Mapping Joy: How Connected Nation is building a more connected, inclusive, and joyful future

On this episode of Connected Nation, we have a special guest - Chairman and CEO of our national nonprofit, Tom Ferree. 

We'll discuss what it means to map joy in the workplace AND find out how Connected Nation can help broadband leaders do everything from tackle AI to more easily tracking BEAD compliance.

Recommended links: 

Tom Ferree Linkedin

Canopy Good Business Summit

Connected Nation website

Chapters

• 1:40 What is the mission of the Canopy Organization
• 8:58 How Connected Nation is approaching AI
• 13:38 CN Internet Exchange Points (IXP)
• 17:36 CN Board of Directors
• 23:25 CN's upcoming 25th Anniversary
• 32:27 What Tom Ferree hopes to get out of the breakout session

Transcript

Jessica Denson (00:00):
<silence> This is Connected Nation, an award-winning podcast focused on all things broadband from closing the digital divide to improving your internet speeds. We talk technology topics that impact all of us, our families, and our neighborhoods. On this episode of Connected Nation, we have a special guest, chairman and CEO of our national nonprofit. We'll discuss what it means to map joy in the workplace, plus find out how Connected Nation can help broadband leaders do everything from tackle AI to more easily tracking bead compliance and work. And you'll get your first glimpse at why 2026 will bring big opportunities for you. Our listeners. I'm Jessica Sen, and this is Connected Nation. I'm at the fifth annual Canopy Good Business Summit, taking place in Louisville, Kentucky on November 6th, and I had the good fortune to run into my chairman and CEO Tom Furry. The, the crowd goes wild in the background. Welcome Tom. 

Tom Ferree (01:09):
Grow, growing Wild. Good to be with you, Jessica. Yeah. 

Jessica Denson (01:12):
Um, I love that I get to cat grab you for this since you grabbed me for this event. 

Tom Ferree (01:17):
That's 

Jessica Denson (01:17):
Right. Um, I found out about this event. 

Tom Ferree (01:18):
You're always faithful with those requests. 

Jessica Denson (01:20):
Yeah. When you ask, I'm there, 

Tom Ferree (01:22):
Right? Have Mike will travel. Jessica Denson (01:23):

Yeah. <laugh>. Yeah. Um, you're going to be doing a breakout, uh, session called Mapping Joy, how Technology Connects People, places, and Possibilities. Let's talk about that first, and then I want to get into an update about Connected Nation. Tom Ferree (01:35):

Yes. Let's do it. Jessica Denson (01:36):

So, what's, tell us a little bit about this, uh, breakout section that you're gonna be part of. Tom Ferree (01:40):

Well, uh, first of all, the hats off to the, the whole mission of the Canopy Organization here. And really, you know, there's a time right now, I think in our, in our world, and especially in our country, where focusing on, uh, bringing positivity and all good things to business versus just bottom line profits is so incredibly important. Uh, Jessica Denson (01:57):

Yes. You know, Tom Ferree (01:58):

Speaking as a nonprofit, you know, these are really challenging times. Uh, everybody is, uh, realizing, uh, drying up a funding and some, you know, grant shortages. And so it's really a time of rediscovery. And so I think, um, an opportunity like this for nonprofits and businesses that are more, more focused on other things than just bottom line, there's nothing wrong with that, right? Mm-hmm <affirmative>. More, more money, more mission. But, uh, it's a time for us to kind of come together and learn from one another, um, and really, you know, figure this, this new era out. And, uh, that's why that I love that what Scott Collins is doing here with this group. He's, he's teaching young people entrepreneurship, um, irrespective if they go through the business route or the nonprofit route. Um, you know, he's given in those, those well-grounded skills that are so necessary. Uh, just 'cause you run a nonprofit doesn't mean you can't, you shouldn't, uh, run it like a business. You should. Jessica Denson (02:48):

Yeah. Tom Ferree (02:48):

Uh, the responsible, uh, fiscal management of a, of a nonprofit ensures its sustainability. And so, uh, uh, it's a really important time for those skills to, to be taught, uh, to be mentored, to be developed, and, uh, just, uh, uh, can't say enough about what they're doing here today. And I'm just glad that Connected Nation's being a part of it. Jessica Denson (03:05):

Yeah. And just, just to toot our horn for a minute, I was talking to Incipio next to us earlier, and I got to mention that we were, uh, voted best places to work by staff for more than a dozen years now, Tom Ferree (03:16):

<laugh> well, that, that counts, right? So, uh, Uhhuh, uh, joy in the workplace, uh, you know, I was just thinking about this in preparation, and then we're gonna get to the panel Uhhuh. 'cause you asked me about that. But, you know, uh, if you think you have a, a 24 hour day, and you spend probably eight of those, if you're lucky, you have 10 of those and sleep, or, uh, Jessica Denson (03:32):

Yeah. Jessica Denson (03:32):

Relaxing. Tom Ferree (03:33):

And so then, you know, whatever you're, you know, family that leaves just a little bit of time. You spend most of that day, uh, at least your, your waking hours at work, Jessica Denson (03:42):

Uhhuh, <affirmative>. Tom Ferree (03:43):

So that really does need to be a place where you're intentional about bringing joy and, uh, spreading joy and giving joy and, and all of that. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. Um, it just, and that's a great thing about Connected Nation as I hope we've created a culture where people come and we, we tackle big chronically, you know, persistent challenges, uh, in America, but we, we do it in a way that allows us to give our best efforts with people that we care about and our mission that we care about. Mm-hmm. And if you have that, that trilogy, man, you can, you can, you can do anything. Yeah. And so that's, that's why we like to tackle big problems. 'cause we know we have people that are here and doing it for the right Jessica Denson (04:18):

