This month we are celebrating something big—Tom’s 30-year journey with Phone Experts! Since the early ‘90s, Tom has been right there while technology has evolved, keeping organizations connected through every shift.
When Tom joined us, technology was entirely different. Back then, dial-up internet was new, pagers were everywhere, and office phones had endless lines. Looking back Tom says, “We have gone from electro-mechanical/business multi-line phone systems to fully hosted VOIP systems, pay phones and pagers to iPads and smartphones”.
Through every innovation and industry shift, Tom’s deep expertise and adaptability have made a real difference, both for us and the organizations he supports every day.
An interview with Tom Robb on his journey so far with Phone Experts
Q: Looking back to your first day, what inspired you to join Phone Experts and how has the company evolved since this first day?
Tom: When I first joined TPE, I was contracting in telephony. The owners, Brad, Ivan, and Clint were friends of the company I contracted with and let me know they were hiring fulltime.
As a young family, we were looking for a company that had great family values, which I found with TPE. Clint even agreed to meet with both me and my wife before we committed, as we had a very difficult experience previously with working with a young company in B.C. We both felt this was a great sign of an ethical and supportive company. The job seemed like a great opportunity, so we moved to Central Alberta, and haven’t looked back!
Q: Tell us about your first day on the job and your impressions 30 years ago.
Tom: It was quite exciting to start with a relatively new, young company, and be able to contribute early on in its existence, growing with the company. The owners were enthusiastic and ambitious, and I feel like that translated to me and other new employees that came on early on. Personally, we had a lot happening – moving part way through the school year (our son had just started grade 1), new home and community to get used to. The owners were helpful in helping us choose where to live as they knew the area (we settled in Innisfail at the time), and were flexible when I needed time off as we settled our family. I was able to learn new systems and products such as Panasonic and NEC. TPE sponsored courses and training whenever they could to ensure I was successful with new products and technologies. These opportunities, along with my past experience, transferable skills and knowledge helped to further my productivity and success with the company.
Q: Reflecting on your journey, what personal or professional growth are you most proud of?
Tom: I feel that I’ve been able to stay up to date with my knowledge and practice. I’m proud to be part of an industry that supports all other industries – everything starts with great communication. I take pride in my customer service, being honest and up front, and having good work ethic. I look forward to continuing to stay current and open to new technologies that open up in the next few years – I’m not done learning yet!
Q: What are some of your favorite memories over the years?
Tom: Having my son work as a technician with us for a year was a highlight for me. I’ve also really enjoyed the many other employees through the years, techs and admin staff – they have been a great bunch of people!
I’ve been able to travel for work with TPE. From northern BC to northern Alberta, North Battleford, Saskatchewan, to Vancouver and Victoria. I enjoy the variety of work and people I am able to meet.
Q: Are there any specific projects or milestones that stand out as particularly memorable over the years?
Tom: I was designated as the technician for Nova Chemicals through TPE. My work was to help Nova’s telecom team with their extensive phone system and communications infrastructure on site, and on satellite locations. I was there for 2 of the 5 working days each week from 2006 to 2014, and additional time throughout their plant turnarounds each year.
Here’s to Tom who has been with us for three decades, keeping us and other Alberta businesses connected with extensive expertise and an eye for every detail. From the early days of electro-mechanical/business multi-line phone systems to today’s modern communication solutions. Thanks for every year, every project, and the steady expertise you bring to Phone Experts Group.
