"From Manitoba we service many of North America's top companies."
Tyler Gompf — Founder and president of Tell Us About Us Young entrepreneur turns customer service idea into international success
What started with a personal experience of bad customer service in a stereo store turned into a major entrepreneurial success for Tyler Gompf. The founder and president of Tell Us About Us runs an information technology firm that helps many of North America's top companies to measure and improve the customer experience they create.
When asked about starting his business in Manitoba, Gompf is excited to point out the positives. "First off, it's home. Manitobans have a no-nonsense approach to doing business. Maybe it's a farming attitude," he jokes. "We get it done."
Tell Us About Us certainly gets it done, providing support to over 20,000 client locations across the United States and parts of Canada, with sights set on the European market. Gompf's fast climb was recently recognized nationally — he was one of three finalists for the 2006 Ernst & Young Prairie Entrepreneur of the Year award.
As a new entrepreneur in 1997, Gompf quickly tapped into the many resources available in the province. "We qualified for the province's Young Entrepreneurs grant. We also were able to access funds as an IT company," he says.
"In Manitoba, you have access to everybody at a number of levels, right up to the Premier. Of course, with that access comes responsibility — it means that in your business, you strive to uphold a certain standard."
The network between other Manitoba businesses also proved a valuable resource. "We joined the local Chambers and business associations and, even though our focus was different, we were able to learn from some of the most successful people in the province."
Gompf's enthusiasm about Manitoba has prompted him to become one of the first brand champions of Manitoba Spirited Energy. The new place brand for Manitoba was introduced in June of 2006, and Gompf believes it's a great step in the right direction for the province.
"I'd love to see more people doing business here — including some who've left to do business elsewhere. I think we should get loud and proud about Manitoba, since it has just as much to offer as anywhere else in Canada."
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