INTERVIEW | The Heart of the Hustle: Meet Christopher Spitler & Llama Networks

Meet Christopher Spitler: Connectivity in Any Environment

mrcantile: Christopher, it's great to have you here. Can you tell us about Llama Networks and what inspired you to start your own business?

Christopher: Llama Networks focuses on connecting people and things in difficult scenarios, like rural and off-grid environments. The journey began when my wife's best friend was over for dinner and complained about the high cost of a venue's Wi-Fi for an event. I casually mentioned I could solve her problem. I built a prototype LlamaBox and sent her home with it. That's how Llama Networks kicked off.

mrcantile: That's an incredible start! What's your favorite thing about running Llama Networks, and what's your least favorite?

Christopher: My favorite thing is providing people with connectivity they thought wasn't possible. The worst part is when clients don't let me guide them away from bad purchases or subpar builds. I only want to build quality, resilient solutions.

mrcantile: It must be fulfilling to bridge the digital divide. What was your first job, and how did it shape your career path?

Christopher: I started walking dogs and delivering newspapers when I was young. My first real job was as a tech at Best Buy before Geek Squad existed. Working there, fixing everything from record players to old TVs, gave me a solid technical foundation and customer service experience.

mrcantile: Your journey is truly entrepreneurial. How did you market Llama Networks when you first started?

Christopher: Primarily through word of mouth. I don't do much advertising. Most clients find us through referrals, which is great for steady, manageable growth.

mrcantile: Speaking of growth, what's been your proudest accomplishment as a business owner?

Christopher: Providing backup connectivity for Whizzerville Hall, a small restaurant near my farm. They often face DSL issues, and it felt great when I got an alert about their DSL being down and they didn't even notice because our system kept them online.

mrcantile: That's a real impact! What motivates you to keep going every day?

Christopher: In 2024, internet access is a human right. Connecting people to their communities and resources is crucial. Many places still lack reasonable access, and I want to be there to provide reliable connectivity options.

mrcantile: That's a powerful mission. How do you implement your values in your business?

Christopher: By being transparent and prioritizing quality. We tell clients when something won't work for them, even if it means they don't buy from us. Building trust and delivering the best solutions is more important than making a quick sale.

mrcantile: Absolutely, integrity is key. Where do you see Llama Networks in five years?

Christopher: I hope we'll be busy hiring, and providing comprehensive infrastructure and connectivity services to both small businesses and large enterprises.

mrcantile: What advice would you give to other aspiring entrepreneurs?

Christopher: Surround yourself with good people you can train and trust. Transparency and honesty with clients and vendors are crucial. Also, seek advice from more experienced people to avoid learning everything the hard way.

mrcantile: Great advice! Lastly, how will you be supporting small businesses this month?

Christopher: I try to support small businesses every month. Whether it's eating local, buying from local stores, or hiring local contractors, keeping money within the community is essential. Even big chains often have local owners, so supporting them helps, too.

mrcantile: Christopher, thanks for sharing your story and insights. It's inspiring to see your dedication to providing connectivity and supporting the community.

Christopher: Thank you! It's been a pleasure sharing my journey with mrcantile and celebrating the hustle of small businesses.

Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from independent business owners as we celebrate Small Business Month with mrcantile's "Heart of the Hustle" series.