October 30, 2024
Meet the Owners
Golden West is your telecommunications cooperative, owned by the people. The next time you jump online, watch a show, or make a call, think about this: People make your community great. And people are what this co-op is all about. Golden West is owned by the very people it serves.
Below are highlights of some of those member owners.
Michael and Mike Luedeman - M & M Sales
Scott Schramm - KWYR Radio
Serena and Ellen Harmon - Rosebud Building Products
Lonnie Heier - Dairy Queen
Doug Hainje - Dell Rapids Lumber
Karen Leisinger - Guardrail Enterprises | Total Till & Seed
Dave Ressler - Dave's World Tours
Bob Ecoffey - Subway
Brad & Kelly Bednar - Ace Hardware
Deb Mergen & Diane Bunkers - Always Your Design
Keisha - Golden West Member Services & Sales Specialist
Lyle & Dawn Howey - I-90 Speedway
Austin - Golden West Field Service Technician
Brian Gronli - Gronli Cabinetry
Casey Remmers - Creekside Meats
Bob Zwart - Dells Auto
Travis Kuehl - Travis Electric
Brian Anderson - Dells Theatre
Stacy & Kyle Wengler - Knotty Gnome
Kari Karst - BX Civil
Terry Arends - Central States Mfg.
Merlin & Sherri Goebel - Sunshine Foods
Aaron & Amie Delgado - Fourth & Ladelle Coffeehouse
Teri Michaels - Hartford Veterinary Clinic
Lynnae Redenius - Tammen Auto & Tire Inc.
Mike Parks - T&C Self Service
Adam & Kim DeJong - Pizza Ranch
Chris & Callie Tuschen - Buffalo Ridge Brewing
Michael and Mike Luedeman
Father-son duo Michael and Mike Luedeman started their tire business, M & M Sales, in Wall in 2009. Since then, they have gained a reputation for their outstanding service which led to growth. Their phones ring off the hook each day since adding oil changes and more to their services. "We use Golden West for the internet and phone lines, and it's been a great experience," says Michael. "If we didn't have them, it's be pretty tough and overwhelming."
Read the full story here.
Scott Schramm
Scott Schramm and his team represent various communities like Winner and Dell Rapids with four radio stations. Across their coverage area, they share local news, interview residents, report on sports, play music, host radio shows, and more. “Golden West is right across the street in Winner, right out our back door. When we need something, they're here,” says Scott Schramm. “They all know us, and we all know them. Golden West has a small-town mentality, and so do we, which makes for a good partnership.”
Read the full story here.
Serena and Ellen Harmon
Serena and Ellen Harmon provide essential materials for home improvement
projects, large-scale equipment rentals, and everything in between. The
sisters own and operate Rosebud Building Products in Mission, contributing
to various local initiatives and maintaining their business with their service
from Golden West. “All of our ordering happens via the internet, so our
business wouldn’t be able to function without Golden West,” says Ellen.
“They’re really fun to work with and the team is great.”
Read the full story here.
Lonnie Heier
The town of Hartford received their first drive through option when owner Lonnie Heier opened a new Dairy Queen location there in 2022. Lonnie and his team have been serving ice cream and supporting their community with multiple fundraisers ever since. As the owner of many DQ locations, Lonnie stays connected to stores outside Hartford with his Golden West connection. “The speed and reliability have just been there,” he says. “Those are the two main factors in our stores that we just can’t live without.”
Read the full story here.
Doug Hainje
Every day, owner Doug Hainje says he gets up in the morning to help complete people’s dream projects – whether that means providing supplies to build or renovate homes, barns, and more. For over a century, Dell Rapids Lumber has supplied materials for framing houses, shingling roofs, and everything in between. Doug and his team enjoy personalizing projects for their customers. With service from Golden West, Dell Rapids Lumber continues to support its community. “Customers come in the door, and if they need something, we provide it for them,” says Doug. “It’s the same way for us with Golden West.”
Read the full story here.
