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This November, Emerald Broadband is taking time to celebrate the people who make fast, reliable fiber internet possible for our communities.
Founded in Eugene, Oregon, Emerald Broadband has always believed that being a local company means more than providing great service- it means investing in the people who bring that service to life.
Throughout the month, we’re giving thanks to some of our long-standing team members, sharing their stories, and shining a light on the dedication, creativity, and care they bring to our mission every day. From technicians who brave all weather to keep connections strong, to the customer support staff who know your name, these are the real people behind your local internet.
Join us as we highlight their contributions and celebrate the spirit of community that drives Emerald Broadband forward.
Brandon Wilson – Systems & Network Engineer
What do you do at Emerald Broadband?
Conductor of the symphony of blinky lights that keep the cat memes flowing.
How did you get into this line of work?
I would love to say it was something I fell into. In part, that wouldn’t be completely untrue. Realistically, it was the result of a decision to put a whole, whole lot of work into getting myself into a position where I can incorporate things I have always loved into the way I support myself.
Why do you like working at Emerald Broadband?
In simplified terms, Emerald Broadband is a company that provides internet access. That is the ‘what’ of it. The ‘how’ is pretty interesting, but the ‘why’ is what I love about working with my team.
What’s your best internet/tech tip?
The answers to security questions about your mothers maiden name and the first school you went to do not need to be factual. Treat them like you would another password. Do not reuse passwords, and keep track of all of that in a password manager.
What are some of your hobbies?
Zymology, hobby electronics, general mischief.
Top 3 favorite restaurants?
Akira, Korea House, Tradewinds Cafe.
Top 3 favorite movies?
Interstellar, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, Under The Skin.
Top 3 favorite shows?
The Expanse, Cowboy Bebop, Hannibal.
Top 3 musicians/bands?
I cannot even engage with this question.
Top 3 favorite books/graphic novels?
House of Leaves (Mark Z. Danielewski), The Myth of Sisyphus (Albert Camus), Meditations (Marcus Aurelius).
What’s a random fun fact about yourself?
My interest in fermentation spun out into starting a kimchi company at one point in time.
Chris Johnson – Business Development Manager
What do you do at Emerald Broadband?
I am responsible for driving growth for Emerald Broadband by identifying new business opportunities, building strategic partnerships, and expanding the customer base.
How did you get into this line of work?
I have built my career on a passion for cultivating long-term, mutually beneficial relationships that drive growth and deliver real value. For me, sales is more than just closing deals; it’s about connecting with people and delivering solutions that truly make a difference.
Why do you like working at Emerald Broadband?
I enjoy being part of a mission that brings reliable, high-speed internet to under-served communities. I love helping people stay connected while building strong, lasting relationships that support real community growth.
What’s your best internet/tech tip?
Your internet is only as good as your Wi-Fi. Put your router in a central, open spot, not behind your TV or in a closet. Strong signal, happy streaming.
What are some of your hobbies?
Traveling and exploring new areas along the Oregon coast with friends, involving myself in volunteer work with local civic organizations, and reading.
Top 3 favorite restaurants?
Osteria DOP, Dueling Spoons, Lion & Owl.
Top 3 favorite movies?
Jerry McGuire, Gladiator, Fast and Furious.
Top 3 favorite shows?
Yellowstone, House, Landman.
Top 3 musicians/bands?
Eminem, Taylor Swift, Metallica.
Top 3 favorite books/graphic novels?
The Art of War, Tough by Terry Crews, Sensory Marketing.
What’s a random fun fact about yourself?
I once tried to learn to juggle… let’s just say the balls spent more time on the floor than in the air, but it was a great workout for patience and persistence!
Collin O’Coyne – Surveyor
What do you do at Emerald Broadband?
My time at Emerald Broadband is split between out of office tasks (surveying and as-built inspections) and performing in-office work, such as Make Ready engineering, assistance with infrastructure design, project management, and various mapping tasks.
How did you get into this line of work?
I recently went back to school, graduating from UO with a BS in Geography/GIS. I found an opportunity for growth with Emerald Broadband and have immersed myself in the industry by gaining knowledge in how fiber optic infrastructure is engineered, deployed, and managed.
Why do you like working at Emerald Broadband?
I love meeting our happy customers in their neighborhoods… makes you feel like a hero! This is second only to the opportunity to work with the quality individuals that make the Emerald Broadband team what it is.
What’s your best internet/tech tip?
If you want consistently reliable broad bandwidth internet with synchronous up and downloads while avoiding packet loss, latency, and jitter; hold out for Emerald Broadband.
