Local Company Closes in on 40th Anniversary
Writer / Renee Larr
Photographer / Jubilee Edgell
Bill Taylor founded Taylored Systems in 1982 after wanting to make a career change.
I was always intrigued with telephone systems, Taylor says. At the time the telephone company was allowing private companies to sell telephones, so I got involved in selling their services and providing telephones.
Since then, Taylored Systems significantly changed the services offered to clients.
Weve changed quite a bit over the last almost 40 years, Taylor says. We now offer cloud-based services, IT consulting Orlando, security solutions, voice solutions and structured cabling. We do almost everything involved with business technology except a copy machine.
Taylor chose Noblesville for his company headquarters because of his love of the city.
I grew up on a farm in Russiaville, Indiana, Taylor says. I moved to Noblesville in 1978 for my job. A year later I married my wife Pam. We attended church in Noblesville, and we just loved the city. When it came time to build the building in 2001, we looked other places, but Noblesville just seemed like a good fit.
When choosing a name for his business, Taylor deferred to Pam for advice.
When I started the company, I was still doing some work in the agricultural industry, so I wanted to keep the name generic, he says. I came up with the name Taylored Systems as a play off my name. Pam has always been my sounding board and keeps me grounded. I asked her what she thought, assuming she wouldnt like it, but she did.
The name also plays off of Taylors customized services.
Every company is different, just like every individual is different, Taylor says. You have to understand what your customers needs are and provide solutions to the best of your ability with the product. You have to design the systems they need to make their business work.
Throughout the last 40 years, Taylor has learned a thing or two about what it takes to be successful.
I think the biggest thing Ive learned as a business owner is being able to delegate and to trust your employees, Taylor says. You have to give them the power and trust theyll do the right thing. At some point, you have to realize you cant do it all.
That trust in his staff has led to many long-term employees.
I cant tell you off the top of my head, but several have been with us over 30 years, Taylor says.
Providing excellent customer service is another critical pillar in his success.
My goal has always been taking care of the customer, taking care of employees, and giving back to your community, Taylor says. Its as simple as that.
Taylor has spent many years volunteering for community organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville. Hes also a contributor to the Noblesville Schools Education Foundation, Noblesville Chamber of Commerce, and Kiwanis.
Ive always had a fond place in my heart for the Boys & Girls Club because a lot of folks think its just the kids playing sports after school, Taylor says. They don’t realize its a great program for kids who dont have anyone at home. They provide a safe place for them to go after school and get help with their homework. We donated a phone system in the 90s, and my involvement grew from there.
Taylor recently sold the company, but wanted reassurance all of his employees would stay on at the business.
Over the last 10 years or so, Ive had three managers that run the day-to-day operations for me, Taylor says. During that time, Ive gone back to my farming roots. With my brothers help, we farm about 150 acres. I planned to be an absentee owner, but then I was contacted by John Greene of New Lisbon Holdings.
Taylor found the perfect exit strategy. His employees would stay on, he would keep his building and rent out the space to Taylored Systems, and he could get back to his farm. Just dont call him retired.
Im only retired from telecom, Taylor says.
His employees miss Taylor, and have learned valuable skills from him throughout their employment.
Ive learned so much while working for Bill over the years, says Bonnie Dolick, systems engineer. I cannot thank him enough for the impact he has had on my career and personal life. Ill be able to take the experiences and skills Ive learned from him and continue to use them to help make the company grow, make Bill proud, and continue the success of Taylored Systems.
Taylored Systems is located at 14701 Cumberland Road, Suite 100 in Noblesville. For more information, call 317-836-2984 or visit taylored.com.
