Celebrating 30 Years of Vision Net Three Decades of Innovation, Connectivity & Community

This year, Vision Net proudly celebrates a major milestone—30 years of service, growth, and impact.

Founded in 1995 through a visionary partnership among Montana’s telephone cooperatives, Vision Net has evolved into a leading technology and telecommunications provider. From our humble beginnings to statewide and national reach, our mission has remained steadfast: to connect Montana with reliable, cutting-edge technology backed by exceptional customer service.

 

Built in Montana. For Montana.

Vision Net was born from a bold idea: every community—rural or urban—deserves access to world-class technology. Over the years, we’ve expanded our offerings to meet the evolving needs of our clients, including:

With offices and data centers in Billings, Great Falls, Helena, and Missoula, we continue to serve Montana’s businesses, government agencies, healthcare providers, schools, and carriers with locally supported, enterprise-grade technology.

 

30 Years of Milestones

Our journey has been marked by innovation and impact. Some of our proudest achievements include:

Through every chapter, our commitment to innovation, reliability, and community service has remained at the heart of everything we do.

Vision Net’s success is driven by the incredible people behind it—our employees, clients, partners, and cooperative members. Many have been with us for years, even decades, and their dedication has shaped our culture of integrity, service, and collaboration.

 

Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter

While we honor our past, we’re focused on the future. Vision Net continues to invest in:

As the demand for speed, security, and reliability grows, Vision Net is ready to lead—just as we have for the past 30 years.

 

From our Montana roots to our vision for tomorrow, Vision Net’s 30-year journey is a story of growth, innovation, and connection. Here’s to 30 years of empowering Montana—and to many more years of serving the communities and businesses we proudly support.

Thank you for being part of our story.

Vision Net Taps internal Talent, Gary Evans takes charge as COO. 

We are happy to announce the appointment of Gary Evans as Vision Net's new Chief Operating Officer (COO). Gary's exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication as interim CEO during the executive transition have earned him this well-deserved role. 

"I'm honored to take on this new role and lead operations at a company I deeply believe in," said Gary Evans, newly appointed COO of Vision Net. 

A Journey of Excellence

Gary Evans, our esteemed Operations Manager, has been an invaluable asset to Vision Net for nearly two decades. Joining us in 2002 with an engineering degree and previous experience with Triangle Telephone Cooperative and Heberly Engineering, Gary's journey with Vision Net has been nothing short of extraordinary. His deep understanding of our organization and its evolving needs has been key to his success. 

A Partnership for Success

As the newly appointed COO, Gary will work in close collaboration with our CEO, Rob Worden, to drive Vision Net's growth and success. In the words of Rob, "Gary's exceptional leadership and dedication have been instrumental in our continued growth. I am confident in his ability to drive operational excellence and propel Vision Net to even greater success."  

A Montanan at Heart

Gary's roots run deep in Montana, being a 4th generation Montanan. Alongside his professional accomplishments, Gary takes pride in his family life. He resides in the picturesque Highwood mountains with his wife, Jennifer, and their two children, Regan and Riley. Gary's love for his home state and the community is reflected in his dedication to Vision Net's mission of providing top-quality telecommunications services to Montana and beyond. 

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Gary Evans on his appointment as Vision Net's Chief Operating Officer. With his exceptional leadership skills, Gary will play a crucial role in supporting our CEO and driving Vision Net's success. 

Uniting for a Cleaner Community: Wadsworth Park Clean-Up

On June 16th, Vision Net employees and their families joined forces for a rewarding Community Clean-Up morning at Wadsworth Park. With warm greetings and valuable support from the Sun River Watershed Group and the Parks Department, volunteers collected trash and removed invasive plants.

Dividing into teams, the volunteers enthusiastically tackled the tasks at hand: collecting trash and removing invasive plants. Their combined efforts resulted in a noticeable improvement, leaving behind a cleaner and healthier park environment.

