Gary Thompson opened Business Communication Systems in 1987 as a pay phone vending company, then expanded into inter-connect services in the late 1980s. They retired the pay phone division in the early ‘90s due to the impact cellular phone service had on the pay station market and now focuses on providing VOIP Business Class telephone service, new and refurbished telephone equipment, telephone systems repair and telephone equipment installation/relocation. Their customers are small-medium-and large businesses located in Lincoln and Omaha as well as eastern/central Nebraska, western Iowa, and northern Kansas. They are celebrating their 25th year in business.
What has been your biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Throughout the years the challenge has been the migration that occurs approximately every 5-7 years from the legacy telephone systems to the present day internet-based communication systems. More recently the challenge has been the impact the economy has had on businesses and the ability to provide a cost effective solution for business communication needs.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – The challenge and reward of building a business from the bottom up.
Tell us a little about your family. – I have a son who works with me in the business and a daughter with a one-year-old grandson.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – My decision to enter the small business arena (as a restaurateur) after graduating from high school instead of taking the traditional path of higher education and employment that was typical in the 1970s.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Projects around the home or one-day excursions.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people might now know? – That I have experienced careers in four very different business types in my lifetime (food service, corporate direct sales, real estate, and communication).
What are you the most proud of? – My kids.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? – Start your day early and work hard.
What are your plans for retirement? – Spending more time and developing a better personal relationship with my kids and grandson.
How would your friends describe you? – Hard working, reliable, and sincere.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – I put my best talents to the test each day I am in business.
Which talent would you most like to have? – To be more compassionate in certain situations.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? – To be a better parent.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – Unfortunately I do not take the time to read many books.
What is your favorite movie? – Most Clint Eastwood or John Wayne films.
What is your favorite TV show? – Mike and Molly Hawaii FiveO, CSI, Good Wife.
What is your favorite Lincoln restaurant? – Misty’s
If you could have dinner with one person from the past or present, who would it be? – Frank Sinatra
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – E-mail gthompson@bcstelephone.com or office 402-466-8668 or cell 402-499-8878 or website www.bcstelephone.com