Company Stats

• Founded: 1998 (roots tracing back to the 1920s as the Western Union Telephone Answering Service)
• Revenue: $65-$70 million annually
• Employees: Approximately 1,500

Episode Highlights

• ✅ AnswerNet has successfully integrated multiple acquisitions to expand its services and client base.
• ✅ Gary Pudles highlights that employees in the call center industry value security and recognition more than monetary compensation.
• ✅ The company's core values, represented by the mascot Pat the Fat Duck, emphasize passion, attitude, teamwork, and kindness.

Episode Summary

In this episode, Gary Pudles, CEO of AnswerNet, discusses the company's growth strategy, which includes both internal sales and strategic acquisitions. Generating between $65 and $70 million annually, AnswerNet employs around 1,500 people. Gary emphasizes the importance of people management, maintaining core values, and making quick, balanced decisions. He shares insights into the challenges and opportunities of operating a large call center and BPO business, highlighting the need for employee security and recognition. Gary also talks about the pivotal moment when he bought out his partners and investors, leading to significant growth.

Chapters

00:00 Intro

00:10 Company Stats

00:39 Growth Through Acquisitions

01:46 People Management Strategies

05:55 Decision Making and Core Values

07:51 Core Values

10:38 Connect with Answernet