On February 19, 2026, the Daviess County CEO Cohort had the opportunity to visit RTC Communications in Montgomery, Indiana, gaining an inside look at a company that has been serving the community for decades. RTC began in 1949 when 45 local farmers joined together to bring telephone service to rural areas. Since then, the company has grown and adapted as technology and customer needs have continued to change.
The cohort was welcomed by CEO Kirk Lehman, who has led RTC since 2017, along with members of the leadership team including Randy Preston (COO), Pat Todd (HR), and Nate Willis (CFO). The group shared the history of RTC, their own professional journeys, and the values that guide the company today.
During the visit, the leaders discussed how RTC continues to evolve in a rapidly changing technology landscape. The company is now exploring and implementing new tools such as artificial intelligence, while also continually evaluating its operations through SWOT analysis to stay competitive. Interestingly, the team explained that RTC now considers itself as much an entertainment company as a telecommunications provider, reflecting the growing demand for streaming and digital services. They also emphasized the importance of cybersecurity, noting that the company deals with more than 100,000 cyberattack attempts each day.
The team also shared that RTC has recently expanded its presence in the community by opening a new location on Main Street in Washington, Indiana, making their services even more accessible to local residents and businesses.
One message that all of the leaders shared with the students was simple but powerful: try to turn your avocation into your occupation—find something you are passionate about and build your career around it.
Several important themes were highlighted throughout the conversation:
• Constant Evaluation – Businesses must continually review their performance. Are you profitable? Why might customers leave? What improvements can be made?
• Connect the Dots – Small decisions and actions often impact the larger success of an organization.
• Be Impactful – Strive to make a difference in the work you do.
• Little Details Matter – The smallest details can often have the greatest effect on success.
• People Are People Everywhere – No matter the industry or location, relationships and understanding others is essential.
• Competition Is Healthy – Competition encourages improvement, innovation, and growth.
The RTC team also spoke about their company mission: Seek. Serve. Smile. These three words guide how employees interact with customers and with each other. Their philosophy is centered on strong service, meaningful relationships, and doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.
They also shared several pieces of practical advice with the cohort:
• Use common sense and trust your instincts.
• Surround yourself with people who share your values.
• Use scorecards and data—without numbers, decisions become opinions.
• Make sure every voice at the table is heard.
• Work hard and keep a positive attitude.
These ideas reflect the leadership approach that has helped RTC grow and remain successful through decades of change in the telecommunications industry.
As the visit concluded, the CEO students left with a deeper understanding of the telecommunications field and the leadership mindset required to run a successful organization. A sincere thank you goes to Kirk, Randy, Pat, and Nate for taking the time to share their knowledge and experiences. Their hospitality and insights made the visit both educational and inspiring for the entire cohort.
