Mountain View Sports is a family owned and operated Alaskan business that has been providing specialized knowledge and selection for all things hunting, fishing, and camping for more than 50 years. To operate most efficiently, Mountain View Sports uses an internet-based system for inventory management, point-of-sale, security, and customer records for which it depends on GCI to provide a strong, secure, and consistent connection. "The entire business is web-based, so reliable internet is crucial. GCI has provided very fast and reliable internet service," Co-Owner John Staser commented. When the store recently changed locations, GCI helped facilitate a seamless technological transition, ensuring internet, phones, and security systems were in place in time for the new storefront to celebrate its grand opening.
Alaskans and tourists alike have come to know and love Yeti Dogs, an award-winning restaurant-on-wheels that serves specialty hot dogs with a twist. As a food truck vendor, Yeti Dogs’ Erica Stimaker depends on a solid internet connection for everything from the ability to take credit card payments to keeping customers informed of its location. For these critical needs, Erica trusts GCI and says it was an easy decision for her, a fourth generation Alaskan, to support another Alaskan-born business.
One of her favorite places to set up shop is Kincaid Park, where locals and tourists flock to enjoy the beautiful landscape and miles of trails. But for years, unreliable mobile service made conducting business here a challenge—at times, even impossible. That was until 2017, when GCI installed a hidden cell tower within the park which Erica says "made a world of difference". These days, you will find Yeti Dogs parked in front of the Kincaid Chalet more days than not, with hungry customers lining the sidewalk.
Sweet Caribou is a small business that got a true #AlaskaBornAndRaised start selling cupcakes and macarons at the South Anchorage Farmers' Market. Now, a local favorite for macarons and delicious salads, Sweet Caribou has grown to having its own storefront and employing more than 20 team members! As a small business customer, Sweet Caribou Owner James Strong relies on GCI services for his mobile connectivity and internet accessibility. Sweet Caribou operates its own website, and GCI internet delivers fast and reliable service, designed to seamlessly facilitate the high amount of customer traffic that it receives each day. James enjoys partnering with GCI, particularly because of the personalized service he receives for his business. He commented, "GCI's small business department has fantastic representatives who spend their time learning our unique needs, and developed innovative solutions that fit within our budget and help us serve our patrons better."
Maggie’s General Store is a health foods and organic market located in Kenai, Alaska that serves local residents and nearby communities in Moose Pass, Homer, Cooper Landing, and more. As a small business on the peninsula, customer relationships are very important to Maggie’s, and she builds them by remaining available and responsive. Many of her customers will simply send a text or social media message to ask what items she has in stock at a given time, and to deliver fast and accurate service, Maggie depends on reliable connectivity.
Maggie was looking for a telecommunications partner that supported the same level of one-to-one relationships that she has with her customers, but she didn’t experience that with her previous provider. She found it difficult to receive quality customer service when she had no dedicated account representative or local support to address her needs. “It was frustrating to call an out-of-state number and not know who you’re talking to,” she said. When Maggie started looking for faster internet speeds with a responsive, local team, she contacted GCI and found the same personal service that she delivers to her customers, delivered to her. The transition was seamless and Maggie is grateful to have local, reliable, fast service from GCI.
Voted one of the Top Ten Bakeries in Alaska for 2018, Alaska Cake Studio is a boutique bakery located in The Anchorage 5th Avenue Mall. When the bakery outgrew their original space and moved into the mall, GCI was there to keep them connected and to ensure a quick turnaround for their business. “The GCI small business team exceeded our expectations with exceptional customer service and connectivity to get us open for business,” Alaska Cake Studio Owner Will McDonald said. “We chose GCI because they offered our small business competitive rates and the ability to umbrella all our services [business phone, cell phones, internet, and email] under one plan.” During the move, GCI met all service needs so that Alaska Cake Studio was able to minimize time spent in transition and get back to serving customers, in its new space.
For 40 years, GCI has partnered with organizations small and large, to pursue their goals and overcome technological barriers to success. Get in touch to learn about the ways we can help your organization meet its objectives.
