Starting a business takes courage, especially when success depends on investing in expensive equipment, finding reliable work, and navigating an unpredictable industry. For Core Tech Construction, a small business based in Waupun, Wisconsin, careful planning and a strong team have helped turn those challenges into opportunities for growth.
Launched in 2025, Core Tech Construction specializes in installing fiber-optic service lines that connect homes directly to high-speed internet infrastructure. The company works with larger construction and telecommunications companies, helping bring fiber-optic internet service to communities across the country.
In just over a year, the business grew from a five-person team to nine employees, expanded its equipment fleet, and paid off its initial business debt. Behind that progress is a combination of industry experience, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to growing at a sustainable pace.
Turning Experience Into Opportunity
Core Tech Construction is owned by Joel Schultz, Jalen Peters, and Garrett McKinnon, who bring different strengths to the business. Joel has spent about 25 years working in the fiber-optic engineering and construction industry. Over the years, he built a network of professional contacts and gained a deep understanding of how fiber-optic projects come together.
When the opportunity arose to start a company of their own, the three owners saw a way to combine that experience with the hands-on skills needed to complete the work. Joel manages the business side, including finding projects and overseeing operations, while Jalen and Garrett work in the field each day.
Hear Joel describe his perspective on being an entrepreneur.
Getting the Business Off the Ground
Before Core Tech Construction began work, the owners had important decisions to make about financing, business structure, and how to set themselves up for long-term success. That is where the Wisconsin Small Business Development Center (SBDC) played an important role. Joel worked with Tom Sonntag, an SBDC Business Consultant, from the early concept stages, through the launch, and beyond.
Tom helped the owners think through the legal, financial, and tax considerations involved in starting a business. Just as important, he provided an experienced outside perspective on their business idea. “Tom was an excellent resource in getting the business set up properly. One of the key things he did was provided validation for the idea which gave us the confidence to really do it,” Joel said.
The SBDC also connected Core Tech Construction with the Digital Marketing Clinic, where UW-Oshkosh students helped create the company’s website to give the business a professional online presence and help with recruiting.
Another strategic partnership Core Tech Construction values is with Elexco, Inc. out of Seymour, Wisconsin. Joel said, “They have been an excellent partner for us, very supportive. They gave us our first work, took a chance on us when we were brand new, and they’ve helped us along the way.”
Listen to Joel describe the benefits of working with the Small Business Development Center.
Accomplishments with SBDC:
- Legal structure
- Tax considerations
- Financial strategy
Investing in Growth While Managing Risk
Starting Core Tech Construction required a significant financial commitment. By the time the company began its first construction project, the owners had accumulated about $250,000 in debt, much of it related to equipment and startup costs. Joel said, “Horicon Bank took a chance on us as an unknown, but they liked what they saw in our business plan and our ownership structure. We really appreciate their initial lending support and their continued support.” That investment began to pay off during the company’s first year.
Rather than focusing only on immediate profits, the owners concentrated on paying down debt and building equity in the business. By the end of 2025, they had paid off their initial debt and owned their equipment outright.
Since then, the company has continued investing in tools and machinery to expand its capabilities. It now has three machines used to place cable and has recently purchased a directional drilling machine. Directional drilling allows crews to install cable underground when concrete or other obstacles make traditional excavation difficult.
Navigating the Challenges
Joel said, “Unpredictability of workload is the biggest obstacle.” Fiber-optic construction projects depend on demand for internet service. A project may initially appear to involve hundreds of homes, but the actual number of connections needed can be much smaller.
Seasonality adds another challenge. Frozen ground makes underground cable installation difficult in Wisconsin during the winter. Looking ahead, the owners are exploring opportunities to work in warmer states during the winter months. Traveling farther from home adds costs and logistical challenges, so each opportunity must make financial sense.
Growing with Purpose
Core Tech Construction has ambitious goals for the future, including expanding beyond residential service connections into larger fiber-optic infrastructure projects.
Joel’s advice to other aspiring entrepreneurs is straightforward: take the time to build a solid plan before jumping in. “Don’t skimp on the planning,” he said. “Once you have a plan you believe in, take the chance, work through the challenges, and learn along the way.”
Joel offers advice to others and shares what led to their success.
Published October 2026