Quality Connections for over a Quarter-Century: How Northland Has Built a Legacy on Creating Long-Lasting Business Partnerships

Quality Connections | By Northland Communications Team

In 1998 Northland launched a testimonial campaign to give the community insight into what the company offered, who benefitted from the company’s services, and how the company fostered long-lasting partnerships through telecom. Fast forward to today, over a quarter-century later, those same customers are still trusting Northland Communications to help power their businesses. 

“We look to have a relationship for 20+ years with customers, so that forces us to think differently. It forces us to think; ‘what do we need to do to earn the trust so that our customers want to be with us that long. So, we have to make decisions that are in the best interest of not only Northland, but our customers as well. We’re always putting the customer first,” said Jim McCarthy, President, Northland Communications.

Northland recently connected with FX Matt Brewing, Gilroy Kernan & Gilroy, Mohawk Valley Health System, and Sentinel Media Company to take a look back at the original campaign and reflect on how Northland continues to support them, even as their businesses have grown and changed drastically throughout the past 25 years.


Last Call: FX Matt Brewing

For over 40 years, Northland Communications has been trusted to create the quality connections that FX Matt Brewing needs to serve up their brews.

While the original testimonial campaign is 25 years old, as one of Northland’s first customers FX Matt Brewing has been relying on Northland Communications for over forty years. This partnership has fostered trust and understanding since the early 1980’s. FX Matt Brewing has grown and expanded drastically, and while the telecommunications industry has also changed significantly, Northland has continued to provide reliable services and a strong foundation the entire time.

THEN

“As the popularity of Saranac grows, so does the need for reliable communications. Northland has been with us through the expansion of Saranac throughout the country, proving that great telecom products are their specialty. And if trouble brews, they respond in an instant. Working with Northland is refreshing.”

-Nick Matt, President | Matt’s Brewing Co.

FX Matt Brewing’s continued patronage speaks volumes about the value they receive, and how the enduring partnership is a testament to the quality and reliability of Northland’s services. This long-standing quality connection stands as a unique example of how collaboration between seemingly disparate industries can foster innovation and mutual success.

NOW

“We’ve been with Northland for over 25 years and the span of our partnership is a testament to Northland’s dedication to customer satisfaction and success. Their emphasis on understanding and meeting our specific needs has made Northland not just a service provider but an invaluable partner. Northland is very customer focused.”

-Fred Matt, President | FX Matt Brewing 

Over 40 years ago, FX Matt Brewing made a business decision that’s kept them clinking glasses ever since: choosing Northland Communications as their one and only telecom provider. It was a “last call” on the competition, and they haven’t looked back since.

This wasn’t just about phone lines and internet connections. This was about trust, reliability, and a shared vision for growth. It’s a testament to the power of a strong partnership that has weathered market shifts and technological revolutions. Both FX Matt Brewing and Northland Communications have seen their fair share of trends come and go, but their commitment to their business partnership has remained constant. And Northland has remained true to its roots of providing exceptional service.

So, raise a glass to this unique partnership. Here’s to many more years of shared success, proving that sometimes, the best business decisions are the ones that stand the test of time.


Premium Coverage: Gilroy Kernan & Gilroy

For over four decades, Northland Communications has been trusted to create the quality connections that Gilroy Kernan & Gilroy needs to insure their clients. 

Gilroy, Kernan & Gilroy was one of Northland Communications’ first customers, and they have trusted Northland as their telecom partner since. This longstanding relationship is a testament to Northland’s deep understanding of Gilroy, Kernan & Gilroy’s ever-evolving needs. As the insurance landscape has transformed, Northland has consistently provided reliable technology and unwavering support, helping to ensure that their clients are always protected.

THEN

“We’re a trusted name in local insurance because we’re accessible to our customers. Reliable communications is vital. That’s why we use Northland. They deliver premium services at very competitive prices. And their honest, responsive approach to customer service pays great dividends. Northland is one sound insurance policy.”

-Larry Gilroy, President | Gilroy Kernan & Gilroy

Northland’s dedication mirrors Gilroy, Kernan & Gilroy’s commitment to safeguarding their clients, making them a true partner in every sense.

NOW

“We stay because of the team we trust. Customer service and customer interests are clearly Northland’s priority. We know we can count on Northland for service, advice, and guidance. When it comes to communications, we cannot afford not to be with the best and you have been that for us. Northland’s values have never changed.”

-Larry Gilroy, President, and Tom Gilroy, Strategic Business Advisor | Gilroy Kernan & Gilroy

Gilroy, Kernan & Gilroy’s loyalty speaks volumes about the value they receive from Northland Communications. Their partnership solidifies their reputation for exceptional service and adaptability.

Since becoming one of Northland’s first clients over 40 years ago, Gilroy, Kernan & Gilroy has witnessed Northland’s commitment to innovation firsthand. Northland has helped navigate industry shifts and technological advancements with confidence, always keeping their clients’ security at the forefront.

But this isn’t just another chapter in the story of successful business partnerships. This is a testament to building a fortress of security together. We’re excited for many more years of shared success, where Northland Communications continues to be the bedrock of peace of mind. After all, some decisions, like choosing the right partner, are worth holding onto for a lifetime.


Every Call is Critical: Mohawk Valley Health System

For over 40 years, Northland Communications has been trusted to create the quality connections that MVHS needs to care for our community. 

