Growth Surge Prompts Internet Service Provider to Boost Staff in 2004

Agoura Hills ISP Offers Jobs; Thrives in Weak Economy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – April 1, 2004

AGOURA HILLS, Calif. – Continued business growth has prompted ISWest to hire five more staff members this year, a reflection of the company’s commitment to provide the best service and support to small- and medium-sized businesses.

"It's this kind of service that has made ISWest so successful over the years," said Vice President Drew Kaplan. "Our customers love us because we give them a very high level of customer service that is hard to find in our industry. We will need more great employees over the years as we continue to grow."

Founded in 1996, ISWest has expanded quickly over the past eight years through five acquisitions, customer loyalty and referrals. Last year, the company grew approximately 30%. As a result, three sales people are needed to propel the company’s organic growth, and two technical experts are sought to meet the demands of a growing customer base. The new hires will bring the staff to 19 by the end of 2004. ISWest also plans to acquire its sixth company this year.
ISWest has built a business on top-flight service which has resulted in a loyal clientele and powerful word-of-mouth advertising, said David Simpson of Simpson Partners, which provides strategic consulting and legal services to independent ISPs.

"ISWest continues to demonstrate that it listens very carefully to its customers and provides the high quality of service that they want," Simpson said. "In turbulent economic times, there is always room for companies that commit to excellence in a niche, and attack that niche with passion."

During a time when jobs are scarce and the economy weak, ISWest thrives because they are the best at what they do, Kaplan said. An in-house support system spots and fixes trouble before the customer knows their line went down. A live technician is easily accessible 24/7/365. Additionally, service level agreements give credit for lost time.

"Just like our slogan says, ‘Internet is our specialty’," Kaplan said.

About the company:
The ISWest broadband network supports thousands of customers and serves more than 150 major metropolitan areas across the United States. The company’s success is built on the founders’ commitment to deliver the best customer care in the Internet industry. ISWest's executive management team represents combined experience of more than 50 years of management experience, with expertise in telecommunications, Internet services, networking, operations and strategic marketing.

Awards:
2003 – Deloitte Technology Fast 500, a ranking of the 500 fastest growing technology companies in North America; Deloitte & Touche Los Angeles Technology Fast 50, a ranking of the 50 fastest growing technology companies in Los Angeles; "First Largest Business Internet Service Provider in the Conejo Valley" – Pacific Coast Business Times.

2002 – "Fourth largest business Internet Service Provider," "21st Fastest Growing Technology Company," "23rd Fastest Growing Privately Held Company" – Los Angeles Business Journal

For more information or to conduct an interview, call Drew Kaplan at ISWest, 818-735-3000 or toll-free at 877-735-1500.