For ten years, the telephone answering service industry has been a little bit brighter. That’s because in 2015, Sherry and Tabetha started Great Lakes Communications, a 24-hour answering service focused on simplicity, human connection, and helping small businesses thrive.
As coworkers at a different answering service, Sherry and Tabetha saw firsthand the pros and cons experienced by operators and customers. For a decade, they spent time learning the ins and outs of the industry, from forging a strong client relationship to the environment required to help a call agent thrive. After their employer passed, they asked themselves a big question, “What if we could do better?”
Instead of hanging up on the thought (like many of us would have), they decided to go for it. Their hard work and preparation created the foundation of a call service that has helped its clients and employees grow and thrive.
“It wasn’t easy at first, like many small businesses, the struggle was real at the beginning. We had something great that we knew people needed, but growing our business took time, teamwork, and the support of our community.”
Great Lakes Communications began with a single client, a list that has grown to include clients in over 30 states representing many industries. A key to their success has been understanding the pain points of their clients when it comes to hiring answering services. High prices, hidden fees, automated answering machines, frustrated customers, and unsatisfactory service were just a few of the problems small businesses face with other call services.
Sherry and Tabetha believe in the power of the human touch when dealing with their clients and customer calls. For the customers calling their service, they understand the need to connect with a real person.
“More and more call centers are implementing overseas and automated solutions. Many businesses are looking for live, friendly, local-based options. While automation may be the way of the future, we know the human touch can’t be replaced. When you’re already dealing with a stressful situation, no one wants to argue with a machine. We want to be that calm, kind voice on the other end of the line who can answer a customer’s needs and leave them better than we found them.”
For the clients, their goal is to keep things simple and affordable.
“An answering service often isn’t in the budget for small businesses and entrepreneurs, but it is very needed. The stressful choice of taking calls at all hours versus missing calls is one many small business owners are forced to make—we want to be the solution for them. We’ve made it a point to keep our pricing not only affordable but also transparent and consistent. Most fees charged by other companies are just part of the services we provide here at Great Lakes Communications.”
Sherry and Tabetha’s services have been life-changing for many of their clients, who have often shared that they wished they had switched services sooner. The time, money saved, and relief provided by Great Lakes Communications have freed their clients to focus on what they do best—run their business.
“We’ve been where so many other small business owners are, our struggle was real in the beginning, but we found amazing people to support us like our accountant, banker, IT people, and marketing team. Matching their expertise and services with ours has made our business what it is today.”
Ten years into running Great Lakes Communications, Sherry and Tabetha are excited to provide the same support and encouragement to their clients.
“Our business is all about helping other businesses be successful. We love watching our clients grow and build their dreams. When someone can really focus on what they enjoy because you’ve taken some of the burden off, it’s just the best feeling!”
As they embark on the next ten years of business, Great Lakes Communications is looking to expand and grow.
“We love our job, and we never have a boring day! We are dreaming of expanding our business and client base and growing our team with people who are happy to come to work and passionate about their job. We also look forward to getting more involved in our community.”
Sherry and Tabetha’s goals for Great Lakes Communications have remained the same since they started ten years ago: keep it simple, bring the human touch, and help everyone thrive together.
“Some people think starting or using an answering service will be a hassle, complicated, or overly expensive. Not here! Keeping it simple is what we do. We love talking to people and finding out how we can help them. We’re always happy to chat with someone looking to grow their business. For less than you’d think, we can provide 24/7 phone support to ensure calls don’t go unanswered. Call us today, it’s kinda our thing!”
With all of this to consider, it really seems like a no-brainer, doesn’t it? Great Lakes Communications has over 20 years of answering service experience. No matter the day or time, your calls will be answered by a live, experienced agent located in the USA. We will work with you to customize your experience with us; answering the way you would like and gathering the information that you need. Visit our services and contact us to see if we are the right fit for your business.