Mohawk Valley Health System has entrusted Northland Communications with the critical task of connecting their patients, providers, and facilities for decades. As MVHS has grown from two separate hospital organizations, into a single comprehensive healthcare system, Northland has been there every step of the way, adapting and innovating alongside them.

THEN

“Our communications systems like our healthcare systems need to be top notch. For years Northland has played a critical part in the planning of our telecom needs. They’ve equipped us with long distance, internet, and paging products that are conveniently all on one monthly bill. Working with Northland has proven painless.”

-Andy Peterson, President | St. Luke’s Memorial

THEN

“Hospitals need reliable communications almost as much as they need a well-trained staff. Should our network go down, it could mean life or death. That’s why we rely on Northland’s fiber network. They handle our long distance, data, internet access & paging with great precision. Northland allows us to fulfill our calling.”

-Sister Rose Vincent, President | St. Elizabeth Medical

Northland’s deep-rooted commitment to reliability and performance has been instrumental in ensuring seamless communication across the MVHS network, enabling them to deliver the highest quality care to the Mohawk Valley community. This longstanding collaboration transcends mere connectivity; it exemplifies how shared values and a commitment to progress can foster mutual success.

NOW

“With increasing demand for top-of-the-line technology in healthcare, it’s more important than ever for our facilities and colleagues to have a seamless network that connects humans to information. Our ability to ensure patient care and safety is made fluid by the reliable services and support of Northland. Northland customer service is top notch.”

-Darlene Stromstad, President & CEO | MVHS

MVHS continues to choose Northland for telecom after all these years because of their unwavering confidence in Northland’s services and support.

It hasn’t just been about phone lines, internet, and unified communications; it has been about building a foundation that can withstand the ever-changing healthcare landscape. Through market shifts and technological revolutions, both MVHS and Northland have remained true to their core values, ensuring that the partnership continues to thrive.

So, let’s extend a hand of gratitude to the partnership that is Northland and MVHS. Here’s to many more years of collaboration, ensuring the health and well-being of our community for generations to come.


Special Coverage: Sentinel Media Company

For over four decades, Northland Communications has been trusted to create the quality connections that Sentinel Media Company needs to inform our community. 

Sentinel Media Company has been faithfully relying on Northland Communications for decades. This longstanding partnership is a testament to the understanding that Northland has of Sentinel Media Company’s needs as they continue to grow. Amidst significant changes in the news and media landscape over the past quarter-century, Northland has consistently reliable technology and strong customer support, serving as a steadfast partner with every turn of the page.

THEN

“We’ve made a commitment to keep our community connected to important information. Working with Northland makes it easy for us to accomplish this. They respond in a flash, and their support team gives us headlines instead of dead lines. Their communications package earns a glowing report. Northland really knows the story.” 

-Steven Waters, Vice President | The Daily Sentinel

Sentinel Media Company’s loyalty speaks volumes about the value they receive from Northland Communications, solidifying their partnership as a testament to the capability of their services.

NOW

“In a company you are always striving for growth and innovation. However, when the key features of Northland are locally owned with amazing customer service, those are characteristics you hope to uphold. Northland has done an amazing job at innovating but not forgetting their roots. Northland is one hell of a company to partner with.”

-Bradley Waters, President | Sentinel Media Company

For over 40 years, Sentinel Media Company has been writing headlines, both in print and online, with the reliable support of Northland Communications as their sole telecom provider. It was a clear scoop on the competition, and they haven’t looked back since.

This wasn’t just about staying connected, but about building a shared vision for growth. Their partnership stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, enduring market shifts and technological transformations. Sentinel Media Company and Northland Communications have seen trends come and go, but their commitment to their partnership has remained unwavering. And Northland has consistently delivered exceptional service, proving, once again, its dedication to its roots.

So, let’s turn the page on this incredible partnership, celebrating many more years of shared success. It’s a story worth telling, proving that sometimes, the best business decisions are the ones that stand the test of time.


Northland Communications has been providing telecommunications services since 1905.

“As I look back on the original testimonial campaign, I’m very grateful for the customers we have had. Not only the customers who participated in the original campaign but all the customers who have been with us for so many years. It’s a privilege and an honor to provide your telecommunication services and to be a critical aspect of your business. Although we look for long-term relationships, we know we get those by winning your trust on a day-to-day basis. That’s something we can never take for granted. We have to keep working hard each and every day and make sure we are your choice. Not because we’re the local choice or there’s a relationship; we are your communications provider because we are absolutely the best provider out there. We win your business, day in and day out, by being the absolute best we possibly can,” said Jim McCarthy, President, Northland Communications.

MVCC | Northland Customer for 40+ Years

Utica First Insurance | Northland Customer for 40+ Years

Gaffney Communications | Now Part of Northland Communications

Utica National Insurance | Northland Customer for 40+ Years

St. Luke’s Memorial (Now MVHS) | Northland Customer for 40+ Years

St. Elizabeth Medical Center (Now MVHS) | Northland Customer for 40+ Years

Sentinel Media Company | Northland Customer for 40+ Years

Gilroy, Kernan & Gilroy | Northland Customer for 40+ Years

FX Matt Brewing | Northland Customer for 40+ Years


Northland Communications is a third-generation family owned and operated business dedicated to creating quality connections between businesses and their customers. Northland offers businesses a total communication solution backed by top-rated customer service. Over 4500 customers choose Northland Communications to help power their business.

Talk with one of our experts to learn more about how we are the total solution that’s trusted in telecom.