Business name: Silke Communications.
Vancouver manager: Dana Sadlowski.
Account representative: Michael Sadlowski.
Address: 14407 N.E. 13th Ave., Vancouver. (Company headquarters are in Eugene, Ore.)
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What the business does: Silke Communications provides radio communications to public and private entities and has since 1964. Michael Sadlowski, account representative, said Silke customers range from large public fleets to small private businesses in Oregon, Washington and Northern California. The company’s industries of expertise include public safety and fire, concrete and aggregates, student transportation, school districts, mass transportation, hospitality, logging, towing and ski resorts.
Steps you are taking to build the business: Michael Sadlowski said building the business includes standard business activities such as websites, word of mouth, target advertising and participating in professional organizations. The company belongs to many public and private associations including others specific to the industry. And Silke has grown through acquisition too. After purchasing County Communications in Washougal in 2011, Silke’s involvement with local school districts and businesses really became more engaged.
Greatest challenge: Planning and resources are the biggest challenge, Michael Sadlowski said. Many projects are complex and long term and require project management and attention to detail. He said all their customers rely on their communications and many times it truly is a matter of life or death and Silke has to respond quickly and efficiently. The company has to be resilient, flexible and precise.