Amherst Communications transitions to 100% employee ownership through ESOP

After serving the central Wisconsin area for more than 120 years, Amherst Communications recently announced its transition to 100% employee ownership through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).

Founded in 1903, Amherst Communications, until recently known as the Amherst Telephone Company, has long been family-owned and deeply rooted in the communities it serves, delivering high-speed internet, phone, and TV services to homes and businesses across Portage, Adams, Waushara, and western Waupaca Counties. Through decades of change, its founding principles have guided every generation of the Iverson, Bohman, and Danielson families. Recognizing the importance of preserving that legacy, the owners recently began developing a succession plan designed to support long-term stability and local stewardship.

After much consideration, an ESOP emerged as the ideal solution. It preserves everything that makes Amherst Communications what it has always been, gives the employees a meaningful stake in its success, and ensures that local homes and businesses throughout the region continue to receive the reliable, high-quality service that enables them to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

Amherst Communications CEO Ray Tetzloff said, “We’ve all seen what happens when local companies get bought out. Decisions start coming from people who don’t live here, who don’t know the community, who don’t understand what matters to our customers. Being 100% employee owned means more than paperwork or stock. We take pride not just in doing our jobs, but in knowing we own the outcome.”

The transition to an ESOP is currently pending Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approval. While the review timeline is not exact, the goal is to finalize the transaction by the end of the year. Tetzloff said he was confident that there are no issues that would prevent FCC approval.

With this change, customers can expect the same friendly, reliable service they’ve come to know and trust from Amherst Communications. “We want everyone to know that this isn’t the end of Amherst Telephone Company’s story, it’s the start of an exciting next chapter,” said Tetzloff.

The company was also named the 2025 Business of the Year by the Community Spirit.