Many business owners and managers may not exactly look forward to communicating with the sales staff and technicians from internet and phone companies. That process can be time consuming, taking valuable time from usual business operations. Plus, many find some of the terminology and technology confusing.
Murfreesboro businessman Ron Young, and his company, Eagle Communications, can help alleviate some of this difficulty for many businesses.
For one, Young says he wants others to realize that, while certain huge operations may be the most visible, consumers do indeed have a wealth of choices when it comes to voice and internet services.
Eagle Communications can offer businesses voice service from over 100 different VOIP (voice over internet protocol) carriers. Eagle can help with running cables and organizing wires in a building of any size, plus, Eagle will manage the voice and internet service installation and handle tech calls and troubleshooting.
“My carriers can’t fire me,” Young says, emphasizing that his loyalty is to his business clients and not necessarily to simply increasing sales for the carriers he represents.
Young says he will try and find the right fit for each client, and to not oversell the customer on services their particular business may not need. He has worked with phone systems for Three Rivers Family Dentistry, The New Blue Betty, the Nurture Nook and many other small, local businesses in addition to huge automotive manufacturing facilities.
“I bring Fortune 500 expertise, but small business pricing,” Young says.
He also wants to minimize communication downtime for Eagle’s customers, knowing that time is money.
“I’m there in a natural disaster, during installation, during tech service calls,” he says.
Some see the work Young does as heart surgery of sorts.
The business world runs on communication and data. The speed and reliability of that is crucial. When Young takes the “heart” out of a manufacturing facility to replace or repair equipment or service phone or internet connectivity, “I have to get those veins reattached ASAP,” he says.
He also emphasizes the importance of each business having detailed plans, goals and operating procedures in place. The best voice and internet service isn’t going to make a poorly-run business succeed.
“Why spend the money if you’re not going to change the procedure?” he challenges.
He speaks of the importance of tailoring the solution he presents to exactly who, and where, needs it.
“I refuse to do business with someone until I meet them face to face in their building,” Young says.
Young took the time to reflect on his career in business, communications and technology.
Murfreesboro Pulse: Tell us how Eagle Communications got its start.
Ron Young: I was a director of an internet company in Michigan during the beginning of the public internet so was always interested in early technology.
I worked with a lot of the large carriers, such as Ameritech (showing my age), MCI, BellSouth and AT&T. I found that there was always a gap between carrier and customer as all they really cared about was getting the service installed and really never focused on the clients’ needs. Most of the time it is the “sale of the day” that the reps were told to sell. I also realized that the gap between companies that sold phone systems had the same issue and the client was not trained in the product that they were sold.
So in order to fill that gap a client has to be well informed and trained to use the functions and features to assist them in being more productive and understand what tools they have in their arsenal to stay ahead of their competitors. So when I created my business plan I focused more on a consultative approach. I wanted to give customers options of a choice of providers and phone systems so I could truly find the right solution based on budget and goals. Eagle currently represents over 100 VoIP, internet, voice and cloud providers and always look for newer technologies that are proven.
What challenges have you overcome in starting and growing your business?
Trying to keep up on newer products and services is the largest challenge, and finding the correct business partners and vendors that have a customer support goal. The largest challenge was to understand the Tennessee market, because there is a lot of small business in the area. I have a Fortune 500 background and want to bring Fortune 500 technologies at small business pricing.
Controlling growth has also been an issue, especially in the last couple of years. I have had to step back and revise, streamline and implement new software and hardware to stay organized. Looking for additional technicians to complete the projects we are involved in.
What businesses and people were an inspiration for you or helpful in growing your company?
Most of the people I worked with in Michigan always strove for a quality product and were very knowledgeable in the industry as it grew. We were testing VoIP in the mid-’90s and using cellphones to surf the internet and stream video in the late ’90s. To this day I reach out to the head engineer that was working with me in Michigan.
Jim Affricano of Affi Enterprises has also been an inspiration. He taught me the benefits of running a debt-free company and staying cash flow positive. I concentrated for one year to pay off all company debt and also pay myself. Eagle Communications Inc. has been debt-free since December 2017.
What’s your favorite part of running your business?
Meeting new people and businesses and helping them succeed by providing a solution specified for their needs.
It feels good as Eagle Communications has grown to have the ability to give back to local charities that we truly believe in such as First Shot Foundation (a local children’s charity) and Purple Paws (animal charity).
I also like the freedom of running a business.
What’s your least favorite part?
I guess my least favorite part is business accounting.
Who are your customers?
We provide services to customers from the local business working out their home to automotive suppliers and factories nationwide.
What is your advice for local business owners?
Write a solid business plan and stick to it. Have policies and procedures even for yourself. Know what you are good at and stay true to yourself. Surround yourself with successful people and get a mentor. Review your business plan every six months and adjust as necessary so you can continue your growth. Keep your focus and stay streamlined, use a controlled growth, so you can handle business as it comes in. Once you have accomplished that that you will be able to train new employees to have the same passion as you do.
I also advise that you develop relationships; people buy from people, they do not buy from a company.
Running a business comes with a lot of sacrifice but also a lot of rewards. Make sure you have good support of family and friends who understand your passion.
Run a business, don’t just be self-employed. Once you understand the difference you will succeed.
Always under-promise and over-deliver.
How are you getting the word out about your business?
We are rated A+ from the Better Business Bureau and are the Torch Award Winner from 2016. We get a lot of business from our reputation. Referrals are another source and meeting new people at networking events to create new relationships. The best way to get the word out about your business is to be honest with people.
We have a saying: You will always get one of these answers. “Yes, we can deliver and here is how and when;” “We do not have the answer at this time so we will research and get back with you in a reasonable time” or “No, we cannot do this and here is the reason why.”
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For more information on how Eagle can help your business with its communication needs, call 615-278-9896, visit eaglecommunications.net or email ron@eaglecommunications.net.