Reason. Yeah. And, uh, I'll just say, uh, you're my boss, you're my direct boss. But you do do things with a lot of joy when you, you call me, it's always, hello, Jessica. Well, how are you? And we have the summer of love that we do internally that nobody outside even knows about. And we do a lot of really cool things. We have half day Fridays, which is one of my favorite. That is a good day. That's a great day. Um, but there are a lot of really positive things and a lot of joyous things happening at, at, uh, connect Nation, including some of the work that we do where we get to help other people, which is really cool. Yeah. Tom Ferree (04:48):

Well, you know, and I think maybe unique, maybe not as unique as it once was, but with Connected Nation, you know, we focus on broadband and connectivity. And so, uh, you know, if we're, if we're gonna be true to our mission, we should be able to support a remote based workforce. Jessica Denson (05:01):

Yeah. Tom Ferree (05:02):

And so we do that, right? The power of broadband, the power of connectivity, allows you to, to prosper and make an impact wherever you are. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. Uh, and irrespective of where you are. And so, you know, we kinda live into that, uh, with our remote, remote based workforce, but that in itself presents a challenge. Jessica Denson (05:16):

Yeah. Tom Ferree (05:16):

It's a lot easier to spread joy when you're seeing somebody in the break room and you have cake. That's right. And you have cake. Isn't cake good? I love cake. That's always a good icebreaker. But yeah, we have to, you mentioned some of those things that we do to try to keep everyone's, um, positivity meters on high mm-hmm <affirmative>. And so we, we do try to find those things to, uh, to do that, that's a challenge with remote ba, remote based workforce is a, making them feel connected. Jessica Denson (05:39):

Mm-hmm <affirmative>. Tom Ferree (05:40):

Um, and then also, you know, moving as a unit, Jessica Denson (05:43):

Yes, we Tom Ferree (05:43):

Can always move as individuals, but you know, I, I love that African proverb. The, uh, if you, if you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. Jessica Denson (05:52):

Oh, I've not heard that. I like that. Tom Ferree (05:53):

Yeah. So that's, uh, that's how we approach our work. We like to, we wanna go. You wanna go far? Jessica Denson (05:57):

Yeah. Sometimes you have to tell me to slow down. Tom Ferree (06:00):

<laugh>. I That is true. You, you move fast. Jessica Denson (06:02):

I do move Tom Ferree (06:02):

Fast, but, but you keep us moving for fast. That's Jessica Denson (06:04):

Good. I'm like, let's keep going. Come on. That's Tom Ferree (06:06):

Right. You're an accelerate, Jessica. Jessica Denson (06:07):

I'm accelerate. Yep. So let's talk about your, uh, your breakout session. Tom Ferree (06:11):

Yeah. So, uh, I have the great pleasure of, of sharing the podium with, um, uh, a wonderful CEO. I have not met her, but I've read a lot about her. Had a, actually I have had a phone call or two with her, but, um, uh, Theresa, uh, Reno Weber. She's the CEO of Good Maps. And what's really neat because, and I don't know if this was designed or if they just serendipity here, but they have put two groups together that are really gonna play off this, uh, connecting people as a means to, uh, to, to spread joy. So, you know, at Connected Nation, our job is to get the unserved or the underserved uhhuh better connected. Jessica Denson (06:44):

Yeah. Tom Ferree (06:45):

And if we do our job right, people like Theresa's company gets to come along and do the really cool stuff. If we're foundational. She's really riding on top of that with things like good maps. And they're a, they're a group that's focused on bringing accessibility, uh, to a venue. So, like, if, if you are, say we're here in the convention center today, and if you have, um, uh, accessibility challenges, whether visual or audio, um, her app will help you navigate these large spaces. Jessica Denson (07:11):

Oh, fan. Tom Ferree (07:12):

That's cool. Um, and so, and, and it doesn't need to just be, you know, physical, um, uh, um, impairments. It could be, you know, any challenge that you might have. They bring a, a level of, um, using technology allows you to again, um, know how to navigate to where you want to be. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. Um, 'cause think about it, if you're on the street, uh, just for instance, if you're, if you are visually impaired, you, you might have, uh, crosswalk queues that let you know when to walk away. Well, when that works, great. Until you get into the venue. Jessica Denson (07:39):

Yeah. And Tom Ferree (07:40):

Then when you're in the venue, what are you gonna do? Right. If you're trying to navigate, uh, let's think about Hartsfield International Airport. My goodness. That's a place. Oh, Jessica Denson (07:48):

Yeah. Tom Ferree (07:48):

Can you imagine having, um, uh, sensory challenges, uh, things like good maps help help that, um, level the field for those people. Oh. And so, um, that can only work to the extent that connectivity goes to and through those venues that they want focus on. So it's kind of, uh, it's great that our, our job ensures that pathway for them so that when they're in the facility and they can, you know, use wifi, that the facility's well connected and can support all those really cool apps like that, Jessica Denson (08:18):

It's amazing. Tom Ferree (08:18):

Make a difference. Jessica Denson (08:19):

I'm, I'm, I am constantly surprised, and just when I think I can't be, I'm surprised about the next use of technology and things that are coming out there, then this, the next step. Like, I would never, obviously, I don't necessarily deal with a, a typical, uh, disability that you see <laugh> Yeah. Maybe some other disabilities, but not Tom Ferree (08:39):

