BTI Communications Group — providing Communication Systems, Security Systems, and IT Support featuring the foremost level of technical quality and operational reliability

In terms of human advancement, technology is without a doubt one of the most significant developments in human history. Small- to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in today's environment have challenges growing their revenue and staying competitive in the face of quickly evolving technology and shifting labor trends. Business owners today recognize that information technology (IT) is critical to their survival in the face of ongoing disruption, which ranges from cybersecurity concerns to the growth of remote employment.

In 2022, 78% of small firms estimated that technology would be their most important investment, according to a Forbes survey. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that managed services are expected to reach $274 billion by 2026. Small businesses, lacking the resources of larger corporations, rely on managed service providers (MSPs) to help them bridge the gaps in their IT strategies.

BTI Communications Group is one such company leading the innovative charge with its innovative offerings in communications, IT services, cybersecurity, and high-value surveillance systems. Over the years, BTI has been a pioneer in converging voice and data networks and has won accolades from partners and clients.

In conversation with Eric W. Brackett, the Founder and President of BTI Communications Group, Ltd.

Q. Why was BTI Communications Group founded? How has the company grown over its 38 years of existence?

BTI started small, driven by the belief that clients deserved real value and service for their investments in their facilities and communications technology. Our original motto was “fighting the Un service revolution,” battling against AT&T’s chokehold on our customers’ telecom systems and budgets.

Over the years, we have grown exponentially and organically by listening to our clients, understanding their business and technology challenges, and delivering products and services at the foremost level of technical quality that can be delivered reliably for our customer’s budget.

Q. What unique selling point of BTI Communications Group has allowed it to grow and expand its business over time?

BTI is one of the few companies in existence that combines real expertise in everything IT (information technology), everything communications systems and call centers, and everything low voltage, including computer cabling, Wi-Fi, door access systems, security camera systems, visitor management, and alarm systems. This means that clients enjoy better results, faster project completions, and reduced costs.

The second differentiator is how we treat our clients’ budgets. We work ridiculously hard to keep costs as low as possible and provide detailed itemized costs at the lowest possible price.

The third differentiator is proactive service. Our service plans all include proactive monitoring and performance optimization of all systems, saving our clients both time and money.

Q. Since its start in the communications and telecom sector, the company has diversified its operations and product offerings. What led to this? How has the market received BTI Communications Group’s other services?

Our diversification has been driven by our clients and changes in technology. We were pioneers in VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) implementations starting in 1996. Our success in that area led to a need to understand our clients’ network infrastructures. That was the origin of our IT Products and Services Division.

Later, in 2012, the increasing demand for quality implementation and IT security of converged security alarm and camera systems led to the start of our Security Products and Services Division. By offering a comprehensive suite of solutions, from IT and communication system design and implementation to physical security systems, we provide clients with a one-stop destination for all their IT, communications, and security needs.

Q. For any company in the IT, security, and tech fields, innovation is the bread and butter. What is BTI Communications Group’s philosophy on innovation?

At BTI, we do not innovate for the sake of it; we innovate to improve results for our clients. Every team member is empowered and encouraged to listen closely to what our clients are telling them. The best ideas over time have come from listening to our people and our clients. We do not make the products and services we sell. We make those products perform better through expert design, installation, and support.

When we evaluate a product, methodology, or procedure, our first principle is quality and reliability. Will this change increase quality and reliability? If so, it gets maximum attention. The second question is whether the change will positively or negatively impact ROI for our clients. If so, it gets maximum attention. In business, everything comes down to cost versus value received. As such, we are continually evaluating how we, as a service provider, can help lower costs and improve outcomes for our clients.

Q. What have been some of the most innovative and successful breakthroughs that BTI Communications Group has delivered over the span of its illustrious history? Can you tell us about a few of them?

One of our groundbreaking innovations has been pioneering remote work and proactive remote management. This approach extends beyond IT and communication systems to encompass support for commercial security alarms, access control, and CCTV technology. Our multi-disciplinary teamwork and integrations have yielded massive efficiencies for our clients in IT operations, facility operations, customer support, and sales operations.

We have empowered our clients to scale their businesses from small and medium-sized enterprises to massive global entities, all while significantly reducing costs and streamlining operations and security.

Through BTI’s support services (GlobalView) our customers have been able to increase their productivity, reduce their costs, enhance teamwork and collaboration, and much more while drastically improving the return on investment of our customers’ communications, IT, and physical security solutions.

With BTI, you get access to world-class technology products and expert support at exceptional prices without any of the runaround customers report experiencing from our larger competitors.

Q. What are BTI Communications Group’s plans for the future?

We are focused on quality, innovation, and value for our clients. We will continue to attract and retain clients by providing exceptional value to them. Doing this, we expect to grow at a 20% year-over-year rate.

Q. Would you like us to highlight something important happening in your company that we may have missed asking about?

There is a significant milestone on the horizon: our upcoming 40th anniversary in 2025. This marks not only our enduring presence in the industry but also our commitment to continuous innovation and client success. It is a celebration of the journey we have undertaken, the challenges we have conquered, and the milestones we have achieved alongside our clients!

Innovating and customizing physical security, communication, and IT products & services

Eric W. Brackett is the Founder and President of BTI Communications Group, which for 38 years has been a pioneer in providing networked voice, data, and security solutions to its customers. Eric started BTI in 1985 while enrolled at Northwestern as an economics major.

Since then, Eric has grown BTI into a multi-disciplined service organization with offices in three states and happy clients around the world who are themselves growing and revolutionizing the world today.