Sally Smoczynski and Judith Monroe remember the days when they would arrive to teach a technical training course. “There would be 10 ports for 12 computers, and we’d be on our knees scrambling to hook everything up with a few minutes to spare,” Smoczynski said.
That was just one of several frustrations that spurred these training professionals to go from independent contractors to business owners. Based in Lisle, Remote Access is dedicated to technical training, with computer classrooms ready and waiting.
“You walk in, you load your software and you do your thing,” Smoczynski said. “It’s hassle-free.”
Smoczynski and Monroe also knew that as independent contractors, they could go only so far. “We wanted the next step, and with access to other professionals, we could fulfill the needs of a bigger market,” Smoczynski said. “As we looked around, other facilities required renting computers and media equipment, and then you’d have to hope it was up-to-date.”
The two wrote a business plan and aimed to find space in the technology corridor along Interstate Highway 88. They purchased the most up-to-date technology, but also made everything movable and changeable for flexibility. They networked the equipment internally and to the World Wide Web with state-of-the-art connections.
When they opened their doors in January 1999 along Warrenville Road in Lisle, five of the six rooms were fully occupied for the first three months they were in business.
Remote Access also incorporates the amenities required for successful off-site training, like a break area for refreshments and telephones. And the company’s pricing means that clients spend a fraction of the normal cost for renting computers off-site.
Now there are days when two or three classes operate simultaneously, with as many as 50 to 60 people. Among the firm’s clients are Lucent Technologies, Tellabs, Unity Systems and Benedictine University. Beyond the physical facilities, the partners also write training software and continue to teach, if necessary. Or they draw on resources available locally.
“A client might ask for training on a specific product,” said Smoczynski, “and we’ll bring in the expertise they need.”
The company is finding that a growing market is in Web-based training used for distance learning. The partners can develop and “host” training programs that employees can access from elsewhere.
Remote Access has also established relationships with local hotels. The firm handles needs that can’t be met by the Radisson Hotel Lisle-Naperville, Hilton Lisle/Naperville and Hyatt Lisle, and in return, Remote Access creates business when they bring in out-of-town trainees.
Looking into the future, Smoczynski and Monroe envision a need for more training, not in technical skills, but in so-called “soft” skills. They’re currently offering courses under an umbrella name of Creative Access, Monroe said.
“The courseware targets interpersonal growth, which complements the high-energy lifestyle in which we live,” she said.
Monroe is also investigating a new program for controlling stress and measuring its effectiveness.
It’s just one example of managing a thriving business that requires adapting to changes in clients’ needs, the market and technology, Monroe said.
“Our clients are driving our business,” she said. “You don’t say `no’ to a customer.”
