FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sparklight GM Russ Young Reflects on 30 Years in the Industry
August 4, 2022 – Jerome, Idaho – When Russ Young began his career in the telecommunications industry 30 years ago, it looked much different than it does today. Young joined Sparklight in 2001 as General Manager for the Jerome and Twin Falls areas when the company – then known as Cable One – had not yet launched internet or phone service.
During his time with Sparklight, Young has seen and participated in many changes, including the launch dial-up internet in 1998. Fast forward to today, and the company now offers residential high-speed internet with speeds up to 1 Gigabit, whole-home WiFi service, and the recently launched Sparklight TV, which enables customers to stream video content to nearly any device in their home or business using an app and streaming device over the company’s fiber-based infrastructure.
“The launch of internet opened up an exciting new world that couldn’t have been imagined when I started in the industry,” Young said. “It’s become critical to our world today for everything from work and education to health care and entertainment. I’m proud to be a part of a company that is committed to ensuring our customers and communities have access to a state-of-the-art network designed to keep them connected to what matters most.”
While Sparklight’s products and services continue to evolve to provide customers with the latest technological advancements, some things have not changed – such as the company’s commitment to giving back to the communities it serves.
Young, a University of Idaho alumnus, moved to Jerome in 1997. He has been a member of the Jerome Rotary and Jerome Chamber of Commerce for more than 20 years, and has served as director on the board for the annual Jerome County 4H/FFA Livestock Sale affiliated with the Jerome County Fair for the past four years.
Sparklight supports Young’s passion for community involvement through its volunteer programs and Angel Day initiative, which offers all Sparklight associates a paid day off each year to volunteer with charitable organizations that mean the most to them.
A few of Young’s volunteer efforts include a “bed build” for Sleep in Heavenly Peace, an organization that provides beds to kids in need, and his work with the Jerome Rotary, which he recently worked with to help assemble food and gift baskets for more than 300 local families in need.
“Jerome has been a fantastic community to raise two daughters with my wife of 28 years,” Young said. “It’s a welcoming and safe community, the school district is first-class and we have enjoyed the opportunity to give back and help strengthen the community that has given so much to us.”
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About Sparklight
Sparklight® is a leading broadband communications provider and part of the Cable One family of brands, which serves more than 1.1 million residential and business customers in 24 states. Sparklight provides consumers with a wide array of connectivity and entertainment services, including high-speed internet and advanced Wi-Fi solutions, cable television and phone service. Sparklight Business provides scalable and cost-effective products for businesses ranging in size from small to mid-market, in addition to enterprise, wholesale and carrier customers.
CONTACTS:
Tammy Gabel
Director, Corporate Communications
tamara.gabel@cableone.biz
Michelle Portillo
Director, Corporate Communications
michelle.portillo@cableone.biz