Fiber, Cybersecurity, and the WV Workforce with Jaren Painter

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Jaren Painter from Alpha Technologies about his work bringing fiber broadband to rural West Virginia. Jaren explains how his company is using grants and loans to compete with major players and expand connectivity in areas like Putnam and Wayne Counties. We discuss the challenges of broadband expansion, including high construction costs and a limited local workforce. Jaren also shares Alpha Technologies’ broader role as a managed IT service provider and their involvement with Marshall University’s Institute for Cyber Security. Cybersecurity is a big focus, as it’s both a safeguard for residents and a growing job sector with potential to retain West Virginia talent. Jaren highlights how a degree in cybersecurity covers technical skills along with business and risk management. He encourages listeners to look out for expanding workforce opportunities in the field across the state.