Vision Net employees and their families came together, exemplifying unity and responsibility towards their community. It was heartwarming to see parents and children working side by side, demonstrating the importance of caring for our environment as a family.

Let's cherish this experience and keep the spirit of unity alive as we continue to create a more beautiful and sustainable community.

Recap of the 21st Annual Customer Appreciation Vision Net Golf Tournament

We recently hosted the 21st Annual Customer Appreciation Vision Net Golf Tournament, and what an incredible day it was! Clients, sponsors, and dedicated staff gathered at the picturesque Briarwood Golf Course for a day filled with camaraderie, friendly competition, and memorable moments. Let's take a swing down memory lane and relive the highlights of this remarkable event!

Perfect Weather and Fantastic Company

Mother Nature blessed us with a picture-perfect day on the green, but it wasn't just the weather that made the day special; it was the amazing company. From clients to sponsors and our hardworking staff, everyone brought their A-game and infused the atmosphere with laughter, excitement, and a true sense of community.

Sponsorship that Elevated the Experience:

Today, we raise our glasses in a toast to our incredible sponsors who took our tournament to new heights.

Arista and Goldfield Telecom sponsored delightful beverages as our Drink Sponsors, adding an extra swing of enjoyment to the day. The drinks were the perfect caddy to the golfing experience, and we're immensely grateful for their generous support.

Our Putting Challenge Sponsor, Calix deserves a hole-in-one thank you for adding an extra layer of excitement and friendly competition to the tournament, making every putt count.

A hearty thank you goes to OSI Global, our Lunch Sponsor, for fueling us up with a scrumptious feast at the conclusion of the tournament. Their generosity and support transformed the post-game meal into a mouthwatering celebration, allowing our participants to savor and recharge after an exceptional round of golf.

We also extend our sincerest gratitude to our remarkable Eagle, Par, and Birdie Sponsors, whose support took our tournament to new heights. Their support made this event a round-of-applause-worthy success.

Looking Ahead


We're already looking forward to the future as we bid farewell to this year's tournament. The success of the 21st Annual Customer Appreciation Vision Net Golf Tournament has inspired us to make the next edition even more exceptional. We can't wait to tee off again, creating unforgettable memories and strengthening our community.

A Heartfelt Thank You


To all our participants, sponsors, and staff, we extend our sincerest thanks for making the 21st Annual Customer Appreciation Vision Net Golf Tournament an unforgettable event. Your support, enthusiasm, and generosity have touched our hearts and reinforced the sense of community that we cherish.

Until we swing into action again,

Vision Net team.

A Successful Engineering Summit and Vision Net Corporate Updates in Billings, MT

We had an amazing time at our Engineering Summit and Vision Net Corporate Updates on Wednesday, June 7, 2023!

We started the day at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Billings, MT, with an informative and inspiring Engineering Summit. Our brilliant engineers shared their expertise and discussed cutting-edge innovations in the industry.

After an engaging morning session, we took a well-deserved lunch break, giving everyone the opportunity to network and connect with fellow professionals.

In the afternoon, Vision Net took the stage to deliver engaging corporate and departmental updates. We learned about the latest developments, future plans, and exciting opportunities within our company.

To cap off the day, we headed to the scenic Billings Rod and Gun Club in Billings, MT, for trap shooting and a mouthwatering dinner from a fantastic local food truck, Let's Get Fresh. The evening was filled with laughter, camaraderie, and delicious food.

We extend our sincere appreciation to all the shareholders and partners who joined us in Billings, MT. Your presence and support contributed greatly to the success of this event!

Celebrating Inclusivity and Sportsmanship: Vision Net team Volunteers at Special Olympics Montana.

At Vision Net, we believe in the power of community, compassion, and inclusivity. Recently, our team had the incredible privilege of volunteering at the Special Olympics Montana, an event that left a lasting impact on our hearts. In this blog post, we are excited to share our heartwarming experience, the exceptional athletes we had the honor of supporting, and our commitment to a world where everyone is celebrated and valued.

