S P R I N G 2 0 2 3 5 BUSINESS solutions Luster said, “We’ve created a cozy, homey space inside for families to eat breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a tasty snack. We even offer board games for customers to play during meals. It’s been a huge hit.” To provide excellent customer service, Route 66 Creamery currently has 17 employees, but that number will grow to more than 20 by summer. Internet and voice services from Madison Communications help to keep everyone connected and working efficiently. “We use several web-based systems and depend on reliable communication services. We’ve been extremely pleased to not experience any issues with our internet or voice services. We appreciate that Madison Communications consistently delivers top-notch solutions so we can run a smooth business with no interruptions,” Luster said. Giving Back to the Community Since Route 66 Creamery is a local Hamel business, we asked Luster what the Hamel community means to her. She replied, “My family is from the area. My grandfather worked for the Cassens family in Hamel, and both my grandfather and grandmother lived in Hamel at one time. My great-grandparents lived in and around Hamel and are buried in Hamel at the Lutheran Cemetery. I know they would be extremely proud of what Rob and I have built at Route 66 Creamery.” The couple loves to give back to the community. Luster said, “We’ve held fundraisers and events for local civic organizations including the Fire Department, Partners for Pets, and local vendor markets. Our goal is to keep things local and help those in our area.” She added, “Rob and I are proud of offering a family-friendly space to the Hamel community and surrounding areas. We also love to welcome visitors traveling on Route 66 from all over the world. This year, we’re hosting an outdoor concert series to support local youth bands. Last year, we partnered with Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau and were granted a Route 66 sign that beautifully adorns the south side of our building. We have lots more planned for the future, so stayed tuned!” Who’s Minding Your Business? Dennis Russell Plant Superintendent Dennis Russell joinedMadisonCommunications in 2002. As Plant Superintendent, he manages nine broadband technicians on tasks including locating underground cables and installing telephone, cable TV, and internet services. He’s also responsible for the overall maintenance and troubleshooting of all plants. Russell said, “Madison Communications technicians are some of the best in the industry. We’ve won first place for the past 10 years in our Regional Cable-Tec Games. Recently we upgraded our cable plant to cutting-edge technology, enabling us to provide next-level service. This involved a three-month cutover process that my team and our leadership worked many sleepless nights to accomplish.” Outside of work, Russell serves on the SCTE Gateway Chapter Board of Directors. He and his wife Brittany have two children, both black belts in Krav Maga. “Our daughter Mary is 16 and is a kickboxer training with Team USA. Our son Gavin is 13 and enjoys playing tennis and video games. My time away fromMadison Communications is spent supporting them in the things that they love to do,” he said. We appreciate that Madison Communications consistently delivers top-notch solutions so we can run a smooth business with no interruptions.” — KAREN LUSTER, OWNER, ROUTE 66 CREAMERY
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