November 21, 2024
In this Q&A, Cabco shares insights on its evolution from analog to digital communication, its embrace of AI-driven solutions, and its commitment to customer satisfaction and community values. Cabco highlights its thriving partnerships, adaptability to technological advancements, and focus on providing tailored Managed Business Solutions.
Cabco is a leading communications integrator in Atlantic Canada, offering a wide range of communication and technology solutions. Since its founding in 1980, the company has grown from a small cabling business to employing 80 team members across the Maritimes. Cabco Communications provides a wide range of services: managed IT solutions, premises securities, audio visual technology, wifi systems, electrical and more.
DNS: How would you describe Cabco to someone who is not familiar with it?
Cabco: Cabco is Atlantic Canada’s longest-standing communications integrator, offering a broad range of services from managed IT solutions and unified communications to premises security and structured cabling, ensuring businesses stay connected and secure. With a focus on customer satisfaction and a Net Promoter Score of 87, Cabco has earned a reputation for quality and reliability.
DNS: You’ve been in business for over 40 years. What are the most significant changes during that time within the business?
Cabco: Over the past four decades, we have witnessed the transformation from analog to digital communication, the rise of cloud services, and an increasing focus on data security. These advancements have enabled us to offer more integrated and advanced solutions that meet evolving compliance and security demands.
DNS: Given your involvement in the IT technology sector, what changes have you seen in Nova Scotia’s technology landscape and your customers over the years?
Cabco: There is a much greater appreciation around the benefits of investing in technological infrastructure. Every business is connected digitally to its stakeholders, and downtime is very expensive. We have seen a wave of new technology-related businesses rise and grow out of Nova Scotia in recent years and there is now a thriving ecosystem which supports and enhances the industry.
DNS: Everyone is talking about AI these days. Has this AI buzz created any opportunities for Cabco and your customers?
Cabco: AI brings new opportunities for Cabco to deliver smarter, more efficient solutions to our customers. Through partnerships with industry-leading technology providers, we’re seeing AI increasingly integrated across our offerings. In unified communications, AI streamlines call routing and automates responses, enhancing customer interactions. For premises security, AI-driven video analytics and real-time alerts provide faster, more proactive protection. In managed IT, AI enables proactive system monitoring, detects issues early, and minimizes downtime for clients. As AI continues to advance, we look forward to exploring additional applications that further benefit our clients.
DNS: 5 to 10 years, do you think your business will be significantly different from what it is today?
Cabco: The core offerings around managed IT, security, and unified communications will likely be similar, but the product mix and demands from customers will evolve meaningfully. There is a move towards an a-la-carte selection of products and services that are paid for on a monthly basis. We describe this as Managed Business Solutions, which are tailored offerings that meet the individual needs of customers.
DNS: Your website states that you have 80 employees and have been successful for 40 years. What are the main challenges your business faces as a small to medium size business (such as finding talent, retaining employees, or staying current with technologies)?
Cabco: Running a business of any size always has its challenges. We have been fortunate to be able to recruit and retain an amazing team but it is something we put a lot of focus on. Recent years have brought challenges around the supply chain, labour availability, and overall inflationary costs of doing business.
DNS: When hiring employees, what key characteristics do you look for at Cabco?
Cabco: Cabco seeks team members who are adaptable, customer-focused, and technically skilled. Strong communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to delivering exceptional service are essential traits for anyone joining the Cabco team. We foster a collaborative environment where sharing knowledge and supporting each other leads to better results for both our team and our customers. A genuine passion for helping others is also a key trait we seek, as community is one of our core values.
DNS: Is there anything new or exciting happening at Cabco that you would like to share?
Cabco: A couple of years ago Cabco purchased a 50% stake in Lakeview Electric, a commercial electrical contractor based in Dartmouth. Lakeview has experienced explosive growth recently, including expanding into New Brunswick. We work collaboratively with Lakeview on many projects and believe that our collective offerings are second to none in the marketplace.