Fiber, Cybersecurity, and the WV Workforce with Jaren Painter

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I sit down with Jaren Painter to discuss his mission to bring technology and connectivity to West Virginia. Jaren’s hustle focuses on improving broadband access, particularly through Alpha Technologies’ fiber broadband projects in rural areas like Putnam, Capitol, and Wayne Counties. He explains that smaller businesses like his are making headway with the help of grants and loans, challenging the dominance of larger corporations.

Jaren highlights the hurdles of broadband expansion in West Virginia, citing high construction costs and limited talent availability. Alpha Technologies has been working to meet these challenges and push forward in the broadband landscape. He also shares that Alpha Technologies offers a range of managed IT services, maintaining everything from phones to laptops, and supports strategic initiatives, including a partnership with Marshall University’s Institute for Cyber Security.

The conversation turns to cybersecurity, a priority for West Virginia and for Alpha Technologies. Jaren emphasizes the importance of keeping residents safe and the potential for cybersecurity to grow West Virginia’s workforce. He hopes programs like the Institute for Cyber Security will retain local talent. He describes a cybersecurity degree as covering more than just technical skills, involving business governance, risk, and physical security as well.

As we wrap up, Jaren encourages listeners to keep an eye on developments in cybersecurity education and workforce opportunities across the state, including those at Alpha Technologies.