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Solid values in a Changing Industry
The telecommunications industry is constantly changing and phone companies seem to merge and change hands every day. Yet Pioneer Telephone, located in South Portland, Maine, has managed to double in size over the last five years, while remaining a privately-owned Maine company that is invested in its employees and committed to the community.
2006, 2007 and 2008 Best Places to Work in Maine!
Date: August 28, 2009
Author: Dws
For 3 years running, Pioneer Telephone has been chosen as one of the Best Places to Work in Maine!
Pioneer Telephone: Solid Values in a Changing Industry
The telecommunications industry is constantly changing and phone companies seem to merge and change hands every day. Yet South Portland, Maine-based Pioneer Telephone has managed to double in size over the last five years, while remaining a privately-owned Maine company that is invested in its employees and committed to the community.
Pioneer’s motto: “Simple, straightforward and honest,” guides its approach to business, customer service and employee relations. Perhaps the most noticeable way Pioneer sets itself apart from other telecom companies is by staffing its customer service line with human beings— not automated operators. It also offers interstate calling rates of 2.3 - 3.5 cents per minute that are well below the industry avenge of 5-10 cents per minute. And, unlike some companies that advertise only rates. Pioneer educates consumers on the entire cost of long-distance phone service, including surcharges and fees before making a sale.
Pioneer Telephone extends its commitment to fair and equitable business practices to its employees and experiences low staff turnover as a result Though Pioneer is a small company, it offers its employees the same level of benefits they would encounter at larger companies such as a health and dental plan, a cafeteria plan and a 401(k).
A family-friendly atmosphere prevails at Pioneer Telephone and it starts with its owners, a husband and wife team. Many of the company’s employees work a non-standard schedule so that they can have more time with their children, further their education or do volunteer work. When childcare glitches arise, children are welcome at Pioneer Telephone until other arrangements can be made, and several employees regularly bring their dogs to work.
Each year, Pioneer Telephone sponsors two major company outings for employees and their loved ones. This spring, employees and their families were treated to a catered cruise on Casco Bay, and in the winter employees and their significant others will enjoy an all-expenses-paid two-night stay at a coastal resort.
The company also takes time to reward individual successes and boost employee morale in smaller ways. Through the Pioneer Trails rewards program, employee’s reward one another with certificates for a job well done that can be exchanged for prizes, such as gift cards to local businesses.
The dedication and skill of all of Pioneer Telephone’s employees paid off recently when the company acquired a large residential and business customer base from another carrier. The conversion took place quickly and required a great deal of planning, strategizing and collaboration with the other carrier along with detailed hard work from every department in the company.
In the coming years, Pioneer Telephone will continue to expand its customer base through sales and acquisitions while retaining the company culture that makes it a great place to work. “We are very excited, fortunate and humbled at the same time that our company has been included in the Best Places to Work each year since 2006. We feel our owners, employees and loyal customers are simply the best!” said David Shorey, Pioneer Telephone’s Director of Operations.
