cooperatives and municipal power providers. The goal of the podcast is to help listeners discover ideas to shape their stories and connect with their customers. It is produced by Pioneer Utility Resources.

Information

  • Creator
    Pioneer Utility Resources
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2026
  • Episodes
    371
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    The StoryConnect Podcast

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