Witnessing Extraordinary Determination

From June 17th to 19th, our team embarked on an unforgettable journey at the Special Olympics Montana. As we stood on the sidelines, we were privileged to witness the extraordinary determination displayed by the athletes. Their unwavering spirit and dedication to their respective sports were nothing short of awe-inspiring. Each athlete showcased their skills, strength, and perseverance, proving that nothing is impossible when you set your mind to it.

Embracing the Spirit of Inclusivity and Sportsmanship

During the event, our team wholeheartedly embraced the core values of the Special Olympics: inclusivity and sportsmanship. From escorting the athletes to cheering them on during their competitions, we immersed ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere filled with camaraderie and support. We were deeply moved by the genuine joy and sense of accomplishment radiating from each athlete as they crossed the finish line or scored a point. It was a reminder that true victory lies not only in winning but in the journey itself.

Gratitude to Special Olympics Montana

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Special Olympics Montana for allowing us to be a part of this inspiring event. Their unwavering commitment to empowering individuals with special needs is truly commendable. The Special Olympics provides a platform where athletes can showcase their talents, build self-confidence, and create lifelong friendships. We are proud to stand beside the Special Olympics Montana in their pursuit of creating an inclusive and accepting society.

Envisioning a Celebrated and Valued World

Our time at the Special Olympics Montana was a humbling and transformative experience. Witnessing the determination and courage of the athletes inspired us to embrace inclusivity and sportsmanship in all aspects of our lives. We are immensely grateful to Special Olympics Montana for providing us with the opportunity to be part of this remarkable event. To our team members, your compassion and dedication have left an indelible mark on our hearts. Let us continue to celebrate and value every individual as we work towards a future where everyone has an equal chance to shine.

Vision Net Year in Review 

by Gary Evans - Interim CEO

As acting CEO, it's my pleasure to write this end-of-year note, but before we say goodbye to 2022, I want to take a moment to thank everyone who has contributed—and continues to contribute—to Vision Net's success.

To our customers, thank you for trusting us with your business. You are why we show up, and it is truly our pleasure to serve you. 

To our partners, thank you for collaborating with us. Your expertise enables us to prosper and grow while delivering our clients a comprehensive suite of solutions. 

And last but certainly not least, to our employees, who are the lifeblood of Vision Net. There would be no company without you. I am grateful for all you do and the tenacity, grit, and compassion you display daily. Your commitment to our company culture of innovation, teamwork, and open communication is essential to our ongoing success. Undeniably, it "kept us firing on all eight cylinders" when CEO Corey Jensen retired in July.

The Year Ahead

As we look ahead to 2023, our focus is on growth, emphasizing three key areas. First, we are exceptionally well-positioned for multi-state expansion. Vision Net boasts a strong track record of partnering with regional businesses with properties in many states. 

In 2019, for example, a client in the financial services industry chose Vision Net to design, build, and manage its private network of over 300 locations in 14 states. Vision Net won this contract through a highly competitive RFP process that considered solutions from numerous network providers, including many nationally recognized brands. Our deep industry experience, combined with a superior customer experience, set Vision Net apart. Our work with this financial institution continues today as we network the client's most recent acquisition.

Another example of our multi-state, multi-location proficiency is our partnership with a regional retail outfitter. The company is leveraging Vision Net's expertise to provide SD Wan connectivity across its storefronts in ID, WA, and MT and loss prevention in its two warehouses. 

Wholesale Carrier Services (formerly the Transport department) is another growth target. Today's ever-increasing bandwidth demands bring unprecedented changes to our industry and the many carriers that need reliable, scalable bandwidth. Vision Net's Wholesale Carrier Services pairs the capacity and capabilities needed to support carriers' rapid growth with a 5,000-mile, statewide fiber optic network. We complement this with connectivity throughout the United States and Canada, enabling us to deliver flexible scalability to our clients.

