Earlier this year our friend Gary Evan announced his phased “retirement” from Hiawatha Broadband Communications. We are hoping that phased approach is also measured. Although we know that Dan Pecarina will make a fine replacement, we are very aware of the work that Gary has done not just for HBC but on behalf of the telecommunications industry for more than 15 years.

Gary Evans has been on the Blandin Broadband Strategy Board since its inception many years ago. His expertise in the field has been helpful in understanding practical broadband access issues, but even more helpful is his ability to frame the importance of the work in terms of economic development and community vitality in rural areas. In 2008, HBC was awarded the Blandin Minnesota Broadband Community Award. Below is a video taken at the conference where the award was presented. Gary outlines the mission of HBC to help rural America with connectivity – and expresses his belief that connectivity is the “real key to vibrant and growing small towns.”

Gary credits success at HBC to excellent customer service and a strong local programming component. We’d like to add a visionary leader to that list. I don’t want to say that Gary is the rare businessman who blends financial acumen with a concern for the community – but he certainly exemplifies those qualities to the benefit of rural Minnesota. He has testified to the State and US legislative committees, promoting the need for policies that support better broadband in rural areas. In 2011, Gary was recognized as a “thought leader” in  the network revolution. His comments offer a glimpse of what it is like inside HBC. He says, “We expect more and we pay more.” He also spoke about hiring for attitude, not aptitude. In 2012, Gary secured a place from Minnesota at the federal broadband application table by becoming an Ignite partner, an initiative to promote US leadership in developing applications and services for ultra-fast broadband and software-defined networks.

Gary has set the stage for continued success and HBC reports that he will remain on as a senior consultant. We hope that phased retirement will allow him more time to set bigger stages – we know Gary has an interest in the theater and Shakespeare in particular. We hope for Gary a retirement not like King Lear’s but that he has time to find simple lessons and pleasures away from industry…

Our life, exempt from public haunt, finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks, sermons in stones, and good in everything. (William Shakespeare, As You Like It)