Karen Leisinger
The Leisingers own and operate two businesses in the rural Hartford area – Total Till & Seed and Guardrail Enterprises, Inc. They uphold sustainability and safety by providing erosion control and guardrails for road and bridge projects across the state. Golden West provides their businesses with a fast, reliable connection. “The high-speed internet has been awesome,” Karen says. “We like the fact that it’s a co-op and we all belong, and we have a voice. They’ve just been great to work with.”
Read the full story here.
Dave Ressler
Dave and Patty Ressler took a leap of faith when they made Custer their new home two decades ago. The owner and operator of Dave’s World Tours decided showing off the area’s beauty was a lot more fun than retirement. With the demands of a non-traditional job, he’s thankful for Golden West’s reliable and speedy Wi-Fi service. “Their internet services are incredible,” he says. “Golden West is a big part of my company!”
Read the full story here.
Bob Ecoffey
Bob and Darlene Ecoffey brought a Subway franchise to Pine Ridge as a way of giving back to the community. Over the past 15 years, they have offered healthy meals, created jobs, and provided opportunities for people to connect. Helping others is an important Lakota tradition, and Golden West is honored to have played a role. “Golden West has always been very active in providing for our communication needs,” Bob says. “There are a lot of good opportunities as a result of their investment in the community.”
Read the full story here.
Brad & Kelly Bednar
Brad and Kelly Bednar stock some unique items in their hardware store. Like furniture and appliances. It's their way of making sure customers don't have to drive an hour for hard-to-access items. Catering to the community's specific needs is their way of paying it forward to Hot Springs residents, who welcomed them to town with typical small-town friendliness. "Everyone is very helpful," Kelly says. "That sounds so cliche, but it's true." You now what? We aren't a bit surprised.
Read the full story here.
Deb Mergen & Diane Bunkers
Deb Mergen and Diane Bunkers have owned and operated Always Your Design for the past 12 years. Finalists for the Better Homes and Garden’s top 10 quilt shops, the sisters showcase their 6,000 fabric bolts from their historic Main Street location in Dell Rapids. They support their community by attracting shoppers to town who help boost sales tax collections, by creating jobs, and by donating items to community fundraisers. They also sell their products online. “People wouldn’t know we’re here if we didn’t have Golden West,” Deb says. “If we didn’t have that opportunity to be online, no one would know we are here.”
Read the full story here.
Keisha - Member Services & Sales Specialist
As a member service and sales specialist, Keisha likes to help keep people connected. Working at Golden West also keeps her connected to the Hartford community. “I want to be more involved within the community, and Golden West participates in different events that happen throughout the year,” she says. “As a co-op, we provide a lot of scholarships, and promotions, and money for things that go on throughout Hartford.
Read the full story here.
Lyle & Dawn Howey
Lyle and Dawn Howey own and operate the I-90 Speedway three miles outside of Hartford. They offer weekly races through the summer with sprint cars, stock cars, and modified stock cars. “In this business, everything’s fast,” says Dawn. “Our season’s fast; our night is fast. So, we need fast internet, because we’re high tech, and Golden West – they’re the best.” Still, she says the connections are the most important. “It’s the people that you meet.”
Read the full story here.
Austin - Field Service Technician
Field Service Technician Austin Parry takes pride in all the work he does for Golden West customers. He enjoys learning more about his customers. “I like making sure all my installs are nice and neat, and that the customers are happy with how I did it and the service they’re getting is what they need,” he says. Austin appreciates his coworkers and working for Golden West. He also likes working in the Hartford area because of the community, the people, and the “good vibes.”
Read the full story here.
Brian Gronli
Brian Gronli has been building custom cabinetry and doing other fine finishing woodwork from his rural Dell Rapids workshop for the past eight years. "I go to people's houses, and I see what they do - how they live - and understand what they need," he says. Brian appreciates his Golden West service. "We just take it for granted. We forget that they're our service provider because service is so smooth."
Read the full story here.
Casey Remmers
Casey Remmers’ interest in the food business took root as a boy when his parents had a steakhouse in Orient. He and partner Troy Grocott opened Creekside Meats in October 2021. “We chose to start our business in Hartford, because the city has seen a lot of growth, and it’s a perfect-sized community where you can get to know your customers,” Casey says. The business hopes to inspire these customers to spend more time cooking and grilling good food for family and friends.
