Powering Forward

Name: Pat Esser
Title: President, Cox Communications
Age: 50
Years in Industry: 28

Name: Neil Smit
Title: CEO, Charter Comm

Name: Mike Lovett
Title: COO, Charter Comm
Age: 46
Years in Industry: 27

Why Them? While similar in size, Cox and Charter operate under vastly different circumstances. Esser’s well-run Cox is now a private company unhindered by the fickle whims of Wall Street and under no obligation to tell us anything anymore (although Cox is amazingly open about its operations nonetheless). Charter, meanwhile, has valiantly worked to improve its numbers despite a financial morass that developed well before Smit’s arrival as CEO in Aug ’05. Let’s face it: The 3rd quarter was rough on everybody, but Charter took its licks especially hard. Smit is lucky to have a good team in place, including old-school “cable guy” Lovett, who has been an invaluable asset in good times and bad.  MG

Pat Esser
What sound do you love? “My kids laughing.”

What sound do you hate? “My wife telling me to quit teasing the kids.”
If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? “There’s a card game down the hall, and your dad’s dealing.”

Neil Smit

What is your favorite word? “Synchronization”
What is your least favorite word? “Insurmountable”
What turns you on? “Learning and applying new concepts.”
What turns you off? “Victimization”
What sound do you love? “Childrens’ laughter”
What sound do you hate? “Screeching chalk on a blackboard.”
What profession other than yours would like to attempt? “Astronaut”
What profession would you not like to participate in? “Politics”
If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? “What would you like to do next?”

Mike Lovett
I knew the cable industry was for me when: “I was doing plant construction and installs during the day and attending franchise hearings at night.”
Person I most admire in the cable industry and why: “Glenn Jones; a man who, even with his passion for education, gave a public school guy a chance to be part of his team.”
In my free time, I like to: “Spend it with my family and dream about having some more free time.”
Favorite city: Chicago. “Although I probably won’t live there again, it will always be home.”
Favorite line from a movie or TV show: “There’s no crying in Baseball” – A League of Their Own
Favorite song: “What Light” – Wilco
Favorite movie: “Nobody’s Fool with Paul Newman, Jessica Tandy and Bruce Willis.”  “(My youngest daughter Emma, 3, would assume that all the Disney Classics are my favorites since that’s what we watch).”
Favorite sports team: “Douglas County Cougars (My son Jack’s Lacrosse team)”
My perfect vacation goes like this: “My wife Lauren and I getting back to Maui.”
The world would be a better place if: “Everyone who has the privilege to vote… did.”

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