The following summary has been condensed for length and readability. To listen to the full discussion, click here. This episode is sponsored by intelegrate and VETRO FiberMap.
In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, Brad Hine sat down with Tammy Wellbrock, Creative Ad Sales Representative at Nex-Tech. The episode captures the power of returning to your roots, growing through new experiences, and using communication as a tool for real community impact.
Tammy’s story is one of full-circle transformation. She began her telecom career with Nex-Tech in marketing, stepped away to lead local chambers of commerce, launched her own leadership and coaching business, and ultimately returned to Nex-Tech—bringing with her a wealth of insight into community building, storytelling, and people-first leadership.
Leadership with Intention
Tammy moderated two sessions at RTIME 2025, both focused on one thing: relationships. Whether between board members and their executive team, or between telecom companies and their local communities, she emphasized that collaboration and trust are the foundation of sustainable growth.
“Our mission in the rural telco world isn’t just to deliver connectivity—it’s to truly help these communities advance.”
In one session, Tammy guided a conversation between a board chair and a general manager about how leadership decisions ripple outward, influencing local economic development and public trust. She underscored that today’s broadband providers are more than just utilities—they are economic engines and social anchors.
A Speaker, A Connector, A Coach
Tammy’s presence at RTIME wasn’t just as a representative of Nex-Tech—it was as a sought-after speaker on leadership, communication, and community engagement. With years of experience on the speaker circuit—from WSTA and ATA to the Montana Broadband Showcase—she brings a unique energy to the stage, blending strategic insight with humor and humility.
She believes effective communication must walk the line between information and entertainment. Not slapstick, but energy. Not jokes for laughs, but humor that opens hearts and minds.
“If I can help someone be a better version of themselves today than they were yesterday—that’s a good day.”
Her presentations are designed to engage and inspire. She uses storytelling, personal anecdotes, and audience participation to create real connection—something she believes is vital, especially in the broadband industry where people and purpose matter deeply.
Nex-Tech Creative: The Ad Agency Inside a Telco
Perhaps one of the most innovative parts of Tammy’s story is Nex-Tech Creative, an in-house marketing agency born out of Nex-Tech’s internal marketing department. Originally formed to serve the needs of the telecom provider, Nex-Tech Creative now supports broadband companies in 16 states—offering everything from digital ads and web design to social media strategy and branding.
“We were already doing the work well internally—then we realized others needed this, too. And in many rural communities, there was no one else offering it.”
Tammy and her team understand both the technical and emotional sides of broadband. They know how to talk about megabits and middle-mile infrastructure, but they also know how to tell a story that resonates with a rural resident who’s never heard of symmetrical speeds. It’s this dual fluency that sets Nex-Tech Creative apart.
Today, Tammy is one of two people selling those services across the country—and the model is thriving. It proves that broadband providers don’t have to silo their expertise; they can scale it, share it, and even monetize it in meaningful ways.
Returning to Rural Roots
Between her two stints at Nex-Tech, Tammy served in the Chamber of Commerce world—an experience she describes as “thrilling” and “intense.” It’s where she learned to advocate, to lead, and to develop programs that uplift people. That led to her creating Girl Twin Solutions, a professional development brand focused on mentoring and coaching—especially women in leadership.
Then came COVID, and like many small business owners, Tammy had to pivot. She leaned into virtual workshops, coaching, and keynote opportunities. Ultimately, she found her way back to Nex-Tech—but this time, with a deeper well of experience and a broader lens on how community ecosystems work.
“Everything I did in the chamber world—fostering relationships, promoting local growth, mentoring—prepared me to come back to broadband with fresh eyes and a deeper understanding of what communities really need.”
That return was more than just a job change; it was a reunion with purpose. Tammy saw that the work Nex-Tech was doing aligned with her mission to help people grow. Through Nex-Tech Creative, she could now empower broadband providers to better communicate, connect, and thrive—while also supporting the economic development of the rural communities they serve.
Branding Beyond the Logo
Tammy is quick to point out that branding isn’t just about colors, fonts, or logos. It’s about consistency, clarity, and authenticity. Many broadband providers, especially in rural markets, haven’t had the time or resources to fully develop their brand identity—but that’s where Nex-Tech Creative comes in.