<laugh>. We Jessica Denson (08:39):

All have <laugh>, we have all our, all have our drawbacks. Yeah. But, you know, um, I would never even think about having that app for that, but what a fantastic service. Tom Ferree (08:48):

Oh, it's so neat. Jessica Denson (08:48):

So there's so many really great things that can happen with technology. And now that we're entering a time of ai, talk about kind of what, how Connect Nation is approaching that. Tom Ferree (08:58):

Yeah. Well, um, you know, it's interesting. So the, the digital divide, how we would've defined it, Jessica, you and I, you know, even five years ago, Uhhuh is markedly different than when, how we describe it today. We have a new entrant, artificial intelligence that is, is a brand new, uh, attribute of the digital device Jessica Denson (09:15):

<laugh>. Tom Ferree (09:15):

Yeah. Just when you figure it out, you know, how you navigate certain applications or, or, or whatnot, uh, digital literacy, as we call it now, there's a whole need for AI literacy, you know? Mm-hmm. Um, and, and then also being smart in the use of ai. And then that brings in things like, you know, the ethics of AI and, and, you know, um, compassion in an AI and authenticity in the AI world, Uhhuh, <affirmative>, like all these things that we as technology ambassadors and evangelists need to do a good job to make sure that some of those that are more on the marginalized edge can fully participate in those. And that's what I think this panel's really about. It's about, you know, how there's, there's nothing maybe more not joyous than being unable to participate. Yeah. From a parody perspective, if, if you are a step behind, uh, or somehow, um, challenged with realizing your full digital potential, that's not gonna be very joyful, uh, when you can see your counterparts thriving, and so, and Jessica Denson (10:16):

You're left out Yeah. And left Tom Ferree (10:17):

Out. Yeah. And so, um, you know, and to, you had a big hand in this, you know, revamping our tagline, everyone belongs, and isn't that a great encapsulation for what, what we're trying to do from a technology perspective, and we know that inclusion begets joy Jessica Denson (10:31):

Mm-hmm <affirmative>. Tom Ferree (10:31):

Right. It doesn't ensure it, but it's hard to have joy without inclusion. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. If you feel left out, if you feel marginalized, if you feel somehow, um, unable to live into your best, that's, that's gotta be a precursor for, for joy. And so we want, we wanna tear that down, whether it's a community, communities have joy, individuals have joy. Jessica Denson (10:52):

Yeah. Tom Ferree (10:52):

Right. Jessica Denson (10:53):

Uh, uh, Tom Ferree (10:53):

Businesses have joy. And so, uh, so many times it's a technical connection we're talking about, but I think you would, uh, you would agree. Most of the work we do focuses on ultimately the human connection. Jessica Denson (11:04):

Yeah. And we just launched a new, uh, uh, online resource so people can learn AI from, it's, it's built for beginners, it's built for people beginning on through. And we were inviting other people to take part. We just launched that yesterday. Yeah. As, as of this, as we're sitting down, it's November 6th for this event, and we just launched that yesterday. I Tom Ferree (11:25):

We've used it in my house. Jessica Denson (11:26):

Yeah. Tom Ferree (11:26):

So it's, it's, it is for Tom Ferree (11:27):

Beginners, but it is, it is great. Um, it cuts across all the generations. <laugh>, uh, it, it's, it's a great primer, uh, uhhuh to say it another way, I guess <laugh>, uh, it doesn't matter. Uh, Jessica Denson (11:38):

You know, it brings me joy to use AI to put cowboy hats on you, Tom. Tom Ferree (11:42):

Yes. And Jessica Denson (11:42):

Have you Tom Ferree (11:43):

<laugh>, can you put hair on me? That that would be really something special? Jessica Denson (11:46):

Yep. Yeah. Um, I, I'm making, I'm teasing. But, uh, our, we were challenged as a staff to, to put Tom Farry, our chairman, and CEO in, uh, uh, national Parks. Tom Ferree (11:57):

Oh, yes. Jessica Denson (11:57):

Yeah. That was, do you remember that? A fun little exercise. I, I spent a little time on Tom Ferree (12:00):

That. That's right. We had fun with that. Jessica Denson (12:02):

Some of my daily work was, that's that <laugh> that's Tom Ferree (12:04):

Yep. Yep. Jessica Denson (12:05):

It was a lot of fun. Tom Ferree (12:06):

Yeah. No, definitely. Um, you know, there's a lot of fun that can be had with it. Yeah. But, uh, gosh, we're just right at the precipice of something really, really, you know, in some regards. It can be daunting and scary. But I choose to always try to think of like, what's the possible, um, from a, from a half full perspective Jessica Denson (12:22):

Mm-hmm <affirmative>. Tom Ferree (12:22):

And I think about, gosh, the generations that are gonna be coming along in this new era, possibilities are endless. I mean, oh my gosh. Talk about an opportunity to have every, every opportunity to do, to be your best. Um, now I think some of our challenge, uh, Jessica, is to also make sure that we don't trade on that for, um, authenticity. As I said earlier, that's a, Jessica Denson (12:45):

Yeah. It's a very important Tom Ferree (12:47):

Humanity. Jessica Denson (12:47):

Mm-hmm <affirmative>. Tom Ferree (12:48):

Uh, gosh, that would be a dystopian future that we, none of us want. Jessica Denson (12:52):

