From Accounting to CEO: Mitch Bailey

From Accounting to CEO: Mitch Bailey

From Power the Network by CLEAVES-BESSMER-MARIETTI, INC.

March 19, 2026 · 50 min · Episode 60

About this episode

Mitch Bailey, CEO of GRM Networks, discusses the success of a 75-year-old rural broadband cooperative and his journey from accounting to CEO.

For more information, connect with us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cbmrep.com/contact⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Discover how a 75-year-old rural broadband cooperative not only survives but thrives against modern competition. Learn the secrets to community-focused success that investor-owned companies miss. In this episode of Power of the Network, host Tim Locker sits down with Mitch Bailey, CEO of GRM Networks, to explore the incredible story of a 75-year-old rural telco. They dive deep into the cooperative business model, discussing how putting member-owners first creates a powerful competitive advantage. Viewers will learn how GRM Networks proactively built out a 100% fiber network, navigated broadband competition from satellite and wireless providers, and strategically expanded into urban markets. This interview is a must-watch for anyone in the telecommunications industry, community leaders interested in rural development, and business professionals looking for insights into sustainable, community-focused growth and leadership. Mitch also shares his personal journey from an accounting background to the CEO's chair, offering valuable lessons on leadership, empowerment, and…

People in this episode

Host: Tim Locker

Guest: Mitch Bailey

Topics covered

  • rural broadband
  • cooperative business model
  • telecommunications
  • leadership
  • community development
  • fiber network

Keywords

  • broadband
  • cooperative
  • telecom
  • leadership
  • community-focused
  • fiber network
  • urban expansion

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: GRM Networks, CBM, CLEAVES-BESSMER-MARIETTI, INC.

Places: rural, urban, United States

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