53. Storming the Hill

Dave Keefe
Title: CEO, Atlantic Broadband
Age: 57
Years in Industry: “Since Halloween 1972—34 years.”
Years left in the industry: “Retirement is boring. I am just getting started”

Patrick Knorr
Title: GM, Sunflower Broadband; Director, strategic planning, World Company; Manager, Free State Communications
Age: 34

Jim Gleason
Title: Pres/CEO, New Wave Communications
Age: 42
Years in Industry: 25

Tom Gleason
Title: EVP, New Wave Communications

Why them? Not only do these four gentlemen lead their own organizations, but they all find time to champion cable on the Hill. Keefe, vice chairman of the American Cable Association, has doubled the organization’s PAC over the past year. Jim Gleason has probably been called on more than any other ACA member to speak to Congress and the FCC. Tom Gleason shepherded the National Cable Television Cooperative through its first major transition, serving as interim president after Mike Pandzik’s retirement last year and leading the search for his replacement. As chairman of ACA, Knorr is quite possibly the youngest person out there leading this type of organization. One exec told us they have simply “stepped up” where others haven't. - AM

Dave Keefe

I knew the cable industry was for me when: “The FCC issued the 3rd Report and order allowing cable television operations. Channel 100 was the big premium service provider.
We had the newest technology in line gear, 35 channels!!”
Defining career moment: “Partnering with Ed Holleran and Jay Grossman in founding Atlantic Broadband.”
Person I most admire in the cable industry and why: “Matt Polka and the ACA board and team. Their dedication and brilliance is phenomenal.”
Top personal achievement in 2006: “My son Ben married a terrific girl and the mothers planned a fantastic wedding.”
Person (other than my current boss) who I’d most like to work for: “Bob Keller and Bill Pitney, Cox Cable. Steve Dodge and Barry Lemieux, American Cablesystems. All are a class act.”
Favorite city: “Johnstown and Altoona Pennsylvania. (ABB territory)”
Favorite sports team: “The Boston Red Sox, and the Boston Celtics.”
I wish cable would: “I wish Comcast and Time Warner, and therefore the NCTA, would get serious about the present retransmission crisis.”
Favorite piece of tech: “HDTVs and DVRs—way, way cool.”
The world would be a better place if: “U.S. kids spent less time watching television and browsing on line… Congress had more moderate Democrats.”
What is your favorite word? “We are ahead of budget.”
What is your least favorite word? “We are behind budget.”
What turns you on? “Thanksgiving with my family.”
What turns you off? “Disingenuousness. And the Republican FCC.”
What sound do you love? “Any early morning in the summer.”
What sound do you hate? “I don’t hate.”
What profession other than yours would like to attempt? “Writing and storytelling.”
What profession would you not like to participate in? “U.S. Senator or Congressman.”
If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? “Davey me boy, da’re are a few tings’ we needs to go over… but let’s chat dem’ ups at da bar after we plays 18. O, bye da way, the pub just got a new load of Guinmess and Bushmills 50 year, and your families dere’…..so it should be a lovely time for all.”

Patrick Knorr

I knew the cable industry was for me when: “I was doing some industry research in 1997 while working at a dial-up ISP and found out how fast a cable modem could be.”
Favorite restaurant: Pachamama’s, Lawrence, KS
Favorite song: “All Fired Up,” Pat Benatar
Favorite piece of tech: DVRs
In my free time, I like to: “Play ‘World of Warcraft’.”
The world would be a better place if: “People spent more time understanding the perspectives of others.”

Jim Gleason

I knew the cable industry was for me when: “I was doing installs and people were chasing the trucks to buy the service.”
Top personal achievement in 2006: “Closing a significant acquisition for NewWave.”
In my free time, I like to: “Play golf/Sports events.”
My most embarrassing cable moment was: “Showing up for an NCTC board meeting a month early.”
Favorite sports team: St. Louis Cardinals
I wish cable would: “Fix programming cost increases and packaging issues. Both exist regardless of what customers tell us they want.”
Favorite piece of tech: “BlackBerry.”
Least favorite piece of tech: “BlackBerry!”

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