Fletcher Kittredge

1984-1993: Bolt Beranek and Newman (BBN)

Joined the team that developed the first deployment of Internet Protocols (IPv4)—the original Internet. Started as Source Code Analyst, immediately became Unix system administrator for the department, then advanced to C programming. The first IP rollout to ARPAnet was in 1983, the year before joining BBN. In 1988, transferred to the Software Products division.

1993-1994: Fidelity Investments Consultant

Specialized in distributed object-oriented systems and early interactive web development as the Internet gained popularity.

1994-2024: Founder & CEO, GWI (30 Years)

Founded Biddeford Internet Corporation (d/b/a GWI) as Maine's first local Internet Service Provider with $44,000 initial capital. Led the company through five major business transformations, each equivalent to a bootstrap start-up executed with existing resources:

• The Start-up (1994-1998): Dial-up Internet services in southern Maine, word-of-mouth marketing
• The Hockey Stick: Rapid Growth (1998-2004): Statewide expansion, cable broadband and early DSL adoption, broadcast TV and print advertising
• Regulated Utility: The Phone Company (2004-2011): DSL via Class 5 Phone Switch, expansion to southern New Hampshire
• Business Fiber Provider: The Three Ring Binder (2011-2020): Fiber connections via leased/built dark fiber, hosted PBX, dedicated business sales force
• Infrastructure Builder and Operator (2020-Today): Fiber construction across Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont