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Concerto Networks® was launched in 2002 in response to the unmet need for professional, consistent-quality computer and information technology (IT) solutions for small and medium sized businesses & enterprises (SMEs). The need became very clear to Concerto Networks founder Ray Hivoral after personally experiencing computer difficulties both at home and at the small company he worked for, with no easy way to find good, professional help from a name-brand solutions provider.
Ray quickly realized that he wasn't alone. Other SMEs were experiencing similar difficulties finding reliable, consistent and cost-effective IT service and support. A survey of the market revealed a significant growth in the number of SMEs. Companies in this size range wouldn't be able to meet all of their IT needs with internal resources, leading to an exploding demand for quality outsourced IT support nationally.
In addition, there was a growing trend of experienced professionals exploring becoming independent technology consultants rather than continuing to work as employees in corporate technology departments.
This led Ray to hit upon the ideal solution for all: creating a national IT professional franchise which would provide consistent, high-quality business technology solutions to SMEs while at the same time providing lucrative investment opportunities for ambitious professionals ready to run their own businesses. And so, Concerto Networks was born.
The company's model is to build a national business technology solutions network with the expertise, processes, systems and support necessary to provide superlative service to SMEs. Concerto Networks franchises are independently owned and operated by experienced professionals equipped with the latest diagnostic hardware and software for providing on-demand service. Franchisees enjoy the pride of business ownership with minimized start-up and operational expenses. Concerto Networks supports its franchisees with thorough training in Concerto Networks service standards and processes, sophisticated Internet-based back office systems and support, national advertising and branding, and partnerships with trusted leading name-brand technology and business solutions providers.
The company is led by a team of seasoned executives with a history of success in technology, business management and franchising.
Exploding demand
With recent changes in the economy, many professionals have switched from working for corporations to starting their own businesses. This has led to unprecedented growth in small and medium-sized businesses & enterprises (SMEs) globally, with more than 4.3 million SMEs in the UK already using computers in their daily operations. In addition, large corporations are establishing satellite offices which operate with the same requirements as SMEs. This growth is forecasted to continue for the foreseeable future.
Today's technology makes it possible for SMEs to enjoy the same efficiency and productivity gains as large companies. Indeed, SMEs are dependent on information technology (IT) to properly service their customers and remain competitive. Most SMEs can't afford to keep IT staff in house and are increasingly turning to outsourcing to keep their technology up to date and working smoothly.
Traditionally, the outsourced IT industry has consisted almost entirely of small outfits and independent contractors, notorious for giving inconsistent quality service with sparse documentation of their work, and providing little more than "break/fix" service consisting of simply troubleshooting and repair. This level of service is simply not sufficient to meet the needs of SMEs. As a result, the growing ranks of SMEs globally are desperate to find a brand name service provider they can trust to provide the critical IT support they need.
Beyond "break/fix": Concerto Networks' unique value proposition
Concerto Networks goes well beyond traditional troubleshooting and repair of computers and networks, providing a comprehensive solution designed to help SMEs plan, manage and optimize their IT to get the maximum benefit from their investment. The company uses a holistic approach to IT support and director level management including, integrating computers, voice and data, wired and wireless communications, web site services, internet connectivity, security safeguards and other hardware and software to create the optimal solution for each individual business' needs. The company also provides customers with hardware and software training and education and purchasing guidance. In addition, customers benefit from Concerto Networks' partnerships with leading brand name manufacturers, service providers and retailers, with lower costs on technology purchases as well as heightened technical support. This holistic approach maximizes return on investment, minimizes downtime, and boosts the productivity, providing savings and value to customers far beyond the typical "break/fix" approach.
Lucrative franchise opportunity
The exploding demand for nationally-branded, high-quality IT support provides an exciting business opportunity for seasoned professionals ready to run their own franchise business. Currently IT spending globally is over $2,500 billion industry (over $133 billion industry in the UK). The SME market represents nearly all types of industries, including high tech, finance, healthcare, professional services, property, and manufacturing. This market also accounts for nearly 50% of the private work force, as well as 50% of the private sales globally. SMEs are a major force in the global economy, comprising 99% of all employer companies.
Concerto Networks gives franchisees the benefits of a trusted global brand, state-of-the-art systems and processes, and the collaboration and support of a national network of Concerto Networks franchisees and area developers.
The company has introduced national marketing campaigns promoting its services and its brand, "Welcome to the Simple Office™". The brand elegantly conveys the promise of empowerment made possible through the transfer of the IT support burden to a trusted provider. Franchisees can choose from a catalog of print ads and sales literature to support their local sales efforts.
Concerto Networks has invested heavily in sophisticated back-office support technology as well, allowing franchisees to easily accomplish their customer relationship management, invoicing, point-of-sale (POS), and other vital business functions over the web using the central office data base system. The company also supports franchisees with a central dispatch system, providing instant notification of new customer service requests to local franchisees.
Every new franchisee is outfitted with a complete "IT Business-in-a-Box™" which includes a state-of-the-art laptop computer, diagnostic equipment and software, and an advanced PDA/mobile phone so the franchisee can always stay in touch with customers and the central office. This start-up kit also includes such business essentials as accounting software as well as a marketing package containing company literature and a new franchisee press kit for increasing local awareness.
New franchisees receive one week of comprehensive training at "Concerto Networks University™" to support their business success. The training schedule includes learning Concerto Networks' best business practices for serving customers. Additional training is provided through the Concerto Network's partner relationships, allowing franchisees to learn directly from brand name hardware and software companies, wired and wireless communications, internet connectivity, web site service companies, and business solutions providers.
Finally, every franchise can count on continuing guidance and support not only from the company's corporate and country staff, but also from the growing network of Concerto Networks franchisees and area developers across the world. The company's web-based forums and chat groups facilitate collaboration among franchisees facing similar issues. In addition, franchisees have access to Concerto Networks' partner providers of hardware, software and services for training, support, and additional revenue opportunities.
Experienced management team
To ensure success, Concerto Networks has attracted seasoned talent both to its corporate executive management team and its Board of Directors and its Board of Advisors.
Founder and CEO Ray Hivoral has managed strategic sales, product marketing and operations for several technology companies over the past 13 years, including Fujitsu Microelectronics, Lucent Technologies, Tyco Electronics and Technetics.
In the UK, Master Franchise Chairman Graham Williams has more than 25 years in the computer industry and held senior executive positions as CEO, President, Vice president and Managing Director at companies including Firepond, SuperNova, Compuware/Uniface, Pansophic and Cullinet. He also hold various Board of Director positions with various technology companies.
The Board of Advisors includes John S. Hawkins, President and CEO of Cloud 9 Shuttle, Inc., a successful franchise operation in San Diego, Don Higginson, the Senior VP of Franchise Relations at The UPS Store® (formerly Mail Boxes Etc., MBE), I. Edward Tonkon II, Senior Advisor partnering with Sterling Investment Partners, L.L.P., and Peter D. Holt, Executive in Residence for Great Hill Partners.
Poised for rapid growth
Concerto Networks is quickly expanding its national network of franchises, and is on target to achieve full coverage of all major metropolitan areas of the United States within the next couple of years. The company launched its franchise opportunity internationally in January of 2004. Thanks to its forward-thinking business model and comprehensive support philosophy, Concerto Networks is one of the fastest growing franchise operations globally today.
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