Comcast on Comcast: Q&A with Brian Cusick on Modernizing & Scaling EV Charging

Smart infrastructure isn’t just about adding new technology – it’s about making it work simply, reliably, and at scale. In this second installment of the “Comcast on Comcast” series, we sit down with Brian Cusick, Director of Business Operations for Comcast’s Pacific Northwest region, to discuss how he deployed a modern EV charging network across our Puyallup and Everett offices in Washington. Brian oversees regional facilities and operations and has been deeply involved in rolling out new workplace amenities, including EV charging stations, to support both employee needs and to help promote sustainability goals.

In this conversation, we explore how Comcast deployed a Networked EV Charging solution to deliver a scalable, employee-friendly solution that advances sustainability without sacrificing budget.

Comcast: What were the Everett and Puyallup offices hoping to accomplish by upgrading their parking infrastructure for EV charging, and what ultimately drove the decision to move forward?

Brian: The goal was to bring a modern, easy-to-use EV charging solution to these two locations – something that would be simple for employees and low-effort for us to manage. These are mid-sized sites, with between 50 to 150 employees depending on the day, averaging around 10 EV drivers today, and we wanted an amenity that could scale as adoption grows.

Ease of use was the biggest driver. We were looking for something that felt truly “plug and play” for employees and largely hands-off from an operations standpoint. While I was technically responsible for overseeing the chargers, my plate was already full managing facilities across multiple sites. So, I needed a “set it and forget it” solution that would essentially run itself, alerting me only when something actually needed attention. Sustainability and supporting a growing EV population mattered, but ultimately, the solution had to be simple, reliable, and fair in terms of cost.

Comcast: From the outset, what was the primary challenge you were trying to address in delivering an EV charging solution that would work well for both employees and facilities teams?

Brian: At its core, we wanted to deliver a meaningful employee benefit that was also sustainable for the business and easy to operate. That meant ensuring the charging experience was reliable and intuitive for employees, while remaining simple for facilities and operations teams to manage. From planning and installation to day-to-day operations, the goal was an end-to-end solution that worked smoothly for everyone and could scale over time.

Comcast: The smart technology and EV charging space can feel complex. How much experience did you already have going into this?

Brian: We had completed a previous deployment at another office, so I was familiar with the infrastructure requirements and had firsthand experience using the charging stations. That said, every site has its own nuances. What mattered most was having confidence that the Comcast Smart Solutions team could set clear expectations and support us end-to-end, from planning through execution.

Comcast: How did having a single, coordinated approach to evaluating vendors and solutions help simplify the process in terms of time savings and decision-making?

Brian: Simplification was huge for me. At my previous site, I’d already seen how many moving parts are involved, from hardware selection to coordinating with electricians and managing different software platforms, to troubleshooting issues once the chargers were installed. Having Comcast Smart Solutions manage the process end-to-end across two sites removed the guesswork and provided peace of mind. They handled provider selection using their carefully vetted providers, infrastructure planning, and coordination, which was hands down the top priority for me.

Comcast: Which internal teams and external partners were involved in the project, and how did you keep everyone aligned throughout the deployment?

Brian: Internally, we worked with business operations, facilities, and our capital operations and finance teams. Externally, Comcast Smart Solutions handled partnering with electrical contractors and the charging vendor. Clear communication was critical – the Comcast Smart Solutions team helped us align on timelines, kept stakeholders informed, and handled the logistics for the rollout.

To support adoption and build excitement with employees, we sent welcome emails with step-by-step instructions, so everyone in the office understood how to start using the chargers immediately and confidently once they went live. This coordination minimized disruption and helped the rollout run smoothly.

Comcast: What did the full deployment entail from start to finish?

Brian: The full deployment was very smooth and intentionally phased, from initial planning to employees charging their vehicles.

We began with planning and design that lasted a few weeks. This included site assessments at both the Everett and Puyallup locations, where we worked with the installation team to evaluate our existing electrical infrastructure and identify optimal charger placement. We had to consider several factors, such as proximity to the electrical panels, ADA compliance, equitable access for employees parking in different areas, and minimizing disruption to existing parking flow. We ultimately decided on installing two Level 2 chargers at each site.

During the infrastructure phase, we then coordinated necessary electrical work, including running conduit and preparing mounting locations, to ensure the sites were fully ready before installation. By completing that groundwork upfront and aligning closely with the electricians, we avoided disruptions and set the project up for a smooth, efficient install.

From there, the actual charger installation and configuration happened relatively quickly. We installed the Level 2 chargers, added custom-labeled hardware, and integrated everything with the new cloud management system. Each charger was configured with employee access protocols, pricing structures, and usage policies we'd established.

Testing and commissioning were straightforward, and the chargers were ready for employee use quickly. We sent an internal communication out to our employees with instructions on how to operate the EV chargers and to provide feedback as needed with the initial rollout. That upfront preparation made the rollout efficient and largely hassle-free from an operations perspective.

Comcast: How did you set up the new charging system for your teams to use effectively?

Brian: The system itself, including the CPMS, already came with driver alerts, 24/7 support, and self-diagnostic uptime tools, so it required very little customization. It’s essentially plug-and-play, which was exactly what we wanted.

Because this deployment supports personal vehicles, simplicity and reliability were the priorities. We also focused on giving our employees fair and transparent pricing. Charging isn’t free, but it’s an employee benefit, so we set the rate to align with our utility costs. The focus was on providing a service and equity rather than profit.

Comcast: What impacts have you seen so far in terms of uptime, budget, employee experience, and program management?

Brian: Reliability was the biggest win. The chargers are consistently up and running, and being able to provide this service to employees matters a lot. Just as important is seeing employees actively use the benefit, which confirms we are providing real value.

Access to clear usage data and transparent pricing has also reinforced trust. Employees understand what they are paying and why, and it demonstrates that Comcast is looking out for their interests while taking tangible steps to support sustainability.

Comcast: Looking back, what’s the biggest lesson you learned from this deployment? What advice would you give other facilities or operations leaders planning an EV charging rollout at scale?

Brian: The biggest takeaway is the value of having a truly end-to-end partner. Even with my prior experience, working with a team that understands the technology, infrastructure, vendors, and the business constraints made a significant difference.

My advice is to define your scope and budget boundaries early, be clear about what you’re trying to achieve, and partner with a team that can help you balance ambition with practicality. Comcast Smart Solutions helped us navigate those trade-offs and execute successfully.