Adam Higbee – Comcast

Adam Higbee’s career in the telecommunications industry is a story of evolution, resilience, and family tradition. Today, as Comcast’s senior director of construction for the Florida region, Higbee stands at the forefront of a rapidly changing industry.

With over two decades of experience, primarily at Cox Communications, before joining Comcast in June 2023, Higbee has witnessed firsthand the remarkable transformation of telecommunications—from landlines to fiber networks and mobile services. Through it all, he has remained committed to building reliable infrastructure that keeps communities connected.

“I’ve always lived by the mantra that things may not get better when they change but must change to get better,” Higbee says.

Comcast, one of the nation’s leading telecommunications and media companies, provides millions of customers with broadband, wireless and video services. Known for its commitment to innovation and customer service, Comcast is constantly evolving its offerings to meet the needs of consumers and businesses in a digital-first world. For Higbee, leading construction efforts for the Florida region is both a challenge and an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the network infrastructure that powers everyday life.

The journey

Higbee’s journey began with a foundation built on family and tradition. His grandfather worked at a regional phone company, and his father transitioned from construction to fiber splicing and project management.

“It’s a family tradition,” Higbee says with pride. “I was lucky enough to work alongside my father and uncles early on, gaining invaluable experiences that have shaped my career.”

After spending over 20 years with Cox Communications in various construction and planning roles, Higbee took on a new challenge with Comcast. His extensive background gave him a unique perspective on how the industry has evolved. It’s ironic that just a few decades ago, Cox was celebrating its dominance in traditional phone services, while today, Comcast is at the forefront of the mobile revolution.

“The increasing reliance on technology has been a major catalyst for industry transformation. The advent of broadband internet and streaming services has fundamentally altered how people consume content,” Higbee reflects.

The most significant shift in Higbee’s career has been the rise of data and analytics. Traditionally viewed as a hands-on, physical industry, technology has revolutionized construction. Comcast is leveraging data to make smarter decisions, improve efficiency, and better serve customers.

“We’re collaborating more closely with sales teams to ensure our builds are strategically aligned with market demand,” Higbee explains. “By analyzing historical project data, we’re identifying trends, pinpointing areas for improvement, and avoiding past mistakes.”

Evolving operations

Technological advancements and data-driven insights have made Comcast’s construction operations more streamlined. The company has also restructured its management approach by assigning specific managers to business lines such as residential, commercial, and betterments. This focus has allowed Higbee’s team to maximize their capabilities and ensure that every project delivers exceptional results.

Higbee is excited about the growth and reliability improvements planned for Comcast’s Florida network. The team will activate tens of thousands of new customer connections across various business segments and prioritize fiber network builds to enhance system resilience.

“By increasing fiber counts and diversifying network connections between hubs, we’re significantly enhancing system reliability and minimizing downtime,” he says.

Leading a large team in a highly competitive job market is no easy task. Between Comcast’s internal employees and Construction Business Partners, Higbee’s Florida team comprises hundreds of specialists, permitting team members, and analysts. Recruiting and retaining top talent remains a challenge.

“It’s a competitive job market out there, especially with the evolving technological landscape and changing employee expectations,” Higbee says.

Comcast addresses these challenges through a comprehensive approach that includes employee development programs, competitive compensation and benefits, and a strong company culture. The company also prioritizes flexible work arrangements to improve work-life balance and foster a positive environment that attracts diverse talent. For Higbee, the hiring process is about more than just technical skills.

“We focus on finding the right fit, considering a candidate’s skills and cultural alignment. We’ve prioritized filling knowledge gaps by recruiting experienced individuals from various technical backgrounds, including former headend technicians and tech ops installers.”

The construction landscape

The demanding nature of construction work—especially in Florida, with its unpredictable weather—can be challenging. In 2024 alone, Higbee’s team weathered five significant storms, from tornadoes to hurricanes. Despite these challenges, the team consistently exceeded expectations, achieving monthly forecasts and supporting Comcast’s broader goals.

“Many people underestimate how demanding this work is,” Higbee says. “But our dedicated team steps up every time, and their passion for Comcast’s success is contagious. It makes coming to work truly exciting.”

One of Higbee’s key initiatives has been deploying technology to improve efficiency. He says construction isn’t just about physical infrastructure—it’s also about financial planning and management. His team relies on data and analytics to stay on track during each build, and internal communication tools ensure that all crucial information is centralized. Comcast has also developed innovative apps to streamline equipment activation and capture essential data for future reference.

Higbee credits much of his success to his family. His wife, Rhianna, and their three daughters—Olivia (20), Eden (16), and Adelynn (9)—are his greatest joy. The Higbee family shares a passion for theater, attending live performances and participating in school and community productions. Olivia is pursuing her love for theater at Oklahoma State University, while Eden and Adelynn continue to shine on stage and behind the scenes.

For Higbee, balancing work and family is key to staying grounded in an ever-evolving industry. The biggest challenge of his career has been keeping pace with rapidly changing technology.

“Just as we master a new platform, equipment, or architecture, it’s often replaced by something even newer,” he says.

This constant evolution keeps the telecommunications industry exciting and demands continuous learning and adaptation.

Despite the challenges, Higbee finds fulfillment in the relationships he’s built and the projects he’s led. His team ensures that Florida’s communities remain connected despite storms and other unexpected events. For Higbee, it’s not just about building infrastructure—it’s about building connections that make a lasting impact.

As Higbee looks to the future, he’s optimistic about Comcast’s role in shaping the next chapter of telecommunications. The company’s data, technology, and talent investments ensure it remains a leader in an ever-changing industry, and for Higbee, it’s an exciting journey.

“The telecom industry is constantly evolving, and I love the challenge of staying ahead of the curve and pushing myself to improve,” he says. “It’s a privilege to be part of this transformation and to help build a stronger, more connected future.”