Daviess County CEO Cohort Visits RTC Communications: A Lesson in Leadership, Legacy, and Lifelong Learning
On Wednesday, March 20, 2025, the Daviess County CEO Cohort had the distinct honor of visiting RTC Communications in Montgomery, Indiana. From the moment the students stepped inside, it was clear just how much the telecommunications landscape had evolved since RTC first began serving customers back in 1981.
Warmly welcoming the group was CEO Kirk Lehman, who has led RTC with steady leadership and forward-thinking since 2017. He was joined by a dynamic leadership team: Randy Preston (COO), Pat Todd (HR), and Nate Willis (CFO). Together, they shared not only the history of RTC, but also their personal career journeys, the lessons learned along the way, and the company values that guide their work.
Throughout the visit, key themes emerged that deeply resonated with the CEO students. These included:
*** Constant Evaluation – Always analyze your performance. Are you making a profit? Why are you losing customers? What can be improved?
*** Connect the Dots – Understand how your small actions impact the bigger picture.
*** Be Impactful – Strive to make a meaningful difference in everything you do.
***Little Details Matter – The small things often have the biggest impact.
*** People Are People, No Matter Where You Go – Relationships and empathy matter, no matter the industry or location.
*** Competition Is Not Bad – In fact, it encourages innovation and growth.
The RTC team also spoke candidly about their company's mission: Seek. Serve. Smile. These three words form the foundation of RTC’s approach to both customer care and internal culture. Their message was clear—success is built on service, strong relationships, and a commitment to doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.
Among the most impactful pieces of advice shared were:
“Use common sense. Trust your gut.”
“Build a team of like-minded individuals who share your values.”
“Use scorecards. Without data, your decisions are just opinions.”
“Everyone at the table deserves to be heard.”
“Work hard and smile.”
These principles weren't just words—they reflected the everyday culture and leadership style that has propelled RTC through decades of growth, change, and innovation.
As the CEO students wrapped up their visit, they left not only more knowledgeable, but also more inspired. A heartfelt thank you goes out to Kirk, Randy, Pat, and Nate for their time, hospitality, and invaluable insights. The visit served as a powerful reminder that behind every successful business is a group of dedicated people committed to growth, integrity, and connection.