What are some of your hobbies?
Anything outside: Hiking, biking, snowboarding, soccer, sailing, lots of live music, and the coast.
Top 3 favorite restaurants?
You will likely find me at Le Bar, Yardy Rum Bar, Ta Ra Rin, and Cornucopia.
Top 3 favorite movies?
The Goonies, Kindergarten Cop, and Short Circuit… guess where I’m from?
Top 3 favorite shows?
The Simpsons, The Last of Us, and The White Lotus.
Top 3 musicians/bands?
Only three…Please! I would love to listen to any Bluegrass or Grateful Dead adjacent jam bands, Rush or (the good) 90’s rock, in Portugal. The Man.
Top 3 favorite books/graphic novels?
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, anything from (actual) Tom Clancy, and non-fiction involving Geopolitics.
What’s a random fun fact about yourself?
I like knots, woodworking, and fixing things.
Dan Koss – Creative Director
What do you do at Emerald Broadband?
I create everything visual for Emerald Broadband, except for the logo.
How did you get into this line of work?
My career has spanned video games, animated shows, and commercial advertising. Naturally, this culminated in making animated ads for a tech company!
Why do you like working at Emerald Broadband?
Emerald Broadband has given me free rein to make our ads whatever we want them to be, so long as they’re fun and engaging. I believe this allows us to stand out in a positive way.
What’s your best internet/tech tip?
Stop recording everything vertically. Vertical video is for fireworks videos you’ll never watch later. If you’re not recording with a purpose, then put the phone down and enjoy the moment.
What are some of your hobbies?
Hiking Spencer Butte and the Ridgeline Trails, board games (King of Tokyo, Catan, Werewolf), and personal art projects.
Top 3 favorite restaurants?
El Super Burrito (Oregon Burrito w/ added bacon). Barry’s Espresso Bakery & Deli (Toasted Onion Bialy w/Cream Cheese). Za Cart (We go for Jeff).
Top 3 favorite movies?
A Goofy Movie, Men in Black, Joe Versus the Volcano.
Top 3 favorite shows?
The Venture Bros, FLCL, The Mighty Boosh.
Top 3 musicians/bands?
System of a Down (self titled), El-P (I’ll Sleep When You’re Dead), Nujabes (Metaphorical Music).
Top 3 favorite books/graphic novels?
The Time Machine Did It (John Swartzwelder), Uzumaki (Junji Ito), and Tim & Eric’s Zone Theory.
What’s a random fun fact about yourself?
Last week I unlocked the “20,000 Online Battles Fought” achievement on Smash Bros Ultimate, though I’m not sure if that should be considered an “achievement.”
Daniel Clymo – Outside Plant Manager
What do you do at Emerald Broadband?
I oversee all physical field operations and training, from constructing our infrastructure, splicing, drop runs, and installations. I also coordinate with other utility companies and gather permits.
How did you get into this line of work?
I got into this line of work by chance. I was a lighting guy for local venues (Shout-out Sessions Music Hall!), but when COVID hit, I searched for a new career path. That’s when I found Emerald Broadband.
Why do you like working at Emerald Broadband?
We’re always pushed to find the best creative solution to any challenges in the world of fiber optics. We don’t follow the normal “cookie-cutter” approach to tech solutions like our competitors; we’re building a new playbook as we go. When you’re a part of our crew, you’re encouraged to speak up and voice your opinions. It’s refreshing to work for a company where seniority doesn’t matter, and everyone brings their A-game.
What’s your best internet/tech tip?
Don’t set your WIFI password as your street address or password1234!
What are some of your hobbies?
Traveling is my biggest hobby, whether it be a weekend trip to the coast or catching a flight overseas (I just got back from Iceland and Ireland).
Top 3 favorite restaurants?
Scribles Bistro & Deli (gotta go with the Jeter). Sam’s Place Tavern (order the chef’s special and a cold beer). Chao Pra Ya Thai Cuisine (I’m a big fan of Dragon Tears).
Top 3 favorite movies?
The Departed, The Perfect Storm, and Green Book.
Top 3 favorite shows?
The Wire, Supernatural, and Dexter.
Top 3 musicians/bands?
The Black Keys, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and The Offspring.
Top 3 favorite books/graphic novels?
The Old Man and the Sea. From Silk to Silicon: The Story of Globalization Through Ten Extraordinary Lives (Jeffrey Garten). What’s a random fun fact about yourself?
