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Adaptability isn't just a buzzword in the ICT industry—it's the essential quality separating thriving companies from those merely surviving. In this episode, Brad Everett, General Manager of UCL Americas, takes us behind the scenes of their strategic acquisition of Accurate Connections, revealing how two complementary businesses became something greater than the sum of their parts.

Brad shares the fascinating journey that began four years before the acquisition was finalized, explaining why UCL looked beyond financial spreadsheets to focus on people, processes, and cultural compatibility first. "What we did was very consistent with our existing go-to-market strategy," he explains, highlighting how the merger expanded their ability to serve customers through domestic manufacturing capabilities that allow for nimbleness in a rapidly changing market.

The conversation explores how this strategic partnership opened new revenue streams in wind energy and data centers by combining UCL's splice-on connectivity expertise with Accurate's assembly capabilities. For companies considering similar moves, Brad offers pragmatic advice: "Don't underinvest. Be prepared for the long haul and allocate resources as needed."

Perhaps most valuable are Brad's insights for professionals at every career stage. He recommends continuous learning through industry publications, engaging deeply at trade shows like Bixie, and using analytical frameworks like Blue Ocean Strategy and the PL CREST method to identify untapped opportunities. His advice bridges generations—reminding seasoned veterans to remain open to new ideas while encouraging newcomers to learn from industry history.

Whether you're a field technician, project manager, or business owner, this episode delivers actionable strategies for evolving alongside our industry's constant changes. Subscribe, leave a review, and join our Wednesday night live streams at 6pm Eastern to continue the conversation about building adaptability into your professional DNA.

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Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at https://linktr.ee/letstalkcabling . Also if you would like to be a guest on the show or have a topic for discussion send me an email at chuck@letstalkcabling.com

Chuck Bowser RCDD TECH
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Three successful low-voltage business owners share candid insights and hard-earned wisdom about starting and running your own company in the ICT industry. They discuss everything from tool investments and hiring decisions to managing customer relationships and balancing work-life responsibilities.

• Deciding when to invest in expensive equipment like certifiers ($10,000-$26,000) versus renting
• Creating a professional image with branded vans, storefronts, and uniforms to command higher prices
• Thoroughly vetting potential employees and subcontractors by making them work alongside you
• Learning to say "no" to jobs and customers that aren't the right fit for your business
• Being wary of customers promising future work in exchange for discounted prices
• Making time for administration and paperwork outside regular business hours
• Ensuring your family understands and supports your business commitment
• Developing strong communication skills and learning to listen to customer needs
• Finding a balance between technical expertise and people skills
• Checking your ego at the door and constantly being willing to learn

If you're watching this show on YouTube, would you mind hitting the subscribe button and the bell button to be notified when new content is being produced? If you're listening on an audio platform, please leave a five-star rating to help us take on the algorithm so we can educate, encourage, and enrich the lives of people in the ICT industry.

Support the show

Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at https://linktr.ee/letstalkcabling . Also if you would like to be a guest on the show or have a topic for discussion send me an email at chuck@letstalkcabling.com

Chuck Bowser RCDD TECH
#CBRCDD #RCDD

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Estimating in the low-voltage world isn't just for project managers – it's a vital skill that impacts everyone from first-year apprentices to seasoned field technicians. This episode dives deep into how understanding the estimating process can transform your approach to cabling installations and boost your career trajectory.

Ever wondered why that extra HVAC duct in the ceiling pathway matters so much? When you're pulling 250 cables and each one needs to go up and over obstacles, those extra feet add up to half a box of cable – real money that affects your project's profitability. For apprentices, these early lessons in material management create a foundation for career advancement.

Veteran installers share how proper estimating prevents the dreaded "change order death spiral" that plagues so many projects. Learn practical strategies for tracking labor hours, submitting effective RFIs, and maintaining detailed scopes of work that protect both you and your company. As one listener asked: "How does estimating keep me from getting change-ordered to death?" The answer lies in proactive documentation and clear communication.

