In today’s world of high customer expectations and 24/7 service demands, selecting the right after-hours answering service is a critical business choice. While automation and AI are on the rise, evidence indicates a strong customer preference (75%, according to a recent Five9 study) for speaking with a live human.
This core human connection is at the heart of what sets Great Lakes Communications apart.
Meet Sherry Langdeau and Tabetha Alvarado: The Heart of GLC
Talking to humans is something Great Lakes Communications owners Sherry Langdeau and Tabetha Alvarado have over 25 years of experience in; first working in call centers, and then owning one. For a decade, they have helped small businesses, medical offices, and service providers deliver reliable, live customer support through 24-hour answering services and personalized call handling. But starting a call answering business was definitely not what they originally had in mind.
“24 years ago, I was selling perfume on the streets and looking for something more stable, and indoors!” Says Alvarado, who didn’t even know what an answering service was but responded to an ad in the paper for a phone operator. After some persuasion, Langdeau ‘begrudgingly’ hired her. The rest, as they say, is history. Alvarado loved her new job from the start. “There’s never a boring day. Every call is ‘the same but different’. You get to enjoy helping not only the caller but the business you’re answering for.”
“My journey to GLC started 28 years ago.” Says Langdeau. “I was a stay-at-home wife and mother of 3 and desperately needed ‘adult interaction.’ I was referred to apply at an answering service by a friend and was hooked from the start. I loved the feeling of financially contributing to the household, but even more than that, I loved taking the calls and seeing what surprises each day would bring.”
From Call Center Operators to Business Owners
Langdeau threw herself into learning every aspect of the business, quickly working her way up from telephone operator to office manager, where she met Alvarado. The ‘begrudging’ hire quickly became her best friend, and in time, the two decided to launch their own telephone answering service, one that maintained the human connection that excellent customer service is built on.
“Our goal is not to just build a business and have as many clients as possible. It is our mission to make connections with our clients and to be true partners to their businesses. We never want a customer to dread having to call the answering service. We make it a point to be available and responsive and let our clients know that we are in this together.”
The results speak for themselves. Great Lakes Communications has helped business owners in healthcare and medical offices, property management, HVAC services, construction, and many other industries.
“We’ve become two unstoppable women taking the answering service industry by storm, and we know every time we do well, our clients do well also,” Langdeau says. “And that philosophy is why they’ve trusted us with their business.”
Why Human Connection Still Matters in an AI-Driven World
Trust is a major factor in the answering service industry, and as more call answering service companies have begun to incorporate AI into their services, Great Lakes Communications is leaning into what has always set them apart: their humanity.
“We ask ourselves all the time, who wants to talk to a machine during a crisis? AI can take your information, but it doesn’t have the same ability as humans to make the connection that gives callers a sense of peace.”
The human need for empathy and shared experience is what keeps Great Lakes Communication thriving and growing in an AI-driven world.
“We handle every situation using the human touch with compassion and, when needed, humor. We’ve got you, and that’s what we leave our callers with.”
The Client Challenges GLC Solves Every Day
The need for every business to employ some sort of after-hours call service has increased, with customers in 2026 expecting 24/7 access, and this has left many business owners short-staffed, overworked, and looking for virtual receptionist options.
“We’ve talked to so many business owners who are having trouble finding reliable people who actually want to work well for them, and on top of that, they are facing the 24/7 culture where they are expected to always be available.”
Langdeau and Alvarado offer a solution to both problems: 24/7 coverage for a fraction of what it would cost to hire a full-time employee, giving 40 hours per week of coverage.
Real Stories from the Front Lines
The customers have their own frustrations.
“So many callers express frustration at the inability to speak with an actual person. Frequently, our callers will say they’ve called x-number of other businesses, and we’re the first person to answer.”
Voicemail inboxes and useless answering machines have left many customers discouraged, but Langdeau and Alvarado have created the perfect bridge between client and customer needs, making sure both parties are heard and represented well. Stories and positive testimonials have stacked up over the years, showing that their unique and personalized approach has been felt and appreciated.
“We’ve had to use some out-of-the-box thinking sometimes, but it always pays off beautifully. Years ago, we got a call from a panicked business owner who needed service set up ASAP, on a Friday. Several other companies had already told him that same day, Friday set up wasn’t an option. We had him set up and ready to go in a few hours. 7 locations and another new business later, this client is still amazed at how fast we can acclimate to their needs, and we enjoy delivering for them every time.”
It’s not just businesses that are thriving with Langdeau and Alvarado’s services.
“We had a caller who needed help getting their pool cover to open minutes before 25 children were to arrive for a party on a Sunday. The stress was real! After handling so many calls for our client, we were familiar with their business and equipment, and we were able to provide a suggestion that worked immediately and avoided a total birthday crisis. The caller was so impressed that they left a review for the answering service!”
Building a Business Rooted in Trust and Community
As Great Lakes Communications enters into its second decade, Langdeau and Alvarado are excited about what the future holds for them and their community.
“Our goal is and has always been to be a great place to work and a benefit to our community. We started this business to help other businesses. As we’ve grown, volunteering and getting involved with community events have been something we’ve enjoyed and look forward to doing more often. We want people to know who we are and what we do as a business and as people. We’ve recently started working with a marketing company that has really helped to that end. Our social media presence and networking have helped make connections with other businesses in our community that share our mindset.”
What Business Owners Should Know Before Hiring an Answering Service
For any business owners on the fence about hiring an answering service due to budgetary concerns, Great Lakes Communications offers a range of options to fit every need and budget.
“No one can do everything on their own, nor can you afford to ignore the need for an answering service. We help business owners and employees get their lives back and lift burdens they didn’t realize they were even carrying.”
Langdeau and Alvarado carry the banner of every business they represent with pride, a mission that is the heart and soul of Great Lakes Communications.
“From startups to large businesses, we are here to represent you the way you would. A phone call is often the first interaction customers have with a business; we work hard to make it a good one. With us, you never have to worry about your calls or customers; we’ve got you covered.”
If you’d like to learn how Great Lakes Communications can support your business with live, compassionate after-hours answering, we’d love to talk. Call us or visit our services page to start a conversation.
Great Lakes Communications is a women-owned, U.S.-based answering service with over 20 years of experience. Based in Crown Point, Indiana, we serve Northwest Indiana, the greater Chicago area, and businesses nationwide with live 24-hour and after-hours answering services, including HIPAA-compliant answering services for medical offices. Visit our services and contact us to see if we are the right fit for your business.