Recent growth propels IdeaTek to Inc. 5000 list for the 11th time
BUHLER, Kansas — The growing demand for reliable fiber internet across Kansas has propelled IdeaTek Telcom to the 2714th spot on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list of the nation’s fastest-growing companies, announced today by Inc. magazine.
This marks IdeaTek’s 11th appearance on the prestigious list, after ranking 2022nd last year. The Inc. 5000 list celebrates companies that excel in growth, management and innovation. Notable brands such as Microsoft, Dell, Fitbit, and Pandora received their first national recognition as honorees on this list. This year’s class represents companies that have driven rapid revenue growth while navigating inflationary pressure, the rising costs of capital and seemingly intractable hiring challenges.
In the past 12 months, IdeaTek has expanded its fiber network to reach an additional 44,000 households, bringing its total fiber footprint to over 6,500 miles across 70 Kansas communities. The company continues to invest in areas where wireless internet or outdated copper cable technology are the only options, ensuring more Kansans have access to future-proof, high-speed connectivity.
“IdeaTek’s mission of Internet Freedom means that fast, competitive broadband should be a basic utility for every American, not a luxury,” said IdeaTek Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer Daniel Friesen. “Our success is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our incredible team, who are driven by the mission to deliver lightning-fast internet to thousands of Kansans.”
Celebrating its 25th year in business this year, IdeaTek was founded in 1999 by Friesen and four friends while attending Buhler High School. Today, the company employs over 160 Kansans and is continuing to grow. IdeaTek’s mission is to connect underserved communities with affordable, high-speed internet service. Significant private investment, paired with several state and federal broadband expansion programs, has expedited IdeaTek’s growth trajectory, making it one of Reno County’s larger employers.
Meanwhile,the company has announced several substantial projects this year, including Mulvane, Garden City, Augusta, Winfield, Arkansas City and Haysville.
IdeaTek’s Chief Executive Officer, Jerrod Reimer, said IdeaTek is on track to reach its goal of 50,000 customers by 2025.
“Kansans should have affordable and reliable internet access no matter where they live or their situation,” Reimer said. “Reliable connectivity is vital for fostering community growth and driving economic development. That’s why IdeaTek is dedicated to continuously expanding our network and identifying the next areas to serve.”
About IdeaTek Telcom
IdeaTek Telcom, LLC, is a Buhler, Kansas-based broadband service provider with the mission of “Fighting for Internet Freedom ™.” IdeaTek uses a unique and innovative approach to deploy scalable, long-term fiber optic infrastructures, bridging the broadband gap in rural communities. The company has already successfully built over 4,500 miles of fiber throughout Kansas. IdeaTek has long been at the forefront of broadband equity issues and is committed to enriching the communities in which they operate. They were recently named to Inc. 5000’s list of fastest-growing companies for the 10th time.
About Inc. 5000
Started in 1982, Inc. magazine’s list has become the hallmark of entrepreneurial success. The Inc. 5000 are ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2020 to 2023. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2020. They must be U.S.-based, privately held, for-profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies. The minimum revenue required for 2020 is $100,000; the minimum for 2023 is $2 million. Complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, region, and other criteria, can be found at www.inc.com/inc5000.
