The above video pays tribute to the vision and persistence of Max Huffman, retiring CEO of INDATEL Services, LLC, and his ability to work with other industry leaders to form a nationwide Ethernet network, built and staffed at the local and regional level. Although INDATEL’s network is the tangible result of his efforts, the comments from his peers and colleagues point to the importance of relationships in any business endeavor.

It was an honor to be able to capture some remembrances of Max’s impact from attendees of INDATEL’s 10th Annual Symposium. Having known Max from trade shows and interviews, these comments reinforced my impressions of his character, intelligence and business acumen.

This video was fun as it was impromptu and filmed unbeknownst to Max. That it wasn’t difficult to get people to provide a few words, speaks volumes to the people he has touched in the industry. This is his second retirement, but this “Yogi Berra of telecom” will most likely continue to make contributions to the industry from his Arkansas fishing hole.

He is passing the fiber network baton to Mel Wagner, Jr., who has a keen understanding of INDATEL’s mission and path forward, having served as INDATEL’s Vice President of Business Development and Sales since 2014.  It’s clear from the comments from Wagner and others that Max’s day-to-day contributions will be missed, but the 90,000+ miles of fiber that connect rural and urban America will be a reminder of his good work.