Lastly, security presents another tremendous opportunity as it continues to be a critical priority for businesses. We've all read or heard stories about aggressive cyber-attacks at larger—usually well-known—enterprises. But small and medium-sized companies are, in many cases, at even greater risk due to having fewer resources and less staffing. Vision Net can bolster a firm's existing security/IT department with additional support and expertise, or we can provide a complete end-to-end security solution. Leveraging our Vision Secure suite of services, the Vision Net team works with businesses of all sizes to review security vulnerabilities and ensure systems remain bolstered against ransomware and other cyber-attacks.

I began this letter by thanking all who play a role in Vision Net's success, and I'll finish by singling out Vision Net's Board of Directors and our owners. For those who don't know, Vision Net was started in 1995 and is wholly owned by nine rural telephone companies. The leaders of these firms serve as a north star for our business, steering growth while overseeing corporate activities. I like to say that this community-centric ethic is a big part of "how Vision Net was raised." It's why our relationships with the companies we support and the cities and towns that house them are vital to our work. I'm pleased to share that Vision Net's community investments will continue in 2023 with our sponsorship of Montana Special Olympics, financial support for the always-popular Billings Airshow, and a dedicated river cleanup day with Sun River Watershed Group.

From all of us at Vision Net, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Vision Net Celebrates the Holidays!

On Friday, Dec 2nd, Vision Net hosted a Holiday Celebration for employees for all their work they have accomplished this year at the Great Falls International Airport. 

Enjoying great company at a great facility with incredible food was a wonderful time.

As a token of our appreciation, Christmas gifts were given to all employees; they could choose from North 40 backpacks or a monocular. 

We feel so blessed to work with such a talented and wonderful group of people! Thank you to everyone who attended!⁠ 

Vision Net is visited by a bright student for job shadowing

Each day at Vision Net can be different. One day you are monitoring the IT world from the NOC; the next day you are showing a bright young student what it is like to be in the IT world. 

That’s what happened at our office recently. Gabe Cunningham wanted to check out our work area and see if it was something he would like to pursue. “I love video games and the tech world fascinates me,” Gabe said. 

Gabe set this up through Tyler Gunderson, with Quality Life Concepts, a nonprofit that supports individuals with developmental needs, to do job shadowing at Vision Net. Even Gabe’s dad, Dave, was excited to see his son take an interest in this world of wires and gadgets.  

As one of our employees, Ryan Peterson, started showing Gabe around, it soon became apparent that for Gabe, this could potentially be his future gig. From touring the NOC (Network Operations Center), the networking department, and the operations side, Gabe soon realized there was much more to this world than just plugging in wires and playing. The support that is needed to run an operation can be overwhelming, but, if you get the right people in the right place, it can all flow smoothly. 

There were times that Ryan spoke over our heads, but he then brought it down to where the average person could understand it. Seeing all the equipment in its raw form in the warehouse was neat. Gabe was able to see it before it was delivered and installed. 

“So, what is needed to get a job in the IT world?” Gabe asked Ryan. Ryan mentioned going to a trade school could help, but there are numerous “boot camps” that you can earn certifications for. These take less time, and they are focused on the specific trade you want to do. Not much fluff in these types of courses. Once the course is completed, you take a test and become certified. Those certifications go a long way on a resume. And can land you the job you are looking for. 

Some of you might know Gabe from some interviews he has done this past year. Do you remember hearing about the Buddy Benches at Mountainview School?  That was Gabe’s idea for his Scout project. Gabe remembered what it was like to be alone at school and not have many people to hang out with. “If I felt this way, I am sure there are others,” Gabe said.  This was one way for him to give back and be a part of something bigger than himself. 

It is always great to see these up-and-coming leaders take charge of their future and be proactive in where to go. Vision Net is happy to support our young community, helping them explore career paths. 

Vision Net Christmas Lunch Party

On Tuesday, we celebrated our annual office Christmas lunch party. The food was delicious, thanks to @ClarkandLewies catering. We provided each employee with a sweater and winter hat to show how much we appreciate all their hard work.

We hope everyone is having a great holiday season so far!