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Stacey Strickland, Ozark Fiber
Work brought me here, community kept me here.
I grew up in Eldon, Missouri, a small town where I spent all thirteen years of school. My mom always said it was important to start and finish in the same place, to build something lasting. At the time, I didn’t think much of it, but now I see how deeply that shaped me. I crave real connection. I want to know people, not just pass them on the street. I want to belong somewhere.
For years, I moved slowly closer to Lebanon, first to the lake, then Sunrise Beach, and eventually found myself here for work. Ozark Fiber brought me in as their marketing manager in April of 2024. I took the job on April Fools’ Day, actually. But the joke’s been on me, because I had no idea how much I would end up loving it – not just the job, but the people, the town, the rhythm of life here.
Ozark Fiber isn’t just an internet company – we’re in the business of connection, and I get to live that out every single day. We believe being part of the community isn’t just about selling a service. It’s about showing up, giving back, and building something together. That’s why we chose to put our office downtown. That’s why we sponsor events. That’s why we don’t just provide internet, we power livestreams for parades, events, and the brand-new Ozark Fiber community studio downtown.
The studio was born from a conversation over lunch that turned into something bigger than any of us expected. What started as “How can we help with marketing?” quickly became “Here’s the key to your new space.” Now, it’s a hub for local stories, small business spotlights, and the kinds of conversations that bring people together. It’s one of the things I’m most proud of. That studio represents everything I love about Lebanon – creativity, collaboration, and people who want to make their town better.
I’ve lived a lot of places and met a lot of people. But here, in this downtown, in this community, I feel like I’ve finally found my people. It’s a strange thing to explain, but it’s real. These are people who are quirky and creative and kind, who care deeply about where they live and what they’re building. People who show up. People who make space for each other.
I never knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. I’m not sure I ever will. But I know this: I love what I do. I love being a part of something that matters. I love connecting people to each other and to something bigger. And I’m grateful every day that work brought me here, and that community is the reason I stayed.
Stacey Strickland, Ozark Fiber