I’ve been to every state in the US that touches the ocean, coast to coast.
Danielle Cardin – Office Manager
What do you do at Emerald Broadband?
I am one of the main people that answers the phone. I handle making sure the regular day to day goes smoothly in the office.
How did you get into this line of work?
Looking for a big girl job. I was ready for change in my line of work and was ready for something more stable. I sent in my resume right as Emerald Broadband was growing into something bigger in search of admin work.
Why do you like working at Emerald Broadband?
Why?! Have you seen my coworkers? We all work hard as a team, all focused on the goal of making sure we are providing the best internet service in the area.
What’s your best internet/tech tip?
If it isn’t working, call the power company. Clearly there is something wrong with the power if your device can’t connect to the internet. Just kidding! Power cycle the router and device for at least 60 seconds; that usually works.
What are some of your hobbies?
I like to go hiking with friends, we go chasing waterfalls. Long walks off of short bridges. Naps.
Top 3 favorite restaurants?
Mezza Luna for pizza. All Thai’d up is delish. Taco Mogo’s double fried chicken is the best.
Top 3 favorite movies?
Beauty & the Beast. The Sandlot. American Beauty.
Top 3 favorite shows?
The Mandalorian. Outlander. Demon slayer.
Top 3 musicians/bands?
The Dip (the complete discography). Sleep token (again, all of the albums). Alabama Shakes.
Top 3 favorite books/graphic novels?
The Fourth Wing series (Rebecca Yarros). From Blood and Ash series (Jennifer L Armentrout). The Night Circus (Erin Moregenstern).
What’s a random fun fact about yourself?
I don’t know. I’m just a fun person to be around? Ask someone else!
Evan Brander-McCaffrey – GIS Manager
What do you do at Emerald Broadband?
I run our Survey and Mapping Department. In addition, I design our physical plant and OSP cabinets.
How did you get into this line of work?
I was in music production and engineering prior to 2020. It was an epidemic-based career change.
Why do you like working at Emerald Broadband?
The people and culture of our company are fantastic. There is immense challenge and reward here at Emerald Broadband.
What’s your best internet/tech tip?
Always start with a clean workspace.
What are some of your hobbies?
Formula 1, Cultivation, Building PC’s.
Top 3 favorite restaurants?
Albee’s NY Gyros, Ume Grill, Fisherman’s Market.
Top 3 favorite movies?
Die Hard, Dune, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.
Top 3 favorite shows?
The Expanse, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Top Gear.
Top 3 musicians/bands?
Tool, Gorillaz, Clutch.
Top 3 favorite books/graphic novels?
I read boring non-fiction about economics, science/technology, and history.
What’s a random fun fact about yourself?
I listen to 10+ hours of podcasts a week.
Holli Eckstine – Chief Operating Officer (COO)
What do you do at Emerald Broadband?
I am in Operations. I make sure everything gets done.
How did you get into this line of work?
I was present when Emerald Broadband was born and I joined the crew a couple of years later after I was asked to help manage the office. I started with tech support and bossed my way up to Chief Operating Officer.
Why do you like working at Emerald Broadband?
I absolutely love the difference we are trying to make. This company is not about profiting as a business but profiting as part of the community. We take a different approach to what we are doing, how and why we do it, where, and for whom. We are a company of real people doing real things for real reasons.
What’s your best internet/tech tip?
Reboot it. Log out and log back in.
What are some of your hobbies?
Crocheting and word puzzles.
Top 3 favorite restaurants?
Tio Pepe (green tamales), Chao Pra Ya (pineapple curry), Five Guys (fries).
Top 3 favorite movies?
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, The Princess Bride, Ladyhawke.
Top 3 favorite shows?
One Piece, Naruto, and Black Clover.
Top 3 musicians/bands?
The Beatles, Sturgill Simpson, and Elton John.
Top 3 favorite books/graphic novels?
The Count of Monte Cristo, Solo Leveling, and Aragon.
What’s a random fun fact about yourself?
I was born in Cottage Grove, grew up in Creswell, and am currently residing in Eugene.
Levi – Infrastructure Lead
What do you do at Emerald Broadband?
As Infrastructure Lead, I build and maintain our infrastructure, install customer drops, and train new field crew members.
How did you get into this line of work?
I became an Emerald Broadband customer, heard they were looking for someone to start their new fiber build, and I decided to broaden my work experience by trying something new.
Why do you like working at Emerald Broadband?
Everyday I get to work outdoors.
What’s your best internet/tech tip?
