# Kristin Johnson

> Kristin Johnson is the co-founder and CEO of Hotwire Communications, a US fiber-optic telecommunications provider. A former restaurant owner and chef, she leads the company’s growth and operations and chairs its Empowering Communities Foundation, which works to expand broadband access.

- **Role:** Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Hotwire Communications
- **Organizations:** Hotwire Communications, Empowering Communities Foundation, Urban League of Broward County, Broward Workshop, Young Presidents’ Organization
- **Education:** Bachelor of Arts, Lawrence University
- **Known for:** Co-founded and leads a fiber telecommunications business serving US residential communities and businesses., 2020 inductee, Nova Southeastern University Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame., 2020 South Florida Business Journal Ultimate CEO honoree.

## Career timeline

- **Before Hotwire** — Worked as a chef, owned restaurants and operated a catering business.
- **2002** — Hotwire’s current history dates its operating foundation to 2002; Johnson is its co-founder and CEO.
- **2012** — Hotwire acquired Connexion Technologies.
- **2016** — Hotwire relocated its corporate headquarters to Fort Lauderdale.
- **2020** — Founded Empowering Communities Foundation and entered NSU’s entrepreneurship hall of fame.
- **2021** — Blackstone announced an investment alongside the founders; Johnson was named an EY Florida award finalist.
- **2025** — Brookfield Infrastructure agreed to acquire Blackstone’s stake in Hotwire.
- **2026** — Included in the Cablefax 100.

## Achievements

- Co-founded and leads a fiber telecommunications business serving US residential communities and businesses.
- 2020 inductee, Nova Southeastern University Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame.
- 2020 South Florida Business Journal Ultimate CEO honoree.
- 2021 EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Florida finalist.
- Cablefax 100 honoree, including 2026.
- Founded the Empowering Communities Foundation in 2020.

## Latest updates

- **—** — Listed as a 2026 Cablefax 100 honoree; the award page ranks her at 83.
- **2025-06** — Welcomed Brookfield Infrastructure’s announced investment and agreement to acquire Blackstone’s stake alongside management.

## Links

- Website: https://hotwirecommunications.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-johnsonhw2002

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/kristin-johnson
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-21