Living Local with Amanda Ivey

Special Guest: Amanda Ivey, Brand Ambassador and Account Executive with OptimumEd sits down with Amanda Ivey from Optimum for a conversation that’s equal parts helpful, local, and surprisingly fun for a topic like internet and phone service. Amanda explains her role as Optimum’s brand ambassador and account executive, basically the hometown person you can actually reach when you need help with internet, TV, mobile, or home phone. With nearly a decade in telecom, she’s not just handing out brochures, she can troubleshoot, guide customers through options, and even meet people where they’re at, including helping seniors who don’t want to fight through a call center.Amanda shares what Optimum looks like in the community: tents at local festivals, chamber ribbon cuttings, giveaways at events like the Apple Festival and Garden Jubilee, and lots of face time with residents. She talks about the fan-favorite swag (chargers win, every time) and how those conversations open the door to explaining Optimum’s service options, including flexible internet speeds, streaming-friendly plans, and mobile pricing that can seriously cut down a typical phone bill.Ed and Amanda also touch on how Optimum responded after the hurricane. Amanda describes boots-on-the-ground support, charging stations, and Wi-Fi setups for the public when people were without power and service, plus the larger rebuilding work still happening in areas where lines and equipment were heavily damaged.The episode wraps with a few local favorites and fun rapid-fire topics: Amanda’s go-to restaurants include Dandelions (she says the shrimp and grits are the best anywhere), Mezzaluna, and Shine. For things to do, she points visitors to the Ecusta Trail and DuPont for hiking and waterfalls. And when roundabouts come up, she’s cautiously in favor, as long as everyone else remembers it’s not a four-way stop.Before signing off, Amanda shares the big takeaway: if you’re in the area and want Optimum service or support, you can skip the call center and reach her directly by call or text at 828-606-7598.