For project managers and business owners, we break down the critical reports you need from day one, comparing the benefits of traditional spreadsheets versus specialized estimating software. The surprising winner? It depends on your company size and specific needs – but understanding both approaches gives you a competitive edge.

Perhaps most valuable is our discussion on cross-training between field technicians and estimators. When installers participate in the estimating process, they develop buy-in while providing practical insights that office-bound estimators might miss. This symbiotic relationship creates more accurate bids and stronger project execution.

Whether you're considering starting your own low-voltage business or looking to advance within your current company, mastering these estimating fundamentals positions you for greater success. Subscribe now and learn how to transform your approach to project planning and execution!

Support the show

Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at https://linktr.ee/letstalkcabling . Also if you would like to be a guest on the show or have a topic for discussion send me an email at chuck@letstalkcabling.com

Chuck Bowser RCDD TECH
#CBRCDD #RCDD

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Ready to transform your low voltage skills into a thriving business? Three successful entrepreneurs who've walked this path share the unfiltered truth about what it takes to transition from installer to owner.

Pierce (All Green Lights), Ryan (R&R Connectivity), and Jeff (Better Days Technology) reveal that their journeys didn't begin with meticulous planning but with a willingness to take calculated risks. Each had different safety nets—a spouse with steady income, youth's flexibility, or a strong client base from moonlighting—but all took the leap without overthinking it.

Creating a memorable brand identity proved crucial for standing out in the competitive low voltage landscape. From Pierce's Lego figures marking completed racks to Jeff's crowdsourced logo design, these personal touches helped forge authentic connections with clients. The panel unanimously stressed the importance of proper legal structure (minimum LLC) and seeking guidance from mentors both inside and outside the industry.

The most revealing insights came when discussing early mistakes. All three admitted significantly underpricing their services initially, failing to account for overhead costs beyond materials. Ryan candidly shared a cautionary tale of a project estimated to profit $20,000 that ultimately lost $70,000. When unexpected challenges arise, they emphasized transparent communication with clients rather than suffering in silence.

For finding clients, cold calling proved less effective than authentic relationship building. Ryan's game-changing moment came from answering a 2AM emergency call, while Jeff leveraged hometown connections where "rarely is there not one degree of separation" between him and potential clients. The consistent thread? Exceptional work quality that generates word-of-mouth referrals—the most powerful marketing tool in the low voltage industry.

Looking to start your own low voltage business? Join communities like Tech Knowledge Worldwide where experienced owners willingly share both successes and failures to help newcomers avoid costly mistakes. Remember their parting advice: charge more than you think you should, communicate openly when challenges arise, and never stop learning from others.

Support the show

Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at https://linktr.ee/letstalkcabling . Also if you would like to be a guest on the show or have a topic for discussion send me an email at chuck@letstalkcabling.com

Chuck Bowser RCDD TECH
#CBRCDD #RCDD

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We dive into the world of network cabling, answering 20 questions about Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6A cables in a fast-paced, information-packed session to help you make better cable choices.

• Cat5e vs Cat6: Cat6 offers more bandwidth (250MHz vs 100MHz) and headroom for future applications
• Cat6 can handle 10Gbps up to 37-55 meters, while Cat6A supports 10Gbps to the full 100 meters
• The "A" in Cat6A stands for augmented, doubling frequency from 250MHz to 500MHz
• Shielded cabling is usually only needed in high-EMI environments and requires proper grounding
• Use the "John Deere rule" – it's better to install higher category cable now than replace it later
• Plenum-rated cable is required by code for air handling spaces but costs more
• Never buy "copper-clad aluminum" (CCA) cable – it's unsafe and may void insurance
• Cat8 is designed for data centers, not homes – Cat6A is sufficient for future-proofing residences
• Professional installations should include certification testing as documentation

Make sure you follow proper cable selection and installation practices to create reliable, future-ready networks that will serve your needs for years to come.

