The Challenges
When Kingdom Fiber, a rural co-op in central Missouri, decided to expand broadband service beyond its legacy customer base, they faced a host of unknowns. Unlike their established service area, the new territory presented fresh logistical and operational challenges: unfamiliar municipal processes, new customer demographics, and the prioritization of efficiency and quality.
The biggest challenge wasn’t just logistical, it was strategic. The shift in mindset from local-only build to broader infrastructure expansion meant Kingdom Fiber needed a partner who could do more than just construct fiber. They needed someone who could plan, manage, and deliver a complete utility solution.
That’s why they turned to Sellenriek Construction, their long-time partner and expert in full-scope fiber deployment. This turnkey project would include not only engineering, construction, and installation, but also city engagement, permitting, resident coordination, and long-term maintenance.
Permitting was one of the major hurdles. Railroad crossings, common in small Missouri towns, can require extensive lead time, and city officials were cautious, needing assurance that disruptions would be managed and residents respected. The team also faced unexpected field conditions, including rocky soil that forced rapid replanning and rerouting.
The Process
Sellenriek’s turnkey model starts where many contractors stop, months before any construction begins. The team led with a detailed feasibility study, evaluating the area’s serviceable homes, projected take rate, cost per foot, and return on investment. The results helped Kingdom Fiber make informed decisions from the outset.
From there, the Sellenriek team executed every phase of the build:
- City Coordination: Sellenriek joined Kingdom Fiber in meetings with municipal officials to secure approvals and align on expectations.
- Field Engineering: Utility source teams and engineers identified priority areas, helped structure permit packages, and scheduled phases for maximum efficiency.
Construction followed a carefully sequenced plan:
- Directional drilling and vacuum excavation were used throughout the urban build, minimizing surface disruption.
- Fiber jetting equipment was employed to blow fiber through pre-laid conduit, maintaining speed and precision.
- Rocky terrain, though unexpected, was addressed by temporarily shifting crews to other areas while specialized equipment was mobilized, preventing project delays.
Once conduit was laid and fiber blown, splicing and light testing followed to ensure system integrity. After verification, Sellenriek Construction placed drops to individual homes, coordinating directly with residents to flag routes, discuss entry points, and ensure a smooth installation experience.
Crucially, the Sellenriek team maintained clear communication throughout the whole project. City inspections were coordinated proactively to speed up permit closures, and self-QC methods ensured restoration and seeding met all local standards. Even post-installation, Sellenriek continues to support the infrastructure, handling utility locating, emergency call-outs, and maintenance.
The Results
Kingdom Fiber’s expansion was more than successful, it was transformational. With Sellenrieks turnkey model, Kingdom Fiber gained more than a completed fiber network, they gained a strategic partner who handled the entire process end-to-end.
The project delivered:
- A fully operational fiber-to-the-home system
- Satisfied new customers and city officials
- Long-term reliability through smart infrastructure planning
- Continued maintenance and emergency support from the Sellenriek team
As Andy Christine, Director of Operations at Sellenriek Construction, puts it:
“We don’t want to be part of a project unless it’s successful.”
That mindset shaped every phase of this build, from feasibility to follow-through.
Sellenriek’s continued work with Kingdom Fiber is a testament to the trust they’ve built over decades. And as utility providers across the Midwest look for partners who can handle complexity with clarity, Sellenriek’s turnkey utility model stands out for its transparency, reliability, and results.
