Customer Story: Estate Crafters
When the law
firm of Estate Crafters® decided
to upgrade their phone system in August 2003, they were familiar
with an IP-enabled phone system (Internet Protocol-based
phone system that combines data and voice onto a single platform)
but thought the cost of such a system was way out of their
budget. They were surprised to discover such a system was
within their budget and could save them money.
Estate Crafters is a small law firm that practices Elder
Law, specializing in asset protection planning for the elderly
and delivering quality services to individuals and families
in estate and tax planning, probate and trust law. Founded
by attorney Rolf T. Nelson 18 years ago, Estate Crafters
employs six people. The addition of two younger, technology-savvy
employees prompted Estate Crafters to look into a more state-of-the-art
telephone system, which would have the capability to grow
with the company.
Marilyn Bluel, Estate Crafters’ paralegal,
began researching upgrades for a phone system that the company
purchased in 1997. Estate Crafter’s phone provider
at the time didn't
offer a system that met the expectations and technology that
she wanted. Estate Crafters heard about Enventis Telecom
and its Encompass Unified Communications through Nelson’s
son-in-law, who was employed with Cisco Systems. In November
2003, Estate Crafters contacted Enventis and within a month
had the Encompass system installed. Encompass provides Estate
Crafters with a single vendor for its entire phone, Internet,
data storage, web hosting, and system maintenance needs — as
well as IP-enabled features and benefits.
Marty Johnson, Estate Crafters’ CPA, really enjoys
the flexibility provided by Encompass. Johnson works off-site
three days a week and appreciates the find-me/follow me feature
of his phone, which allows clients to contact him through
one number regardless of where he is working. Encompass’ unified
messaging, which combines voicemail, e-mail and fax messages
into a single inbox, also saves him time when communicating
with others in the office, especially when he is away from
the office.
The simplicity of the phone system,
as well as Enventis’ system
maintenance – featuring offsite engineers who maintain
the system and answer questions is also an important feature
for Estate Crafters. Encompass’ real-time call history
feature, which automatically tracks the length of phone calls
with clients, is a definite plus for Estate Crafters as well.
Estate Crafters was attracted to Encompass for its IP system
efficiencies, easy-to-use Cisco equipment, and system maintenance
at a cost affordable to their small law firm. Estate Crafters
knew immediately after talking with an Enventis representative
that the Encompass system was perfect for their needs when
they upgraded, and as the firm grows.
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