David Parker: Around Town with Moby
Since this column announced its launch as a customer-happy internet provider, Moby has experienced significant growth. It was launched by technician Nick Brewer who had left a major provider and wondered if it was possible to create a local, independent company that provided not only a superior fibre-optic network, but also on-the-spot customer service.
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Brewer founded Moby and later enlisted CEO and co-owner Boaz Shilmover, who brought on vice president of business development Stewart Cummings and COO Tobe Nzewi as partners. Shilmover, a graduate of the Ivey Business School at the University of Western Ontario, had worked in oil and gas and the construction industry. He introduced to Brewer at a Calgary coffee shop and says he quickly saw the need and potential for growth of Moby.
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He immersed himself into the world of internet, TV and VoIP phone service and the promotion of a local company benefitting by being able to lay its own extensive fibre-optic throughout the downtown, where it houses its data centre along 7th Avenue S.W.
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Since then, Moby has continued to expand its footprint in both Calgary and Edmonton, with particular growth in the hotel and hospitality sector. Reliable high-speed internet and TV service are important and often overlooked guest amenities. Moby is now servicing multiple hotels across the country and is a Best Western and Choice Hotel-endorsed supplier.
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Canadian Rocky Mountain Resorts (CRMR) is a recent client win. Moby has completed an overhaul of the TV service of The Post Hotel in Lake Louise, which had been relying on poor satellite TV due to its remote location. Moby worked with the CRMR's Calgary office and was hired to bring TV and streaming services to the hotel's smart TV. It offered a customized service that Moby customers appreciate, delivering a product 'as smooth as at home' with a clear picture.
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Other Calgary companies that have made the switch to Moby include Calgary Co-op, Neo Financial, OK Tire, Sproule Energy, Garmin and the Calgary Petroleum Club.
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In addition to serving business customers, Moby continues to service high-density residential apartments and condos. A good example of the company's commitment to going the extra mile is the way it was able to please residents of an apartment block with a large number of Filipino renters. Moby was able to add specific Filipino channels to better serve the community, and it is responding to another building in which many of the residents are looking for Italian language channels.
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