Keep your trees trimmed from overhead lines. Don’t try to fix an issue yourself, call us first.
What are some of your hobbies?
Hiking aimlessly in the mountains through three woods. Hunting, fishing, outdoor things. Building things out of wood and metal, or concrete.
Top 3 favorite restaurants?
O’My Mini Donuts. Fuji Japanese Stakehouse. Bag O’ Crab.
Top 3 favorite movies?
The Nightmare Before Christmas. Hot Shots (the trilogy). Grandma’s Boy.
Top 3 favorite shows?
The Simpsons, Family Guy, and Home Improvement.
What’s a random fun fact about yourself?
I got certified scuba diving at the age of 12. And I have a few good stories.
Mandy Hardman – Warehouse Manager
What do you do at Emerald Broadband?
I am the Warehouse Manager. I also take care of inventory and purchasing for the company.
How did you get into this line of work?
I was given the opportunity when Raymond started the company back in 2016. I started with Emerald Broadband as the sole person in the Scheduling and Billing department.
Why do you like working at Emerald Broadband?
They care about their employees. There is potential for growth within the company, not based on experience, but based on potential and drive for personal growth. I love that this company focuses not only on the quality of the service we provide, but also the impact on the communities around us.
What’s your best internet/tech tip?
Try not to let your pets chew on your fiber patch cables.
What are some of your hobbies?
Quilting and hiking.
Top 3 favorite restaurants?
Mandy’s Diner, Cornucopia, and Tio Pepe.
Top 3 favorite movies?
Jane Eyre (1943), Gone with the Wind (1939), Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992).
Top 3 favorite shows?
True Blood, Lucifer, and The Originals.
Top 3 musicians/bands?
Jim Croce, Paul Simon, and Garth Brooks.
Top 3 favorite books/graphic novels?
The Vampire Chronicles (Anne Rice), Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter (Laurel K. Hamilton), and The Southern Vampire Mysteries (Charlaine Harris).
What’s a random fun fact about yourself?
I am a twin.
Oscar Hernandez – Lead Installer
What do you do at Emerald Broadband?
I take care of the majority of installs for homes and businesses. I bring fiber to people’s homes from the poles, and I assist with any needs or issues.
How did you get into this line of work?
Prior to Emerald Broadband, I worked in customer service. I wanted something with more hands-on experience, and working here has been a perfect fit.
Why do you like working at Emerald Broadband?
I love being able to provide fast, affordable internet for people previously stuck with other, unreliable, expensive ISPs. I have a lot of pride working with the team here.
What’s your best internet/tech tip?
If you want to extend WiFi range, use a mesh system of extenders or repeaters. In my experience, they get the best range and speed.
What are some of your hobbies?
Playing video games, playing soccer, and trying new places to eat.
Top 3 favorite restaurants?
Chao Pra Ya (beef noodle soup),Sam’s Place (clam chowder), and Kai Asian Steet Food.
Top 3 favorite movies?
Interstellar, Ready Player One, and Sinners.
Top 3 favorite shows?
Dragonball Z, Interview with a Vampire, and Demon Slayer.
Top 3 musicians/bands?
Kendrick Lamar, New Jeans, and Daft Punk.
What’s a random fun fact about yourself?
I love Milwaukee tools!
Raymond Hardman – CEO & CTO
What do you do at Emerald Broadband?
I bring 30 years of hands-on experience building internet infrastructure,from installing fiber to architecting data centers, which means I understand both the technical realities and business implications of every decision we make. This combined role eliminates the typical disconnect between technical excellence and business strategy, ensuring our network is built on engineering best practices rather than just financial metrics.
How did you get into this line of work?
I started building internet infrastructure over decades ago when the internet was still emerging, working my way up from installing cables and designing data centers to architecting the scalable systems that became the backbone of regional networks. After decades of building infrastructure for others and helping establish the Willamette Internet Exchange, I founded Emerald Broadband to bring resilient, decentralized, and accessible fiber-optic internet to our communities in Lane County.
Why do you like running Emerald Broadband?
I love having the freedom to build internet infrastructure the way it was meant to be- using our own capital means we can prioritize technical excellence and long-term community benefit over quarterly profit targets. Every day, I get to solve real connectivity problems for Lane County residents who’ve been ignored by big telecoms, bringing them the same fiber-optic capabilities that power major cities, and there’s nothing more satisfying than seeing a family or business finally get the reliable, fast internet they deserve.
What’s your best internet/tech tip?
Did you read the manual?
What are some of your hobbies?