None of us want. Tom Ferree (12:53):

Right. Uh, but I, I think, um, if we do it right, and I, I ultimately, I have more faith than not in humanity, and we'll figure out a way to coexist with this very exciting time for, um, for the benefit of, Jessica Denson (13:04):

Of Yeah. I definitely would call you an optimist. Yeah. Tom Ferree (13:07):

Well, I try Jessica Denson (13:07):

To be You're an optimist's in general. Yeah. <laugh>. I don't <laugh>. Tom Ferree (13:09):

That's Tom Ferree (13:10):

Not very fun. Jessica Denson (13:10):

That's true. Tom Ferree (13:11):

Right. Jessica Denson (13:11):

Um, let's, let's also talk about not only the need to understand how to use AI and be part of that, but to bring it to communities. There, there needs to be some infrastructure in place. Jessica Denson (13:21):

Oh, yeah. Jessica Denson (13:21):

Um, you know, we always hear talk about data centers, but there's actually another piece. Right? Tom Ferree (13:26):

Absolutely. Um, and maybe just before I get into that, 'cause that's a very critical piece and a very exciting new foray for connected nation from an infrastructure perspective. Um, and we're talking of course about internet exchange points, Uhhuh, Jessica Denson (13:38):

<affirmative>, Tom Ferree (13:38):

Um, but some of the fuel that is, we talked about accelerants, you being a personal accelerator, <laugh>, uh, one of the huge accelerants in all of this right now domestically that we should, all of us as Americans should be so excited about right now, is this, you know, 42 and a half billion dollars. Jessica Denson (13:53):

Oh, yes. B Tom Ferree (13:53):

In in broadband infrastructure. Literally, the, the, all the states have got all their plans in now. They're, they're getting, you know, certified by the federal government, and they are soon going to see shovels turning dirt and country and the communities all across the country who have never had access to the kind of the robust infrastructure that they're going to have. Jessica Denson (14:13):

It's exciting time. Tom Ferree (14:14):

It's so exciting. Jessica Denson (14:15):

Yeah. Tom Ferree (14:15):

I just, you talk about an injection, $42 billion. I mean, that's on the level with the Eisenhower Interstate Project, the Rural Electrification Act a hundred years ago. This is, this is really gonna bring it to the haulers of Kentucky to the plains of, you know, the Midwest to, you know, San Juan, Puerto Rico. Yeah. You know, Alaska remote areas and tribes in Alaska. It's gonna be a very exciting time for us to, um, come together as a nation and, and pursue big, big ideas Jessica Denson (14:43):

Mm-hmm <affirmative>. Tom Ferree (14:44):

Um, and now to bring that forward, um, those pipes will only work as good as their weakest links. Jessica Denson (14:50):

Yeah. Tom Ferree (14:51):

And so there is this, um, element of the, of the network called, um, uh, interconnection, where all these disparate networks, rather than passing each other and ships in the night, if they can exchange traffic, uh, and and data as local to the, to the community as possible, the performance will be better. The, the, the time lag or latency, uh, will, will, uh, improve the price. The economics of the local, um, economy of, for, for, for digital assets will come down Jessica Denson (15:19):

Uhhuh, <affirmative>. Tom Ferree (15:20):

Um, it's a, it's a force multiplier that, um, is only enjoyed right now in major metropolitan areas. So our mission mm-hmm <affirmative>. Is, uh, connected nation to get that piece of critical infrastructure out of not just Manhattan, New York, but get it into Manhattan, Kansas. Jessica Denson (15:34):

Yes. Tom Ferree (15:35):

Uh, and areas like that. So that's what we want to do, so that people in Kansas have the same opportunity to exploit and leverage, uh, all the advantages that AI brings as their counterparts have done in New York City. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. Or in Los Angeles, or in Atlanta. Jessica Denson (15:49):

And it, it, it affects everything from affordability to speed to all kinds of things, including powering ai. Tom Ferree (15:57):

Oh, absolutely. Jessica Denson (15:58):

Yeah. Tom Ferree (15:58):

Absolutely. Uh, AI as you know, is a, is an energy and, and network, uh, the demand on is huge. Jessica Denson (16:05):

Mm-hmm Tom Ferree (16:05):

<affirmative>. And so to, to the extent that we kind of create an infrastructure that allows that to operate in the most efficient way possible, ensures the most, um, powerful outcomes. Hmm. Uh, and so we've gotta get it out, not just for those communities, but from, uh, the, the nation writ large, an aggregate perspective. If we are going to race to AI dominance from some of our global, uh, competitors, um, it can't be relegated to just the major areas of Jessica Denson (16:29):

Yeah. Of, Tom Ferree (16:30):

Like I said, the major metropolitan areas. It's gotta be, uh, diffused across, across the whole country. Um, and by the way, that brings in resiliency from a national security perspective. Jessica Denson (16:38):

Mm-hmm <affirmative>. Tom Ferree (16:39):

Right. If you had a few choke holes that you could knock out, you can cripple a commu our country. If we have that, uh, in a resilient, uh, diffusion of network assets, that's a, that's a national imperative from a security perspective as well. Jessica Denson (16:52):

Yeah. Um, I'll include a link to connect nation.org back slash IP just in case anyone who's listening wants to look into that more, also to our AI resource page. I'll include a link to that. But let's talk about what's coming up. It's next year, Tom Ferree (17:07):

The board meeting? Jessica Denson (17:08):

No. Tom Ferree (17:09):

Oh, Jessica Denson (17:09):

Connected nations. Tom Ferree (17:10):

Well, well, let's, let's plug that. Oh, Jessica Denson (17:11):

You wanna hit the board meeting first? Tom Ferree (17:12):

Alright. Me connected nation. I can't brag about our boards. Jessica Denson (17:14):

You got it. Yeah. Tom Ferree (17:15):

Talk about it more than, than, than I could. I'd tell you, they are such spectacular public servants, uh, that have given, uh, some of their best Jessica Denson (17:23):

Talk about some of the cool people we have on there. These people have pedigrees. Tom Ferree (17:26):

We've got, we've got Wendy Lazarus out there in, uh, Santa Monica, California, who has been just a tireless advocate for her whole career, for for Children's Oh. Jessica Denson (17:35):

Um, Tom Ferree (17:35):

Uh, initiatives. She's helping us. Uh, we've got, uh, John Davies, I'll stay on the West Coast, not to leave anybody out. We've got John Davies retired Intel executive who ran the World Ahead program there. So he ensured that developing countries in the, in the, everywhere from the, from the Middle East to Sub-Saharan Africa, uh, to, uh, the Pacific Rim, all of those areas. He ensured that, um, digital inclusion was, uh, at the forefront, uh, of Intel's global strategies. We've got Jay Elliot, uh, a pioneer of Silicon Valley Jessica Denson (18:06):

<laugh>. This is pretty cool. Tom Ferree (18:07):

Very cool. He got a lot of books you can read that. He's, he's pinned Jessica Denson (18:10):

Uhhuh Tom Ferree (18:10):

About his time with Steve Jobs was instrumental in the launch of the Macintosh. Uh, he brings an incredible, uh, source of wealth to us from a, from a knowledge and experience perspective. We've got a retired major general Peggy Combs. Uh, she was, uh, well, I think she fls between, uh, Florida and, and, uh, and Syracuse, New York. Jessica Denson (18:29):

Yeah. Tom Ferree (18:30):

Uhhuh <affirmative>. Uh, and so, uh, and, and she is just an, been an incredible advisor to us, uh, particularly in how we, uh, attack the problem, uh, the chronic problem of military spouse and veteran, um, uh, digital divide context, uh, as well as just strategy in general. She's just a, a, a wonderful, uh, person to have on our board. We've got Grant Seifert in Washington DC so he's a DC Insider. Jessica Denson (18:51):

He's a ball of energy too. Tom Ferree (18:52):

Oh, isn't he though? Yeah. <laugh>. We, we've got him and then, uh, gosh, you know, um, I'm in there. Jessica Denson (18:58):

Don't forget Zippy. Tom Ferree (18:59):

Oh, I was gonna, I was building to zip while we're in DC we've got, uh, Zippy Duval President of the American Farm Bureau. Um, so much of the work we do, uh, in these rural communities, um, life emanates from, from those farm bureaus. Uh, and so they really help us plug into those communities. Yeah. Understand the challenges that are unique to rural America. That, you know, if you're in a policy discussion in a boardroom in Washington DC you have no clue what's going on in the heartland of, of, of America in some of these small towns. If you've got the Farm bureau with you, you know what's going on. Jessica Denson (19:30):

Mm-hmm <affirmative>. Tom Ferree (19:30):

They've got their finger on the pulse of that. And he's been just a, a, an incredible support and that whole organization, uh, for driving our mission over the last, coming up on 25 years. Jessica Denson (19:39):

Yes. That's what I was ready to talk about. Tom Ferree (19:41):

Yeah. Jessica Denson (19:42):

I didn't mean to skip over the board meeting, but there it is a, it is safe. Well, Tom Ferree (19:45):

I was just because we're, we're gonna be in Louisville next Jessica Denson (19:47):

Week. Yes. Uhhuh. We're bring Tom Ferree (19:48):

'em to our hometown. So that's, uh, quite a treat. Jessica Denson (19:50):

Yep. We give 'em a little bourbon. Tom Ferree (19:52):

We should take, we should take 'em out for <laugh>. I hear there's some samplings around Jessica Denson (19:55):

Here. Yeah. There's a few sample. That's right. Maybe teach 'em some horse racing. Tom Ferree (19:59):

That's right. Jessica Denson (19:59):

Could bet on some thorough breaths. Well, Tom Ferree (20:00):

Spiritual in session right now. They probably are. Jessica Denson (20:02):

Maybe Tom Ferree (20:02):

We could do that. Yeah. And then we've, uh, of course, can't forget, uh, Dr. McElroy down there in Bowling Green. He is a, um, uh, he was here before I got here at Connected Nation and, and it did so much there with, with Brian to help really steer those formative years Jessica Denson (20:17):

Mm-hmm <affirmative>. Tom Ferree (20:18):

Uh, and, and he's still such a, a great advisor to me personally, but also organizationally, he just, he gets rural America. He gets the digital divide and he, he is such just a kind man that, um, he really leads with compassion and empathy and those are very important. Um, you know, tenets of our mission as well. So, just an incredible board Jessica Denson (20:37):

And talk about understanding rural areas. 'cause he's, he's farmed, right? Farmed. Tom Ferree (20:42):

That is, that's right. He's a bit of a renaissance man. Yeah. I don't know. I could even put a label on him, uh, <laugh>. But, uh, yes. Uh, among his many talents is, is, uh, is farming. Uh, he's <laugh>. Right. He is a spiritual man. He is a man of the land. He is a man of the cloth. He is a man of the, of the broadband. He's a he's a little bit of everything. Jessica Denson (20:59):

