Intelligent Office redefines way some now go to work

BOULDER — Ralph Gregory’s tasteful, conservative office at Viewpoint in Boulder is bustling with busy people and the cordial voices of polished receptionists. It’s not exactly what you would expect from a company president that is redefining the office.

But according to Gregory, “This is the beginning of a new industry. It will radically alter the office environment,”

What’s so different from any other office? Plenty. The Intelligent Office’s business is to provide the missing link for home-based businesses and telecommuters: cutting-edge communication services and a professional face.

Clients join like club members and pay only for the services they need beyond the basic telephone line, voice mail box, mailbox, pick-up/drop-off services, fax line and professional address services. Higher membership levels include live phone answering and secretarial services. Any member may access the “a la carte” services so they pay only for what they use. The Intelligent Office serves more than 200 businesses in Boulder alone.

“How often do you meet people in your office? Once or twice a month? Why are you paying for that space?” Gregory asks corporate America.

While many of Gregory’s clients work from home, The Intelligent Office is the professional “front door.” When any client’s dedicated line rings, software developed by the company triggers the receptionist’s computer to immediately call up information about the client. She answers according to the information received about the company. The phone system has built-in rollover capabilities so the receptionist immediately can transfer the caller to a home, cellular phone, pager or voice mail. Clients can call in the day’s plans, and they are recorded

in the computer. This way, they can be reached anywhere.

“Telecommuting focuses on written communication,´ said Gregory. “They forget about verbal communication. That’s where The Intelligent Office comes in.”

The Office offers more than a high-end answering service. Each client can use the facility for dropping off or picking up items, conducting meetings, photocopying and faxing. The 4,000-square-foot building’s small offices and conference rooms are rented by the hour and may be accessed anytime, just like the PO boxes. Clients’ expenses are itemized on their monthly

bill, so they know exactly what they’re paying for.

Born of Gregory’s own telecommuting effort, The Intelligent Office solved the problems that he and other parents faced while balancing work and family life by seamlessly blending the two worlds.

Gregory developed The Intelligent Office over four years, working out the ideal software, system of operation, and company culture.

Franchising his “McOffice,” The Intelligent Office now operates throughout Florida in Miami, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Orlando, Tampa, Sarasota and Jacksonville, Denver,

Atlanta, Cincinnati, Cleveland, and New York. By year end, The Office will expand to Austin, Texas, Detroit, Lansing and Grand Rapids, Mich., Indianapolis, Chicago, Columbus, Ohio and Minneapolis.

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