Internet Technologies, Hiking, and Sciences.
Top 3 favorite restaurants?
Tio Pepe, Cornucopia, and Ambrosia.
Top 3 favorite movies?
Good Morning Vietnam, Thomas Crown Affair, Citizen Kane.
Top 3 favorite shows?
MASH, House, Fraiser.
Top 3 musicians/bands?
Milky Chance, Glass Animals, Vincent Lima.
Top 3 favorite books/graphic novels?
Neuromancer (William Gibson), Snow Crash (Neal Stephenson), Dragonlance Chronicles (Margaret Weiss & Tracy Hickman).
What’s a random fun fact about yourself?
I ran BBSs (Bulletin Board Systems) when I was in middle school.
Terry Pleger – Customer Support
What do you do at Emerald Broadband?
I do my best to assist our customers with whatever issue they may be having with their service. I also port over phone numbers for customers who want our VoIP service and provision routers, ATAs for our crews to use.
How did you get into this line of work?
I did CNC work for 7 years, and then an opportunity working at Emerald Broadband opened. I have known our CEO, Raymond, since we were in the PC User Group at Harris Hall during high school. He heard I was looking for work, and the rest is history.
Why do you like working at Emerald Broadband?
It’s an environment that I haven’t experienced, and a welcomed change to the high stress positions I’ve had in the past. We’re a tight knit group that really care about one another. I’m proud to provide top tier fiber service to our customers at a reasonable cost. Even though we are smaller, our service is as good if not better than the big companies.
What’s your best internet/tech tip?
The best tip I can offer is to “Power Cycle your devices”. It may seem cliché, but over 90% of the time, it will fix the issue. The second piece of advice is, “Google it!” You can almost always find the answer to your problem on Google.
What are some of your hobbies?
I enjoy collecting Hardback Books (Sci-Fi & Fantasy) and collecting Anime. Yeah, I am a home body couch potato, but my passion has always been animation in all of its forms. I wanted to be an animator.
Top 3 favorite restaurants?
Asian Buffet on Franklin Blvd (such a wide selection). Chobbi’s Mongolian Bar & Grill. WinCo’s Leonardi’s pizza off Barger (the BBQ Smokehouse Supreme is our absolute favorite).
Top 3 favorite movies?
Aunt Mame (1958). The Secret of N.I.M.H. (Don Bluth). The Sound of Music (and every other musical ever made).
Top 3 favorite shows?
Star Trek (all of them). Little House on the Prairie. Inuyasha.
Top 3 musicians/bands?
ELO, Air Supply, and “The Never Ending Story” single.
Top 3 favorite books/graphic novels?
The Belgariad (David Eddings). The Honorverse (David Weber). The Discworld novels (Terry Pratchett).
What’s a random fun fact about yourself?
I ran the Origami table in the Youth Room for the Asian Celebration for several years before Covid. I can fold a dragon in about 15 minutes. I keep one on my hat so that customers will remember me.
Tristin White – Customer Relations Manager
What do you do at Emerald Broadband?
I help customers understand our products and services. I guide our customers with basic trouble-shooting and billing assistance.
How did you get into this line of work?
My dad has worked in the telecom industry since the early 2000’s. I applied for a construction position, and ended up contracting out with Emerald Broadband.
Why do you like working at Emerald Broadband?
Emerald Broadband has a unique feeling with the energy and great people surrounding the company. It has been fulfilling to work with Emerald’s amazing staff and the great customers that we have!
What’s your best internet/tech tip?
My best internet tip is to get the best internet in town, and sign up with Emerald Broadband.
What are some of your hobbies?
Park time with my 7 year old daughter, a good basketball game, and working on my childhood home.
Top 3 favorite restaurants?
Morelos food truck in Kesey Square, All Thai’d up (food truck downtown), and Tio Pepe on River Rd.
Top 3 favorite movies?
Deadpool, Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit (All of them), and both the original and prequel Star Wars Trilogies.
Top 3 favorite shows?
Game of Thrones, Attack on Titan, and Archer.
Top 3 musicians/bands?
J.I.D. (The Forever Story), J. Cole (2014 Forest Hills Drive), Kendrick Lamar (good kid, m.A.A.d city).
Top 3 favorite books/graphic novels?
Meditations (Marcus Aurelius), Beyond Good and Evil (Friedrich Nietzsche), and The Brothers Karamazov (Fyodor Dostoevsky).
What’s a random fun fact about yourself?
I like to learn about all kinds of things, from quantum physics to basketball strategy and play calling.
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