Yeah. And he's a smart, he's so smart. Oh, Tom Ferree (21:01):

He is like Jessica Denson (21:02):

Smart cookie. He's Tom Ferree (21:02):

Humbling. Jessica Denson (21:03):

Yeah, yeah. Yeah. But they are fantastic. All, all of them are, um, very, um, accessible to even staff Oh gosh. And stuff. Gosh. And they are a wealth of information. And I take, it's amazing. Tom Ferree (21:18):

I could, I could text them in within 20 minutes. Jessica Denson (21:20):

You do not see that. They Tom Ferree (21:21):

Will call me back Jessica Denson (21:22):

Yeah. Tom Ferree (21:23):

Any hour of the day. Yeah. It's, it's incredible. Jessica Denson (21:25):

And they always, I, I think they do a really good job of making staff, at least from my point of view, feel really good and welcomed and appreciated. They, which is wonderful. They really, Tom Ferree (21:33):

You know, I can't tell you how many organizations I worked for where I did not, I knew the, I knew the board by name. Jessica Denson (21:38):

Right. Tom Ferree (21:39):

Never had an interaction with, with 'em. Same. Uh, and they go outta their way, uh, to, to to be Jessica Denson (21:43):

Accessible, Tom Ferree (21:44):

As you say, to staff. And, uh, and they want to hear, they get tired of hearing from me. <laugh>, they like to hear from you guys. So, um, they're a great board. Jessica Denson (21:51):

I think that says something about our mission though, that they really love does being a part of it. Tom Ferree (21:55):

Yeah. It's, we're fortunate that we have a mission that I think compels that kind of, um, public service from them. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. Um, and um, and they just wanna be a part. In fact, they, they're always after me to how can we do more? And isn't that a great problem to have? Is Jessica Denson (22:07):

That is a great problem to have Yeah. Tom Ferree (22:08):

As a board chair. So, uh, very fortunate to have them here next week. And we'll be getting into some big things that we have planned for 20 Jessica Denson (22:13):

Yeah. Tom Ferree (22:14):

26. And it seems only right, since you've had such a big hand in it, maybe you should, uh, I don't know. Is it too early to maybe Jessica Denson (22:20):

<laugh>? It's too early. We don't know. You know what, we got some big plans for next year. You go a hype little, it's the 20th, fifth anniversary. Tom Ferree (22:27):

It has to be something on the level Jessica Denson (22:28):

Yes. Tom Ferree (22:28):

That can honor that big of a Jessica Denson (22:30):

Milestone. Yeah. So for the 20th anniversary, we did a, uh, a first of its kind, never been done live event across the country. That was all online, but it was with a school and some professional news agencies. And it, it, it won some awards. It was pretty amazing. So we got a topic, 'cause now we're in the 25th. I know it. And we've got some really cool things planned. Tells me we're gonna try to break a record. They're gonna, we're try do a tour. Yeah. And so, yeah. I, I invite people who wanna be part of it to contact us. Contact us at info@connectednation.org. 'cause we have some sponsorship cool opportunities that you're gonna want be absolutely a part of. Well, anyway, the Tom Ferree (23:08):

25th and Jessica Denson (23:09):

Founder's date, founder date, Tom Ferree (23:09):

February 19th. Jessica Denson (23:10):

19th. That's what we're launch. Tom Ferree (23:11):

It's, that's our big day. Jessica Denson (23:12):

So everybody be tuning in for that. Tom Ferree (23:14):

That's 20, 25 years ago. Jessica Denson (23:15):

My goodness. So Tom, you've been one of three CEOs Tom Ferree (23:19):

Yep. Jessica Denson (23:19):

Over, uh, connected Nation in that time. Tom Ferree (23:22):

Mm-hmm <affirmative>. Jessica Denson (23:22):

How does it feel to usher us into our 25th? Tom Ferree (23:25):

Oh, you know, it's, it's humbling. Beyond, beyond comment. I, I'd tell you without the, the visionary, uh, efforts, uh, Dr. Linda Johnson, and then of course the, the muscle that really took it from Kentucky to the national brand that it is, was Brian Mefford. And, you know, they did the heavy lifting. I get the easy part Jessica Denson (23:45):

Just Oh, Tom Ferree (23:45):

Uh, flying, flying this baby, um, for, for as long as I have. Um, but without their, their hard work and, and vision. Um, and just tapping into a need, you know, sometimes we forget about it. 'cause our space has gotten a little more crowded than it was when we started. Yeah. 2001, Jessica Denson (24:02):

Thanks to the Pandemic. That's Tom Ferree (24:04):

Good. There's room for everybody to come in and help on this problem of the digital divide. Right? Jessica Denson (24:08):

Yeah. Tom Ferree (24:08):

Um, but man, those, those pioneers, Linda and, and, and Brian, I mean, they were breaking ground on things that had never even been conceived of. You know, one of the things we talk about mapping joy today, and I was drawn to thanking Connected Nation, launched the first, the nation's first, um, broadband availability map. And it started in Kentucky. And when you look at it now, it's got, it's a little rudimentary, uh, by today's standards. Jessica Denson (24:32):

Yeah. But it was, Tom Ferree (24:32):

