SCIENCE HILL, KY – When building their business, Eric and Alex Wilson leave nothing to chance.
The Pulaski County brothers have been building Ridgenet Network Group since 2012. Since then, they’ve worked together and with key partners to grow their family-owned and operated company methodically and incrementally.
As a result, they’ve been recognized locally and regionally for their business model and foresight in the telecommunications and public safety industry. Today, they employ 35 people with plans to add an additional five in the next six months.
“We could not have brought the company to what it is today without the help and support of our family, the customers we’ve helped over the years, and our devoted employees,” said Ridgenet Co-Owner and CEO Eric Wilson.
Ridgenet became operational as a wireless internet service provider, installing its first tower at Science Hill. In the early years, the company was designed to deliver broadband to unserved areas, providing service via wireless communication equipment via cell towers and wireless broadband devices.
In 2015, Ridgenet opened its first data center, which controlled all aspects of the ISP. It later grew to serve customers in the private business sector. The company also began to host local government data and data storage. This experience expanded the company into the 2-way radio communications realm.
By 2018, Ridgenet had launched a sister company, Wilson & Deal Communications, and Ridgenet Public Safety, to serve the first responders in vehicle upfitting and 2-way radio services.
In 2022, the company took a complete turn from installing Internet services to selling and installing public safety equipment.
Earlier this year, Ridgenet acquired On-Duty Depot (ODD), which had three locations: Owensboro, Ky., Knoxville, Tenn. and Nashville, Tenn. ODD is another safety equipment supplier. They moved the headquarters from Owensboro to Science Hill, where they plan to build a new office and distribution center.
Today, Ridgenet is a leader in public safety services and manages local and state government IT services as a government contractor.
“Since the addition of On Duty Depot to our family of companies, Ridgenet has grown into one of the largest upfitters in Kentucky and Tennessee markets,” Eric explained. “I love what we do, and I have always been around law enforcement as a kid, with our family being in law enforcement over the years. It’s great to see an interest turn into a thriving business.”
The Wilsons put just as much thought into their financing options as they have into their growth model.
The decision to finance their business with SKED began two years ago when SKED Director of Lending Bob Burgess approached them about working with the nonprofit lender. The Wilsons had worked with Burgess in his previous position as a lender at a local community bank and knew they could trust his advice. When he explained how SKED is designed to help small businesses grow and navigate the ever-changing economy, the Wilsons were sold.
“Bob did a tremendous job explaining all the services SKED offered and getting us set up,” Co-Owner and Chief Operating Officer Alex Wilson said.
Since that initial meeting two years ago, SKED has worked with the Wilsons on several lending projects to help them grow and continue serving the region and their customers.
“We’ve chosen to continue working with SKED because of the outstanding customer service we receive and their tailored approach to creating a customized financing package that aligns with our needs. Their technique and attention to detail make doing business a lot easier. We recommend SKED to any businesses seeking truly unique financing.”
Alex Wilson
Burgess continues to work closely with the Wilsons to ensure they receive the financing packages that match the growth they’re experiencing.
“From the first time I met Eric and Alex, I knew they would be successful,” Burgess said. “They just needed someone to believe in them. They have proven very savvy in their business, and I think the sky is the limit regarding what they can accomplish.”
Learn more about Ridgenet at their website www.ridgenet.us.
To learn how SKED helps small business owners do business better, visit www.skedcorp.com or call (606) 677-6100.
