As the broadband industry continues to evolve rapidly, staying ahead requires innovation, collaboration, and a deep understanding of customer needs, according to Mike Vermeer, manager of broadband solutions at Panduit. With two decades of experience in new product and business development, Vermeer knows a thing or two about what it takes to move the industry forward. He's helped shape the space with multiple patents and a strong technical foundation from Purdue and DePaul. Here, he shares his insights on the biggest trends shaping the industry, the challenges customers face, and how Panduit, a long-time trusted partner in broadband infrastructure, is streamlining deployments with scalable, labor-saving solutions.
Q: Can you share a bit about your background and what led you to your current role at Panduit Broadband?
Mike: I’ve been at Panduit for about 20 years, and I’ve stayed because of the constant opportunities for growth. I started in engineering, focusing on cable management and molded products. Early on, I visited a data center under construction where I saw how meticulous contractors were in their installations. When we asked if this level of effort was just for a particularly picky customer, the contractors told us, "No, we do everything this way." That was a lightbulb moment for me. Panduit saw an opportunity to make contractors’ work easier by developing a new tool that dramatically improved deployment time. That hands-on, problem-solving approach – which has stuck with me – has been a defining trait of Panduit’s commitment to innovation, from concept to deployment.
Q: What excites you most about working in the broadband industry?
Mike: It’s the sheer amount of opportunity. Even in a mature market, there's so much room for improvement. ISPs and contractors often rely on traditional methods, even though there are many ways to make processes more scalable, efficient, and cost-effective. Helping improve network deployments keeps me motivated.
Q: How does Panduit differentiate itself in the marketplace?
Mike: We don’t just sell products, we solve problems. Instead of forcing existing products into customer workflows, we design solutions around their needs. Our focus has always been on labor-saving innovations that simplify deployments and drive efficiency at scale. We invest heavily in engineering and organic growth, focusing on innovation that makes a real impact.
Q: What are the biggest trends you’re seeing in broadband today?
Mike: The democratization of broadband. In the past, Tier 1 ISPs dominated, owning every part of the network. Now, we're seeing municipalities, utilities, and private equity-backed groups entering the space. Open-access models allow multiple providers to use the same fiber infrastructure, which is driving innovation and competition.
Q: How are supply chain issues and labor shortages affecting broadband deployments, and how is Panduit addressing these challenges?
Mike: The supply chain has been unpredictable. Smaller ISPs often struggle to get the attention of major suppliers during high demand periods. That’s why, to remain resilient, we continue to focus on strong, relationship-driven partnerships with Tier 3 ISPs, cooperatives, and municipalities, ensuring they have reliable supply chain options. We’re investing in supply chain resilience, ensuring that these smaller players have reliable options when they need them most.
Q: What advice do you have for customers navigating today’s broadband landscape, especially with uncertainty around BEAD funding?
Mike: Broadband is no longer a luxury; like electricity, it is a critical utility, which helps explain why demand is growing and private investment is pouring in. While government funding helps, it’s not the only path forward. ISPs need to focus on long-term sustainability and invest in infrastructure that will serve their communities for decades.
Q: What’s a major mistake you see ISPs or contractors making when planning infrastructure?
Mike: Being too passive. Some smaller ISPs let outside firms dictate their deployment strategy instead of taking a proactive, long-term approach to building resilient networks. Fiber networks are strategic assets, not just revenue generators. Owning and controlling the network provides long-term value, from commercial services to data center colocation.
Q: Are there any upcoming technologies or innovations that will have a big impact on broadband?
Mike: The biggest innovations will come from simplifying broadband deployment rather than creating entirely new technology. AI and quantum computing are on the horizon, but for now, the focus is on building fiber installations faster and more cost-effectively.
Q: What keeps you up at night?
Mike: Making sure we’re truly solving customer problems. That’s what drives me— knowing that what we’re developing has a meaningful impact on ISPs, contractors, and end users. It’s why I spend so much time in the field, talking directly to customers and hearing about their challenges firsthand.
Q: What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve received, and how has it influenced your leadership?
Mike: Take risks. Too many people hesitate taking action because they fear making mistakes. When you focus on addressing real challenges and you stay flexible, you can pivot when needed and still make a meaningful impact.
Q: How do you inspire your team to stay ahead of industry changes?
Mike: I keep them focused on the customer. Constantly validating real problems fuels innovation. We’re not just developing technology for the sake of it; we’re creating solutions that help customers deploy networks faster, more efficiently, and with better quality.
Q: What’s the one question you wish more people in the industry would ask, but they don’t?
Mike: "What could we do differently together to make deployments more efficient and higher quality?" The broadband industry tends to be segmented; we need more collaboration between vendors, engineers, contractors, and ISPs to drive meaningful improvements.
Q: Final thoughts?
Mike: This is an exciting time in broadband. The industry is shifting, and Panduit is committed to driving that transformation. I can’t wait to see what our company does next.
Learn more about the Panduit Fiber to the Home solution.