But my goodness, think about somebody's thinking, you know, what, if we're gonna solve this thing, we gotta have a, we gotta define it. Uh, and when you, the minute you bring definition to something, you bring a universal understanding. Now you have different opinions for sure. But you at least have a basis of understanding that you can trade against different groups and, and influencers to help bring solutions to bear. Um, otherwise without that, you're, you're literally a rudderless ship. And so my credit when, when Dr. Johnson and, and Brian set forth on this mission to just understand that, you know, um, I'll use that analogy again. You know, you want to go ufr, go together. Connected Nation doesn't have a, well, we have a few widgets. We don't have a lot of widgets. Most of our work is because we facilitate multiple groups coming together to solve it.
(25:21)
Mm-hmm <affirmative>. And that's how we go far. And that's how we go deep with these solutions. Um, you know, if we were after the, a one sale of one item <laugh> Yeah. We would tell you it's the best thing. And this will fix all your problems. That's not the case. And we learn that real quick. When you go to a community, um, don't take it for granted. Don't, don't, don't be in a, a policy, uh, ivory tower and, and presume that you know exactly what a community needs to fix. Its digital divide. You've gotta go invest in that community. You've gotta talk to those, those community pillars. You've got to understand what they want to have, not what you, what you want them to have. Jessica Denson (25:53):

Mm-hmm Tom Ferree (25:54):

<affirmative>. Um, and, and to broker those conversations that ultimately get you a, a, a very good understanding of the ground truth of what's going on in that community. And then, and then bring to bear the solutions that will get them further than before you found them. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. Jessica Denson (26:07):

Well, let's talk about the year ahead, not just for Connected Nation. Yep. But, you know, bead has had some setbacks. Things are moving forward. You were, we were just talking about how the, the plans are moving forward, things are happening, and we're looking at shovels, hopefully being, Tom Ferree (26:19):

This is so for our speed, isn't Jessica Denson (26:20):

It? Yeah, yeah, Tom Ferree (26:20):

Yeah. I know for yours, Jessica Denson (26:22):

<laugh>. Yeah. So how are you feeling about any, any predictions for 2026 or any things you're excited about? Tom Ferree (26:28):

You know, I, I'm really excited. It's, it's, um, hopefully a lot of the, the planning that's taken many years to get to this point, now we're gonna see when the, when the money starts flowing and the investments and the, and the, you know, the spools of fiber starts showing up in these communities and, and not just fiber, other, other technologies, Jessica Denson (26:45):

Uhhuh, Tom Ferree (26:45):

<affirmative>. Um, that's part of the, the whole benefit of the bargain round was to ensure, hey, listen, uh, let's, let's, let's make a, the wise investment for the American taxpayer mm-hmm <affirmative>. And if we can do it, uh, in a more efficient manner, let's explore those opportunities. And, and by and large, we've, we've found some opportunities to curb that in that investment from 42 billion south of that, um, to, you know, largely achieve the same outcome. And Great. That's that's a great news story. Um, so then we have some, some other excess funds that may be able to be directed in other ways that help prepare us for this, um, this AI era, right? Jessica Denson (27:19):

Yeah. Tom Ferree (27:20):

That, that wasn't even conceived when bead was passed. Jessica Denson (27:22):

Right. Tom Ferree (27:22):

Right. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. Or at least in the, in the, in the multitude or in the magnitude that we see it today. So, um, what I'm excited about is actually seeing that capital put to work now. Jessica Denson (27:30):

Yeah. Tom Ferree (27:31):

Uh, that's what's gonna be really, really, uh, exciting Jessica Denson (27:34):

Mm-hmm Tom Ferree (27:34):

<affirmative>. Um, so it kind of moves from planning to tactics and operations and that's what's gonna be, um, that in, and in some regards, that means the hard work is just starting, right? Jessica Denson (27:43):

Mm-hmm <affirmative>. Tom Ferree (27:43):

Because now if, if, if state broadband offices rest on their laurels and just let that money flow out, uh, my hope is that they will continue to be partners with those, uh, recipients and I'm sure they will. So that that investment is not just, you know, reported back. Yeah, we did that. Let's actually make sure that we are, um, it'll sound like monitoring is an audit, uh, activity. I don't mean it in that regard, but if we're monitoring the progress, we are more apt to be able to move any log jams that may occur. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. You know, there's always the known unknowns. So if, if, if these communities are staying close with that investment and they're tracking that and not being just passive recipients of it, but active participants in that community investment, then they're gonna be apt to hit schedules, do it within scope and budget, and start ushering in this golden era for, for America. Jessica Denson (28:33):

I think that one of the things that one of our teams put out, the Be Tracker has really shown that there's a hunger for that Tom Ferree (28:39):

Yeah. Jessica Denson (28:39):

That we will see a lot of, and I'm just pontificating of course, but I think we will see a lot of state broadband offices and, um, state leaders, local leaders even wanting to track and see how things are going. Oh yeah. And monitor it and make sure that funds that are, are not crossing and all these little thick nuances that they're gonna be out there. Tom Ferree (29:01):

Right. Jessica Denson (29:02):

And what's really cool is with the B Tracker, we're able to see what states are doing now, but it shows how our team is po poised to take this next step. Am I right? Tom Ferree (29:12):

Yeah. I'm laughing. <laugh> data's a hell of a drug, isn't Jessica Denson (29:15):

It? It is. It's a cool, I've played with that Beat Tracker. It's really neat to see what different states are doing versus the nation. It's great. Yeah. Tom Ferree (29:23):

Data, data is so powerful and such an ally. It is. In, in times like this, um, as you said, it's, it's, first of all, it's good Jessica Denson (29:31):

