MEMBER SHOWCASE
Penguin helps businesses communicate
2020
By ANGELINA MARTIN
Penguin Telecommunication Company has provided local businesses with cutting edge phone, internet and information security solutions for nearly two decades, but their services have never been needed more than during the coronavirus pandemic. What first began as an intellectual property consulting business about 15 years ago has since evolved into a full-fledged communications company in Turlock which offers exclusive phone services. From cloud-based, private telephone networks known as a Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP, systems to simple dial-tone only services, businesses’ phone models have been able to adapt and change to evolving technologies — especially during these unprecedented times. “The wonderful thing about phone service is that everyone needs it and we can craft our system to work for a variety of different businesses, from your typical office setting, insurance agency or call center all the way down to an entertainment facility or restaurant,” Penguin Vice President Alethe Denis said. By utilizing Penguin-hosted phone systems, local businesses are able to offer up-to-date information and hands-on assistance to callers thanks to services like an auto attendant, message or music for callers on hold, virtual extensions, call screening and call queues. As stay-at-home order forced many local restaurants to switch to to-go orders, Denis said call queues and other phone services provided by Penguin became vital for many businesses. “Restaurants started seeing a lot of customers and potential customers calling the restaurant and not being able to get through. They weren't able to understand or find out whether or not the place was open or what their options were, so we tried to come up with a way that we could help,” Denis said. Penguin’s services have helped restaurants make sure they don’t miss a customer, with call queues that provide an audio waiting room where customers can listen to the business’ hours, menu or anything else the restaurant owner chooses. Not only does the service keep customers informed, but also frees up restaurant employees to complete other tasks during a time when they are likely understaffed. “They’re now able to handle higher volume of calls, they won’t miss any orders and it frees them up to do the actual business of running a restaurant,” Denis said. “It’s less than the cost of a traditional phone bill. We want to help restaurants save money, keep them in business through these times and also give them the ability to become more cost efficient and keep their communication line open with customers.” According to Denis, the feedback Penguin has received from local businesses during the pandemic has been “incredible,” with clients expressing gratitude for services that allow them to keep customers informed in such uncertain times. It doesn’t stop with restaurants, BUSINESS NEWS
either; Penguin’s services translate to other retail sectors as well, like clothing stores who want their customers to stay updated on ever-changing hours when they call. Now, Denis said, store owners don’t have to go through clusters of voicemails and worry about calling customers back so that they have the correct information. “Getting that feedback is what really has fueled our desire to push boundaries and create new products offering solutions exclusively for this situation, giving businesses the opportunity to get out of things they felt were holding them back,” Denis said. “These services have taken so much stress off of these business owners. Being able to help relieve that tension and stress when businesses are grappling with so much right now makes us feel really good that we can be involved and help that way.” For more information about Penguin Telecommunication Company, visit www.callpenguin.com or call 209-585-1375.
15
SUMMER 2020
