Company: Connor Co.
Contact: Julie Driscoll, Director of IT

Stratus Client Since 2007

The Connor Co. has a long history of successful business, beginning back in the Depression era, 1936. While growing and evolving to offer plumbing, HVAC and Industrial PVF supplies and logistics, Connor Co. retains the strong family values and “stick‑to‑it‑iveness” that got them through the early tough times.

Custom Solutions

Information Technology Director Julie Driscoll, first signed Connor Co. on with Stratus Networks in January of 2007, when it was time to upgrade their voice and data services. Stratus went to work designing a plan for MPLS and internet, DNS, PRIs, and telecommunications. “We chose Stratus Networks because of their local administration, sales, and service teams,” says Ms. Driscoll. “Having one point of contact for multiple services is a huge advantage for us—we’re not stuck between providers pointing fingers and wasting valuable time when service interruptions occur. Consolidated billing for all our locations, with an invoice that is easy to understand, was also important to us.”

The Stratus Difference – A Good Fit

Ms. Driscoll says her company recognizes and appreciates that Stratus “did not try to oversell us on services we didn’t need. Stratus understood that pricing, reliability, and personal attention were important features to the company,” she explains. “And they delivered.”

Value Beyond Price

While Stratus was “aggressive in their pricing structure,” Ms. Driscoll points out, “Cost savings and speed are important, but the personal relationship is one of the biggest values that Stratus brings to the table.”

“Once you place a call or send an email to them,” she says, “you know the person on the other end is working hard to resolve any issue or question that we might have. They don’t pass you off to someone else. We’ve built relationships with their team throughout the years that you cannot build with other providers because of restructuring and the high rate of turnover. Stratus gives us personal attention and they are committed to helping us succeed.”

Getting in Touch with Connor Co.

If you’re interested in more details please call (309) 688-1068.

Company: Knox College
Contact: Steve Hall, Vice President and Chief Information Officer

At first glance, you might think Knox College is just a traditional liberal arts college in the Midwest.

However, from a business communication standpoint, Knox VP and CIO Steve Hall will describe it as “a unique and dynamic environment; a multinational business with locations and constituents around the globe; a financial institution; a substantial fund raising organization; an online community with tens of thousands of members; a web centric marketing firm; a large employer; a cable TV provider; a small phone company; an Internet Service Provider; a hotel and conference center with 1400 guests every day; a health club; 14 athletic teams with demanding travel schedules; and most importantly, a nationally recognized educational institution with a diverse group of scholars, researchers, and students…all with unique needs working at the leading edge of their respective disciplines.”

Custom Solutions

Knox became a Stratus Networks client in March of 2014. “I had been trying to cultivate additional ISP partners for Galesburg and Knox College to spur competition financially and technologically in our market,” Hall relates.

“Stratus expressed an interest in building infrastructure in Galesburg and extending it to Knox with a commitment of only a 50 Mbps internet connection,” says Hall. During initial conversations with Stratus president John Petrakis, Steve Hall shared his vision and asked him to earn their business by offering a deal Knox and Galesburg “couldn’t refuse.”

The Stratus Difference – Agility

What set Stratus apart for Hall? “Instead of being offered a menu of services and being asked to choose, I have been able to work collaboratively with the business and technical teams at Stratus to build a solution that is mutually beneficial. Having access to top decision makers in the company who can discuss both business and technical issues gives Stratus agility that is a valuable and a strategic asset in an ISP and telecommunications partner.”

Going Beyond Service

Along with large providers with a national and international footprint, Knox needs partners, says Hall, “with the agility and technical and administrative acumen to build custom solutions that enable us to respond in the competitive and dynamic Higher Ed marketplace. Stratus fits into our solution ecosystem—their agility, talent, and willingness to engage us on a personal level. Stratus goes beyond offering us services. They help us execute our plans and strategies.”

Company: Business Builders Marketing
Contact: Jennifer McCarron, President

Stratus Client Since 2014

Business Builders Marketing, based in Bloomington, Illinois, is a full-service marketing and sales outsourcing firm that has been providing tools and support to successful companies who wish to communicate effectively with their market since 1985. Their relationship with Stratus Networks began in July of 2014. Agency president Jennifer McCarron remembers, “Several companies in our area were having fiber-optic lines installed. Stratus stopped by the office to see if we would have any interest. It was perfect timing, as we were already researching new options for internet and phone services.”

Solution Oriented

Business Builders Marketing decided to have Stratus install fiber-optic lines for internet and VoIP phone lines. “We chose Stratus because they were solution oriented,” says McCarron. “They listened to our needs and provided the exact products and services our company needed.”

The Stratus Difference  A Painless Process

While there are many options available, Ms. McCarron explains, “Services with Stratus have been superior compared to our past providers. The change to Stratus was a large undertaking. Stratus always clearly communicated with us and did a great job of making this a painless process.”

“We have no issues with the billing process,” she adds.

McCarron outlines the value Stratus brings to Business Builders Marketing, listing cost savings, speed, and customer service. “Stratus customer service has always been very responsive, and that is very much appreciated. Although our costs did not significantly decrease, we are receiving a much better product.”

Trusted Partner

As far as how the business relationship is evolving, McCarron says that Stratus has become a trusted partner for some of Business Builders Marketing’s infrastructure needs.

“We have confidence Stratus will continue to provide great solutions and services as our company grows and evolves,” she explains.

“We are continuing our discussions with them regarding ways to reduce our monthly bill and think as technology/time/competition plays out, pricing may decrease.”

Reach Business Builders Marketing

The main Business Builders Marketing phone number is (309) 827-7977. The website is www.buildrevenuenow.com. Visit the Contact page to get in touch if you have follow-up questions.