Government. Yeah. Tom Ferree (29:32):

You know, nobody likes to, to be a taxpayer without accountability, um, or holding our government accountable. So this is an incredible opportunity for not just broadband offices from a planning perspective, but general citizenry. Mm-hmm. By the way, that be Tracker you mentioned on our website, that's open to everybody. Jessica Denson (29:46):

Yeah. Tom Ferree (29:46):

You don't have to have a special portal or a login for that you, you know Jessica Denson (29:50):

Right. For Tom Ferree (29:50):

A taxpayer or, or just an American Jessica Denson (29:51):

Citizen. Well, I could just envision it now that I've seen the data the way it Tom Ferree (29:54):

Is Yeah. Jessica Denson (29:55):

That I could see a state broadband leader going, okay, so what of our, what are our successes? What are our wins that I could take to the governor this week? Or what is, what are the positive things we've done and where are the areas that we need help untying Tom Ferree (30:06):

Course corrections. Jessica Denson (30:07):

Right. Tom Ferree (30:08):

Right. Yeah. Not just the celebration of the wins. Right. But also, oh, wait a minute, here's a, here's a challenge. We hadn't foreseen all the planning in the world will not not uncover or expose every challenge that can happen once you move to implementation. That's where we're moving. Uh, you gotta have that dashboard. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. You've gotta know what's going on on the ground. Jessica Denson (30:26):

Earlier we were talking about the app, and I'm often, and that I'm continually surprised that I'm being surprised Yeah. By technology. And I was surprised by what our internal teams did and came out with and said, Hey, Jess, put this out there. And I'm like, this is amazing. So there's just a lot of really cool work. You know, I'm, I, you know, I'm a, I'm a cheerleader of Connected Nation of course. Tom Ferree (30:48):

Wow. Yeah. Jessica Denson (30:48):

But I'm just amazed at some of the work that's happening that even then suddenly comes out and you're like, oh, this is what you guys do. I love it. Tom Ferree (30:55):

Well, you know, and it's, it's what's so cool is that we're also not just, you know, nationally and culturally seeing this kind of great, uh, period of innovation. I mean, we're seeing inside Connected Nation, right? Yeah. People are saying we're using AI and we're using certain tools now that I think inspire brand new thinkings, Uhhuh, <affirmative>. I mean, you know, people worry about AI producing product that's not theirs. You know, how we're using it is to develop and ideate, uh, ideas, um, that will, you know, create better services and, and points of entry for, for our mission. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. And, and so, uh, and it's really neat 'cause I've seen folks get really get inspired in ways that every around then, you know, a good technology can come around and kick you in the pants <laugh>, like you said, it'd being surprise you. Right? Jessica Denson (31:37):

Yeah. Tom Ferree (31:37):

And so, uh, I think it's awakened a a, a great innovative period within Connected Nation too. Um, 'cause you know, when you're in the doldrums of planning sometimes Yeah. Sometimes like it gets a little Yeah. And now we're like at this stage gate and that invites new thinking too. Jessica Denson (31:51):

Uhhuh, Tom Ferree (31:51):

Uh, and so yeah, we're thinking about, okay, how do we now support folks that are moving from planning into deployment? And, uh, Jessica Denson (31:57):

I would invite anyone working in the broadband space to come see what Connected Nation's doing. Yeah. Contact us. Let's have a cool conversation. Tom is easy to talk to, as you can tell. <laugh>. Tom Ferree (32:06):

Wow. And you've got a microphone, so you'll talk to anybody. Yeah. Jessica Denson (32:08):

I love to share everybody's stories too, about what you guys are Tom Ferree (32:10):

Doing. Jessica Denson (32:11):

Yeah. Podcast series. Yeah. Tom Ferree (32:12):

Check that out. Jessica Denson (32:13):

Yeah, <laugh>, Tom Ferree (32:13):

I listen to that when I get on the treadmill in the morning most time, Jessica Denson (32:15):

So that's good. I love it. Um, okay, so talk are, what are you hoping to get out of the breakout session today? What do you hope to walk away with? Tom Ferree (32:23):

Well, you know, I think the stated objectives here are to, to help, um, some of these students that are in entrepreneur studies, but also just the general business network here in, in Louisville to begin to understand the critical role that, uh, technology can play to help, um, infuse joy, positivity, creativity, not only in their workforce, but in the delivery of their product and service. Um, again, I think if, if you focus just on, you know, the, the, the um, myopic view of the bottom line, sometimes you're gonna miss so much of what I talked about, these people, your customers. Um, that's one thing. But your employees, yeah. They're spending the majority of their fruitful years with you. You have an obligation as a, as an employer Yeah. To ensure that you're also giving them a quality of life, not just driving to some, you know, bottom line on a sheet of paper. Jessica Denson (33:10):

Yeah. I love that. So you guys might hear some music behind us 'cause we are in the middle of the exhibit hall and we're gonna use that music to play us off now. <laugh>. Alright. So Tom Fer, so good to be with Jessica Chairman and CEO of Connected Nation. Thank you so much for your time. And I'll see you at our weekly meeting next tomorrow. Yes. Tom Ferree (33:24):

We'll, <laugh>, take care, Jessica. Jessica Denson (33:25):

Thank you. Bye-bye. Bye. On the next episode of Connected Nation, I'll continue my coverage from the fifth Annual Canopy Good Business Summit. Until then, I'm Jessica Denson and this is Connected Nation.