Spectrum expansion boosts Scio farm’s online business

Trying to run a business with poor internet service can bring a host of unwanted complications. As part of its Rural Construction Initiative, Spectrum Internet has invested billions of dollars in a multi-year program that promises to add more than 100,000 miles of infrastructure, delivering gigabit-speed internet access to more than 1.7 million currently unserved, mostly rural homes.

Erin Conger has seen a major improvement in her ability to maintain her business since the program reached her Scio farm, Valley Creek Goats and Goldens. Conger’s farm is home to carefully bred boer goats and golden retrievers, with purchasers coming from all over the United States and Canada, something that was a serious challenge until July 2025, when the Spectrum initiative finally reacher her door.

“When we first moved here 12 years ago,” Conger said, “we had absolutely no internet service and very little cell phone service. We ended up having to climb to the top of the loft in the barn and hang out the window to make a phone call.”

After moving in, she was able to get a series of weak internet signals from unreliable providers, which was not much better than nothing. A satellite service made things marginally better. “Spectrum has by far been the most reliable," Conger said. "It’s absolutely essential for running any kind of business to be able to communicate with people. I’m here all the time and most of my purchases are online. I also have a lot of stuff delivered so it really has been a lifesaver.”

Previously, she had long wait times when trying to update her website. Now she has a reliable connection and said is able to work on the website without it taking forever.

With customers contacting her about puppies, kid goats and stud service from every state in the country, such connectivity has changed her life.

“Spectrum is bringing gigabit broadband to unserved communities in Ohio and across America,” said Chuck Sullivan, area vice president for Spectrum in Ohio. “Our investment is providing residents and small businesses superior connectivity at highly competitive prices, backed by a team of skilled local technicians and 100% U.S.-based customer service.”

Conger is no stranger to caring for animals, having started out raising Tennessee walking horses in her native Tennessee before moving to Ohio and beginning her goat and golden retriever business.

Her goats are American Boer Goat Association registered and sold to producers or for showing, while her golden retriever puppies are AKC registered from fully health tested parents. She performs genetic health testing and her Goldens are OFA certified for healthy eyes, hearts, elbows and hips. Her puppies can be found in just about every state.

She ships semen from her stud dogs all over the country, something that requires tight communication and close timing. “People progesterone test their female to find out exactly when she’s ready,” Conger said, “so I can ship right away. That’s why it’s so important to have reliable internet service because people will say, ‘OK, I need it sent right now.’ Sometimes I have to drop what I’m doing and drive to Canton to FedEx it to get it there the next day. Before, I might not even get the message until the end of the day when it was too late. Rural businesses depend on high-speed internet as much as any urban business.”

Learn more about Valley Creek Goats and Goldens at valleycreekfarm.net.