As I write this, the sun is coming up over the lake and casting a beautiful reflection on the water. One of my happy places to be in the mornings.
Just as the water reflects all the colors of the sun and sky, I too reflect on the 15 year anniversary of InteleCONNECT that we are celebrating in July. Hard to believe that 15 years ago I researched what it meant to be an independent telecom Agent/Consultant and opened the first agency of its kind in the St. Cloud market. With my husband’s support, we took a chance at becoming a small business owner and all the risks and rewards that go with it. It’s been a great experience, and I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.
My biggest rewards have been:
- My staff. We have a team of highly competent and dedicated people who, while each having their own assigned duties, will chip in wherever needed to take care of things. Even when “trouble ticket Tuesday” (as we so lovingly call it) interrupts our projects that we thought we would get done, they rarely complain. We are in a reactive industry. It’s hard to do business when the internet or phones aren’t working, and we will drop what we can to get you back up and running. I have surrounded myself with amazing professionals!
- Our customers. Let’s face it, we wouldn’t be celebrating 15 years without you! The biggest question I asked when starting InteleCONNECT was, “how can I sell a solution to a business customer AND continue to support, grow, and change with them as technology and their needs change?” Changes in this industry are inevitable, and we’ve adapted and adopted as needed! We have gone from traditional voice services to cloud solutions, on premise PBX’s to VOIP, bonded T1’s to fiber internet, MPLS solutions to SDWAN, and the list goes on. Our team was recently invited to a client’s home for homemade brownies and ice-cream, and it was in this moment of laughter and visiting that I was reminded that we create relationships, and establish connections, we are not just making a sale.
- Our community. Community in two regards, our vendors and the place we do business. Our vendors that we align ourselves with are helpful, knowledgeable people who go above and beyond for us every day. The communities where we live, work, and play are amazing places that each of us had the opportunity to raise our families and give back. Our 15 years have been rich with volunteering for the Chamber, non-profit organizations, schools and churches. We’ve sponsored golf events, donated silent auction items, and attended fundraisers. We actively give back and are grateful for the opportunity to do so.
In that reflection of the 15 years, there is a whole lot of gratitude. We are so grateful for each and every one of you! Each of you has held a special part in our 15 year success! CHEERS!
