Growth
Dialing up growth
OKS-Ameridial Inc. has moved toward stability in a rapidly paced industry.
By Matt McClellan
Smart Business Akron/Canton | May 2007
OKS-Ameridial Inc. has enjoyed consistent growth through the years with several rapid growth spurts, but the North Canton-based tele-services company has put a plan in place to create steadier, stable growth.
Jim McGeorge, chairman of OKS-Ameridial, changed the company’s strategy to provide more stable jobs for his employees. Between
700 and 1,200 people work for OKS-Ameridial, depending on how many seasonal employees are needed. McGeorge’s new strategy
involves serving fewer companies as clients. That strategy might not work in every company, but it fits OKS-Ameridial’s situation well.
The company targeted clients that were larger and more stable, with business needs that were not seasonal.
In the earlier business model, taking on many different customers subjected the company to seasonal highs and lows.
As another part of its transition, OKS-Ameridial acquired majority ownership in Univision, a Canadian company that specializes in
fundraising for not-for-profit organizations. The acquisition gives OKS-Ameridial additional capacity in that facet of its business.
In an innovative step, OKS-Ameridial created a work-at-home program in the fall of 2006 that employed 180 part-time agents. The success of that program has made it an important part of the company’s strategy for the future.
Looking toward the future, McGeorge says OKS-Ameridial plans to continue to serve its existing customer base, while branching out
into new areas. During the summer of 2006, the company expanded its North Canton facility by 10,000 square feet. The expansion is being
used as a new call center, which will add another 100 jobs.
OKS-Ameridial won the Best in Class Award for 2006 for quality of service. The award was presented by Customer Interaction
Solutions magazine, which chose OKS-Ameridial because of the results of a direct voice survey with customers.
The company shows its commitment to the community in several ways. Members participate in the March of Dimes Walk America program and the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, and OKS-Ameridial has contributed to several youth sports teams and other charities.
HOW TO REACH: OKS-Ameridial Inc., (800) 445-7128 or www.oksameridial.com