Read the full story here.
Bob Zwart
Bob Zwart started Dells Auto with his brother Rick Zwart in November 1999. “What I learned early on is it’s a process, and that process begins with taking care of the customer. Buyers come back if you take care of them.” Internet and phone connections are crucial for the Dell Rapids business. “Golden West has been there and provided us with that from the very beginning. It’s nice that they’re local, and it matters to us.”
Read the full story here.
Travis Kuehl
The Travis Electric owner enjoys Hartford's small-town, progressive feel - including fiber optics from Golden West. At his wife Wendy's encouragement, Travis Kuehl started his business in 2005 as a one-man operation. Today, Travis Electric employs 24 people – and like Hartford, is still growing. Travis credits the rapid expansion to the wide range of projects the business tackles. He appreciates Golden West upgrading the town and rural area to the fiber optic network starting in 2013. “Golden West’s customer service has been outstanding,” he says. “Their investment in Hartford has been huge.”
Read the full story here.
Brian Anderson once worked on set with Dustin Diamond, Bob Saget, and Arnold Schwarzenegger. The former child actor gave up his acting dreams when his family moved to Dell Rapids, but his passion for cinema lives on. Today, he owns the historic Dells Theatre — and it’s his mission to keep the town entertained.
Read the full story here.
Stacy & Kyle Wengler
Stacy and Kyle Wengler own two very different businesses in Hartford — but they complement each other in different ways. Learn more about their eye-catching sign, their devotion to the local business community, and why they probably won’t complain about too much garbage.
Read the full story here.
Kari Karst
Kari Karst is a Dell Rapids native who never imagined she'd be running a successful family business from her hometown. When the opportunity arose to purchase a business her dad once worked for, she left the California dream behind – and couldn’t be happier.
Read the full story here.
Terry Arends
Terry Arends is a Hartford resident whose job at Central States Mfg. involves providing customers with the best products for their needs. You have to be on your game to make sure your clients get exactly what they want, he says. He believes attention to detail sets you apart from the competition. “Golden West has been a great partner with Central States,” Terry says. “They ensure we can keep our business running by providing us with our phones, emails, and fast speeds.”
Read the full story here.
Merlin & Sherri Goebel
Merlin and Sherri Goebel believe adaptability is the key to small-town success. That, and committing to the local community — whether by carrying fresh produce or supporting charitable causes. The Goebels have owned Sunshine Foods in Hartford for two decades and still believe the best is yet to come.
Read the full story here.
Aaron & Amie Delgado
Aaron and Amie Delgado moved to Dell Rapids to be closer to family. The couple turned a few heads due to their unconventional look but were welcomed with open arms. Their coffee shop, LaDelle and Fourth Coffeehouse, attracts both regulars and visitors with tasty treats and a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Read the full story here.
Teri Michaels
Meet Teri Michaels, owner of the Hartford Veterinary Clinic in Hartford. Teri embraces the small-town lifestyle that Hartford provides. It’s one of the draws that brought her and husband, Phil to town in the first place.
Read the full story here.
Lynnae Redenius
Meet Lynnae Redenius, owner of Tammen Auto & Tire Inc in Hartford. Her willingness to learn and dedication to providing excellent customer service has paved the way for her success.
Read the full story here.
Mike Parks
Meet Mike Parks, owner of T&C Self Service in Dell Rapids. The service station/convenience store offers everything from hot dogs and cold beer to a friendly ear and community support.
Read the full story here.
Adam & Kim DeJong
Meet Adam & Kim DeJong, a Hartford couple committed to helping the community. Longtime Hartford residents and owners of the local Pizza Ranch franchise, they help feed and support the community.
Read the full story here.
Chris & Callie Tuschen
Chris and Callie Tuschen craft community - and beer - in Hartford. The Tuschens own Buffalo Ridge Brewing Project and are members of the Golden West Telecommunications Cooperative both personally and with their business. Like Golden West, Chris and Callie pride themselves on the connections they provide and are committed to helping Hartford grow and be an even better place to live.
Read the full story here.