Conversations About Field-Driven Innovation and the People Behind It

Two recent conversations on industry podcasts featured Polywater® people— Let’s Talk Cabling with Ryan Murphy and Power the Network with Jake Jonnes. Both podcasts discussed how Polywater people, culture, and purpose are fueling the future of infrastructure reliability and innovation. These interviews shine a light on something often overlooked: true progress doesn’t just come from labs or boardrooms. It comes from the field — from listening, learning, and solving real problems faced by the professionals who power the world’s communications.

From Field Feedback to Functional Innovation

As Ryan Murphy shares on Let’s Talk Cabling, product innovation at Polywater starts with a simple philosophy: listen first, then formulate. Murphy discusses the development of a cable jacket repair solution from Polywater— a product born directly from installer feedback. Damaged polyethylene jackets were a persistent problem in the field, compromising protection and performance. Engineers didn’t just tweak an existing formula; they rethought the chemistry from the ground up, crafting an epoxy that could bond to notoriously difficult materials, remain flexible in extreme conditions, and stand up to time, UV, and moisture. The result wasn’t merely a chemical breakthrough — it was a confidence breakthrough. Installers could now make reliable, long-lasting repairs without costly rework or delays. It’s innovation not for innovation’s sake, but in service of the people doing the work.

Culture That Powers Progress

In Power the Network, Polywater Vice President Jake Jonnes takes that same idea to a higher level — showing how a company’s internal culture fuels external impact.
He explains that the success of Polywater is anchored in its customers’ success but fueled by Polywater having an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), which gives every employee a stake in the company’s future. That ownership mindset translates directly to accountability, creativity, and pride in craftsmanship. “When you feel like you own the company,” Jonnes notes, “you show up differently — for your teammates, and for your customers.” This sense of ownership also drives agility at Polywater. Teams aren’t waiting for direction from the top — they’re out in the field, learning, iterating, and building relationships. The result is a responsive, people-first organization that solves problems the moment they arise.

Trust as the Core of the Network

Both interviews echo a shared belief: trust is the foundation of every successful network — whether it’s made of cables or people. For Murphy, trust means delivering products that work the first time, every time. In the field, there’s no room for guesswork; performance is the ultimate promise. For Jonnes, trust extends beyond products to partnerships. The relationships Polywater has with its reps, distributors, and end-users are built on transparency and shared goals. Especially in times of supply chain disruption or shifting regulations, that trust keeps projects moving and customers confident.

Preparing for the Next Generation of Connectivity

As global demand for broadband and utility infrastructure accelerates, both Murphy and Jonnes point to the same imperative: stay grounded while scaling globally.
Jonnes discusses how government programs and “Buy American” initiatives are reshaping market dynamics — and how the combination of technical depth, responsive service, and sustainable manufacturing positions Polywater to meet those evolving needs.
The company’s growth mindset is matched by a deep respect for the craft and community of installation professionals. Every innovation, from a better bonding compound to a more efficient cable lubricant, reflects that respect.

Innovation That Sticks

If there’s a common thread between Murphy’s hands-on engineering perspective and Jonnes’s cultural leadership lens, it’s this: Polywater doesn’t chase trends — it builds trust through performance.

The future of network infrastructure depends on more than just cutting-edge materials or smart chemistry. It depends on collaboration, curiosity, and commitment — values that turn challenges into opportunities and connections into progress.
As these conversations remind us, building and maintaining the network isn’t just about cables and compounds. It’s about people — the ones who innovate, install, and inspire every connection we rely on.

Watch the entire interview with Ryan Murphy on Let’s Talk Cabling

Watch the entire interview of Jake Jonnes on Powering the Network

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