Kim Kobow: Navigating the Digital Frontier with Surfnet
In late summer 2016, Kim Kobow purchased a property on Paradise Road in Salinas, which came with a unique perk—a working relationship with MesquiteNet, a small, local broadband internet service provider serving the valley. At that time, MesquiteNet had around 40 loyal customers, and Kim was one of them.
A year later, Kim learned that MesquiteNet’s founder, Rob, was selling the business to Surfnet. What caught Kim’s attention was the promise of no changes—a new owner with the same homegrown attitude that Rob had displayed. With this assurance, Kim decided to continue with Surfnet.
Over the next few years, the existing broadband continued to function well, but Surfnet’s new fiber internet started to pique Kim’s interest. After doing his due diligence, he decided to switch in the spring of 2023. Since the installation, Surfnet’s fiber service has exceeded his expectations.
“The speed and reliability of this system have us totally spoiled,” said Kim. “Our area is known to be fogged in all day long with no effect on the fiber optic system and no deviation in speed no matter the time of day.”
Kim said he is much happier with fiber versus broadband, and he’d happily tell folks to make the switch. “My suggestion to anybody utilizing another mode of the internet is this: I do not think that there is a better program available other than Sufrnet fiber.” Kim boasted.
He relies on fiber internet for day-to-day communications with the community, friends, and family. This year, there was only one minor hiccup of interrupted service, lasting a couple of hours due to a power outage.
Kim praises Surfnet for its reliable service and for being a local company deeply rooted in the Monterey Bay area. Their commitment to customers and the community aligns with Kim’s values, especially in the context of the California Advanced Service Fund. He strongly believes in advancing the infrastructure of the state and the nation, seeing it as crucial for education, healthcare, and connectivity for all. Supporting smaller, homegrown operations like Surfnet that contribute to expanding fiber communication is a cause Kim wholeheartedly endorses. In his words, “It’s about sharing wisdom with all our brothers and sisters in the digital age.”
Below is a little bit of history on the intriguing life of Kim Kobow.
About Kim Kobow Kim Kobow’s life has been a captivating 72-year journey, filled with unique experiences, career transitions, and unwavering dedication to his passions. Born in Arcata, California, in 1951 to a family in the logging industry, the transportation world would eventually shape his path.
A Shift in Vocation and Location As his family gradually moved down the picturesque Pacific Coast, Kim’s father transitioned from owning logging trucks to owning a commercial fishing vessel in the early to mid-1950s. This shift in vocation and location led the Kobow family from Bodega Bay to North Monterey County in 1956. This change paved the way for a life rich in diversity.
Rural Life and Passion for Animals Settling into a rural lifestyle, Kim and his siblings were introduced to agriculture and animal husbandry. They raised Hereford Cattle and Quarter Horses, igniting Kim’s passion for animals and his dream of becoming a veterinarian. His high school years were dedicated to college preparatory courses with a focus on biological science, math, and science.
Involvement in the Equine World Beyond school, Kim immersed himself in showing horses and became an active member of the local 4-H Club. However, his journey took an unexpected turn when he decided to pursue a career as a professional farrier instead of continuing with college. Kim’s equine career included training and showing horses up and down the West Coast. In a notable chapter of his life, Kim worked as a cowboy for HP San Felipe Ranch, managing 32,000 acres of Hereford Cattle and Quarter Horses for the ranch’s owners, Bill Hewlett and David Packard.
Transition to the Transportation Industry In 1976, Kim made a significant career transition, leaving behind the equine world to follow in his father’s footsteps in the transportation industry. For 19 years, he led Kim Kobow Trucking, a company that served five Western States in refrigerated produce transportation. His entrepreneurial spirit allowed the company to thrive before he successfully closed it down in June 1995.
Return to Equine Passion and Clinical Farriery As the 20th century drew to a close, Kim worked as a truck broker, managing logistical needs in the floral industry. However, the new century brought a profound shift in his journey. Kim rekindled his passion for farriery, specializing in “clinical farriery” and tending to horses with lameness issues. This marked a return to his equine roots and a testament to his unwavering commitment to his passions.
Transitioning Towards a More Relaxed Pace In mid-2020, Kim began transitioning towards a slower pace, although he didn’t necessarily retire. He became more selective about the caseloads he accepted, reflecting on a lifetime filled with diverse experiences and a dedication to his chosen crafts.
A Self-Employed Journey Kim’s identity is deeply rooted in self-employment, with only brief stints at conventional employment during his early years. This entrepreneurial spirit has shaped his path and allowed him to explore various passions and professions throughout his life. His journey is a testament to the richness of life’s experiences and the resilience that comes with pursuing one’s passions, regardless of the path taken.
By Aracelly Bibl