Socket Telecom announced today that co-founder John Dupuy has decided to exit the company he helped start. Dupuy and current CEO George Pfenenger began Socket—known then as Socket Internet Services—in 1994. The partners were both employed at the time at DataStorm, a Columbia-based software company that developed remote access software.
 
“I have been here at Socket for 17 years, and it has been a great run, but I have some new ideas I want to try that require my full-time attention,” stated Dupuy. “This company has been my baby for much of my life and I will miss all the employees, customers and vendors who have made Socket what it is today.”
 
Dupuy has served on Socket’s board of directors and as vice president of research and development at Socket for the last decade. He was instrumental in helping Socket evolve from being an Internet provider into a full-service telecommunications company, offering not only high-speed Internet, but also local telephone service, hosted telephone systems and fiber optic connections to both residential and business customers.
 
“John will be greatly missed here at Socket,” Pfenenger stated. “We have great memories of long nights working on new technology as we built the company from the two of us to more than 130 employees. Although we are sad to see John go, we are excited about his new ventures, and we wish him all the best. He has left us in good hands with the network and systems he has helped us build.”
 
Founded in 1994, Socket is a Missouri-based telephone and Internet service provider with the largest service area in the state. Socket is a privately held company that provides business and residential customers a choice for local and long-distance phone and Internet service. It combines the highest quality customer service with in-depth technical knowledge. Socket's network serves more than 20,000 residents and businesses in more than 400 Missouri cities, and its customers enjoy simple billing and quick, friendly service. For additional information, visit: http://www.socket.net. 
 
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