Support the show

Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at https://linktr.ee/letstalkcabling . Also if you would like to be a guest on the show or have a topic for discussion send me an email at chuck@letstalkcabling.com

Chuck Bowser RCDD TECH
#CBRCDD #RCDD

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Tim Carroll joins Chuck to share expert strategies for technicians transitioning to sales roles or starting their own low-voltage businesses, providing practical wisdom from his 25 years of industry experience and his book "Sales by the Book."

• Everyone is a salesperson, especially technicians who represent the company to customers
• ICT sales differ from other industries due to complex channels involving consultants, architects, contractors, manufacturers, and end users
• Avoid "product dumping" and focus first on discovery to understand customer pain points
• The four anchors of successful sales: persistence, patience, integrity, and attitude
• Sales professionals need thick skin and should understand "no" often means "not yet"
• Build your personal brand based on integrity and consistently delivering on promises
• Warm referrals produce better results than cold calling
• Network with adjacent trades like electrical contractors, office furniture companies, and real estate managers
• Use storytelling to demonstrate how you've solved similar problems for other customers
• Technical knowledge is a significant advantage when complemented with good sales skills

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe on YouTube, hit the bell for notifications, and give us a five-star rating on your podcast platform of choice. Check out our website to schedule a 15-minute consultation or purchase a Let's Talk Cabling challenge coin.

Support the show

Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at https://linktr.ee/letstalkcabling . Also if you would like to be a guest on the show or have a topic for discussion send me an email at chuck@letstalkcabling.com

Chuck Bowser RCDD TECH
#CBRCDD #RCDD

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We're empowering installers, designers, and industry pros with tips, stories, and best practices to stay ahead in the low-voltage industry. This Wednesday night episode tackles key industry challenges like finding outdated technical manuals, understanding certifications, and navigating employment options.

• Finding the 13th Edition TDMM for contractor licensing despite it being out of print
• CTSI vs. BICSI certifications - complementary credentials for different specializations
• Union vs. non-union career paths - comparing benefits, pay structures, and job protection
• Understanding plenum cable ratings and avoiding common code violations
• Manufacturer warranty programs and their importance for risk management
• Study strategies for the ITSIM certification and other industry credentials
• Subcontracting strategies for low-voltage professionals seeking work

Keep your questions coming through social media, email, and direct messages for future episodes. Knowledge is power!

Support the show

Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at https://linktr.ee/letstalkcabling . Also if you would like to be a guest on the show or have a topic for discussion send me an email at chuck@letstalkcabling.com

Chuck Bowser RCDD TECH
#CBRCDD #RCDD

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Sean Rep, known for his meticulous cable management and massive social media following, shares his journey from central office trainee to "closet artist" with a reputation for creating perfect cable waterfalls.

• Started in 2000 with Lucent Technologies before the tech crash, receiving extensive training but limited field experience initially
• Bundles cables in groups of 12 for efficient management, dressing each bundle individually before combining
• Creates his signature "waterfalls" entirely by hand without cable combs through patience and attention to detail
• Strong preference for velcro over tie wraps for both aesthetics and safety reasons
• Accidentally became a social media sensation with his first TikTok reaching 200,000 views
• Currently working on a massive project with 1.9 million feet of Cat6 cable across 19 IDFs and 2 MBFs
• Prefers staying in the field over project management, enjoying the hands-on aspects of the work
• Uses CapCut to edit his videos, all shot on iPhone
• Identifies attention to detail as the most important trait for success in the ICT industry

Knowledge is power. Follow Sean on TikTok and Instagram @SeanRep to see his impressive cable management work.

Support the show

Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at https://linktr.ee/letstalkcabling . Also if you would like to be a guest on the show or have a topic for discussion send me an email at chuck@letstalkcabling.com

Chuck Bowser RCDD TECH
#CBRCDD #RCDD