In the small unincorporated community of Buna, Texas, Evergreen Technology Solutions is addressing one of the most pressing challenges facing the rural space today: access to reliable broadband.
Founded by Chief Executive Officer Tricia Jagneaux and Chief Operating Officer John Hargrove, the company is on a mission to ensure small towns enjoy the same high-speed internet as larger cities. By offering broadband services, managed IT solutions, and infrastructure support, Evergreen is trying to reshape how rural communities connect.
Rooted in Community, Driven by Purpose
For John and Tricia, Evergreen is more than just a business — it’s deeply personal. Both grew up in Buna and witnessed how limited internet access restricted rural communities’ opportunities for remote work, online education, and telehealth. When a previous employer shifted focus away from underserved areas, they decided to step up and fill the gap.
“We’re just insane enough to think we can make a difference in rural East Texas,” John said. “We weren’t done yet, and we knew we had something to contribute.”
John and Tricia started Evergreen Technology Solutions in May 2023.
“We live here, we grew up here, we have family here, and we were serving our friends. We thought, ‘We need to finish this.’ So, we started Evergreen to work together and serve the people who have our hearts — the people in rural areas who don’t get the broadband they deserve.”
— Tricia Jagneaux, Chief Executive Officer
Overcoming Challenges in Rural Connectivity
Bringing broadband to towns like Buna, Jasper, and San Augustine has been anything but easy. Larger companies dominate the market with high-budget advertising campaigns, luring customers with promises of gig-speed internet. However, many households don’t actually need such high speeds.
“People think they need a gig-speed connection because that’s what the big companies advertise,” Tricia explained. “But most households use far less than that. We help people understand what they really need so they don’t overpay for speeds they’ll never use.”
Technical obstacles also abound. Dense pine forests in East Texas often interfere with satellite signals, and outdated infrastructure adds another layer of complexity. Evergreen is trying to tackle these issues with systems specifically designed for rural areas.
"We're delivering broadband through fixed wireless and have carefully engineered our systems to meet the unique challenges of rural areas. Like any small business, we innovate and adapt to make it work — no matter what — because serving people is at the heart of what we do. While it has to make business sense and generate a profit, our primary focus is on helping people and meeting their needs. That’s what drives us every day."
— John Hargrove, Chief Operating Officer
Although adoption has been gradual, John and Tricia remain optimistic, with many towers and infrastructure pieces recently going live.
Partnering with Communities Unlimited
Faced with the challenges of scaling their broadband services, Evergreen sought external support to redefine their business model. In 2023, a mutual connection introduced them to Senior Economic Development Loan Officer Chris Ranniger from the Lending Team at Communities Unlimited (CU). Recognizing Evergreen’s potential, Chris referred John and Tricia to CU’s Entrepreneurship Team for further assistance.
Management Consultant Trent Thomason and Area Director Dale Rutherford collaborated with Evergreen to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study. In addition to leading the feasibility study, Dale provided initial financial projections and industry data and Trent identified Managed Services Provider (MSP) offerings as a viable pivot for Evergreen’s continued growth. Trent later led a second scope of service focused on implementing the MSP pivot and improving marketing.
Meanwhile, CU Broadband Team Area Director Catherine Krantz brought her expertise to the project, focusing on broadband policy, government relations, and grant opportunities. Catherine, who has been leading broadband strategy implementation for CU since November 2022, has been instrumental in developing grant proposals to promote equitable infrastructure access for disadvantaged rural communities across CU’s seven-state footprint.
“Catherine came to meet us at our office and discussed broadband and the area she covers,” Tricia shared. “She has been encouraging and helpful, always there with a phone call when we need it. Catherine keeps up with us, and she’s a great resource when we’re curious about what’s going on in the broadband world.”
The partnership became a two-way street. As Evergreen implemented CU’s recommendations to adapt their business, they also contributed insights and support to projects Catherine was leading.
“It’s a great community of people,” Tricia added.
Expanding Services Through Managed IT Solutions
Under CU’s guidance, Evergreen diversified into managed IT services, offering support for cloud computing, cybersecurity, and hardware management. This division now provides steady revenue, with 40 clients generating $25,000 to $30,000 in monthly income.
“We’re using that until we can ramp up some of the other ISP things we’re working on,” John said. “The ISP part is developing. They’re complementary to each other.”
Evergreen currently serves around 30 ISP customers and has expanded its coverage to approximately 3,000 households. Service began in December 2023, initially reaching about 300 households in Buna. Since then, the company has deployed more systems in several East Texas communities, including Pineland, Jasper, St. Augustine, and Buna. These deployments significantly increased their coverage from 400 to 3,000 households.
“We’re starting to see two to three requests for service a week now,” John said. “We’re hoping that’s going to climb as word gets out about our broadband option.”
Financial Support for Sustainable Growth
CU is advancing digital equity in rural areas through its application for the NTIA Federal Digital Equity Competitive Grant, which could fund technology services for 20 libraries and community centers. If awarded, this federal grant would enable CU to partner with Evergreen.
To prepare for this potential collaboration, CU’s Lending Team, facilitated by Ranniger and supported by the T.L.L. Temple Foundation, provided Evergreen with a working capital loan. This funding strengthens Evergreen’s cash flow and positions it for larger projects in 2025, including a possible $25,000 contract with the Texas Energy Museum and the potential $100,000 digital equity initiative with CU.
Both Tricia and John credited CU’s assistance for helping Evergreen grow.
“Trent is very precise and detailed, which I appreciate because I’m not,” Tricia said. “He points out things I haven’t thought of and keeps me on track. Chris worked hard to get our loan put together and was always there for us. We appreciate everyone’s efforts.”
John added, “Trent and Dale helped us refocus and chart a better path forward. Their guidance was extremely valuable.”
Making a Lasting Impact
Evergreen’s mission extends far beyond technology — it’s about bridging the digital divide in the rural communities they serve. By providing cost-saving IT solutions to businesses and improving digital access, Evergreen proves that innovation can thrive anywhere, not just in big cities.
“One customer told me, ‘I didn’t know people like you lived in Buna,’” Tricia said. “We told them, ‘Smart people are everywhere.’ Just because we’re in a small town doesn’t mean we can’t accomplish big things.”
As Evergreen looks to the future, their commitment to making a difference in rural East Texas is undeniable. Chris, Trent, and Catherine all see the tangible impact of Evergreen Technology Solutions’ work.
“John and Tricia were great to work with,” Ranniger said. “I could clearly see the potential and importance of what they’re doing. I’m confident they’ll continue to make a huge difference in East Texas and beyond.”
Thomason agreed, adding, “Their dedication to their community shines through in everything they do. They’re passionate about helping rural families and businesses stay connected and up-to-date with technology. Despite the challenges of working in rural areas, they consistently develop innovative and impactful solutions.”
Catherine echoed these sentiments, highlighting the deeper purpose behind Evergreen Technology Solutions.
“Evergreen Technology Solutions came out of John and Tricia’s desire to help rural libraries. They understood that under-resourced libraries needed IT help and people they could call when technology problems arose. They knew this because they were already helping their own local library. Getting connected to the internet is just the first step; having access to technology support is essential. It is a great service they are providing.”
— Catherine Krantz, Area Director of Broadband
