NATG (previously North American Telecommunications Group) was started in 1980 with the deregulation of then BC Tel, which allowed private companies to sell and service phone systems for businesses. Today, we provide all the low voltage cabling (network wiring, Fibre Optic, and audio cabling for paging and background music), both traditional On-Premise and Cloud Phone Systems, Security Cameras, and IT services. If it touches the computer network, we can work on it.
Our mission is to be a one-stop shop for all the technology needs that a business requires.
Tell us about yourself?
I’m second generation NATG. I previously worked some other jobs in my late teens but have been full-time with NATG since 1999. I first worked in the warehouse, preparing orders and shipping and receiving. I also worked as a technician, installing the low voltage wiring before moving into a sales role. As of the last year or so, I’ve now taken on more of a General Manager role within the company.
When I started working full-time with NATG, it was a full family affair between my parents, uncles, aunt, cousins, and brother. Some of the family has moved on or retired, and others of us remain today.
However, it was never expected of me to work for the family business. At the time, I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do, and there was, of course, a great opportunity in front of me to be part of an already successful company. I’ve always enjoyed going out and meeting new people and gaining insight into how others operate their businesses.
What problem does your business solve?
NATG provides technology for businesses to communicate and collaborate more effectively, whether it’s the phones they take calls on, audio/video conferencing, or support the backend infrastructure that all the devices in an office connect to. There’s also a level of protection we provide, whether it’s security cameras or firewalls and data backup.
What is the inspiration behind your business?
Everyone relies on technology to get through their day. More so today than ever before, and we want to be a source of reliable products and support services that help businesses go about their own business in a more effective manner. Given the fact that we sell and service communications and IT-related services, almost any business can be a client of ours, whether they are a small office with just a couple of people or a large multi-site corporation like a hotel chain.
What is your magic sauce?
NATG differs from many of our competitors just by the sheer number of products and services we can provide to our clients. We’ve also been very fortunate to retain a large number of staff over the years, so the depth of knowledge is vast. As it relates directly to the telecom side of the business, we are one of the largest privately owned companies left selling both on-premise equipment and cloud solutions while competing with many of the major telcos such as Telus, Shaw, and Rogers. Many of our clients recognize that by being smaller than those companies, they have greater access to service, whether that’s our service department answering the phone live or clients contacting their account managers directly. You get to speak to us right away!
What is the plan for the next 5 years? What do you want to achieve?
NATG recently opened a new office in Kelowna, BC, to service the surrounding Interior region, as the growth within these communities has been steadily increasing over the last few years. Building up our presence in the Interior and supporting the new staff is high on our priority list, as well as continuing to grow in the Lower Mainland, where our head office is located.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far?
The biggest challenge we’ve faced so far is the large telcos, such as Telus, Shaw, Rogers, and others, along with IT providers getting into the phone business. Of course, companies such as Telus have always been in the game, but with the release of hosted/cloud phone systems where the service is based on a monthly subscription, they have done a very good job at targeting the clients that already had phone line or internet services with them. Many IT providers have also taken on providing voice solutions to their clients. Our once very niche industry, where there wasn’t a lot of competition, was ripped wide open as phone systems became more integrated into the network infrastructure.
How can people get involved?
NATG has clients all across Canada, and we are willing to speak to anyone to see if there’s an opportunity for us to work with them. Whether you are looking for a new voice solution or network security and support, please contact us at 1-877-856-9155, or visit our website at www.NATGisIT.ca