A local internet service provider is expanding throughout the region and aims to become one of Ventura County’s leading technology businesses.
GeoLinks, which was created by Ventura resident Skyler Ditchfield in 2011, began as a two-person team interested in providing internet service to rural residents overlooked by the nation’s larger internet service providers. Since then, GeoLinks has hired over 50 employees and shifted its focus to providing internet packages to large businesses, including Amgen Inc. and several regional McDonald’s restaurants.
Although the privately-owned company’s internet services are largely restricted to businesses, GeoLinks’ continued growth has resulted in a steady stream of job openings for people with technology and customer service skills, according to Ditchfield.
“We started with two people, have over 50 now and are still hiring nonstop,” Ditchfield said in an interview. “We’ve got everything from sales opportunities to customer service, to field tech opportunities, installation and infrastructure technicians, help desk and eventually those jobs can open up to middle and upper-level positions in the company.”
The Camarillo-based business relocated from Ventura to 251 Camarillo Ranch Road last week to house its rapidly growing staff. The building, which was previously owned by mobile video game developer Zindagi Games Inc., includes amenities such as an exercise facility, basketball court, game room and kitchen. GeoLinks’ expanded office matches its growing coverage. The business services companies from northern Ventura County to San Diego and is beginning to spread to other states, such as Arizona.
Beyond job opportunities, Ditchfield considers GeoLinks’ expansion to be an important example of how local businesses can provide compelling alternatives to national companies. Ditchfield stressed that customer service played a major role in his company’s success, and said that GeoLinks’ local focus allowed the business to thrive despite competition from larger internet service providers such as AT&T and Verizon.
“People are fed up with the poor customer service and tech support from the big guys,” Ditchfield said in an interview. “The whole methodology is to get off the phone and move you away, while we’re actually trying to solve the problem. Customer service is why we win (business) accounts, so it’s incredibly important to us that we maintain that level of service.”
Going forward, GeoLinks aims to begin providing internet options to California residents, as opposed to just businesses, in early 2018, with a particular focus on rural communities. For more information about the business, visit GeoLinks’ website.
Skyler Ditchfield GeoLinks
GeoLinks CEO Skyler Ditchfield is shown at the basketball court in the new building the company recently moved into in Camarillo. The local internet company is expanding and hopes to provide internet services to individuals as well as businesses. CHUCK KIRMAN/THE STAR
GeoLinks CEO Skyler Ditchfield talks about the expansion of the internet service business. The company was launched in 2011 as a two-person enterprise and now has over 50 people working at its Camarillo facility. It is continuing to expand and hire. CHUCK KIRMAN/THE STAR
The sales and marketing department of GeoLinks in Camarillo is a busy place. The local internet service provider is expanding and hiring more staff. After starting a a provider of internet services to rural areas not served by the bigger companies it it now focused on serving business like Amgen Inc. CHUCK KIRMAN/THE STAR
The GeoLinks recreation room has pool tables at the new building the internet service provider recently relocated to in Camarillo. The internet company is expanding after moving from Ventura. CHUCK KIRMAN/THE STAR
GeoLinks CEO Skyler Ditchfield is shown near the main conference room of the company’s new building in Camarillo. The internet company is expanding and hiring as it focuses on providing internet services to area businesses. CHUCK KIRMAN/THE STAR
GeoLinks CEO Skyler Ditchfield talks about the company’s expansion and the new headquarters it recently moved into in Camarillo. After starting in 2011 with two people, the internet service provider now has more than 50 employees and anticipates more hiring. CHUCK KIRMAN/THE STAR
