Profitech expertise derived behind bar
By Paul F. Vang
Montana Tavern Times
“There are a lot of security systems and P.O.S. (point-of-sale) systems out there. There are a lot of inexpensive systems available that you can buy online or from a big box store,” says Bob White, head of Profitech Hospitality Group. “Expertise and customer service; that's what we bring to the table. That's the difference in what we offer.”
Bob White is a former Helena bar and restaurant operator, with 18 years at the Brewhouse in Helena. White first got involved with P.O.S. technology as a business partner with Bridger Design and Equipment, a Bozeman restaurant supply service.
From there he partnered with a computer service business, CP4G, of Missoula, and finally branched out on his own in 2004 under the business name of Profitech Hospitality Group.
White submits that his background in the hospitality industry gives him an advantage over other P.O.S. and security system dealers, in that he has a deep understanding of the hospitality industry, in addition to a solid background in the technology.
It's a balancing act when it comes to hiring employees, says. “We can't hire just anybody off the street, not someone with just computer experience, or only as a bar or restaurant worker."
White and his staff of six employees cover Montana and Wyoming, which represents a change in the past year. Previously the company covered most of the Pacific Northwest, until White and an associate divided the business to concentrate on somewhat smaller geographic areas.
The Profitech line of products leads off with Maitre'D, a leading producer of P.O.S. systems for full and quick service restaurants, hotels, clubs and casinos.
Profitech also handles Berg Multi-Beverage Systems, a system which tracks up to 200 brands of beverages, helping businesses achieve consistency in their drinks, as well as avoiding spillage and over-pouring. The Berg systems also interface with P.OS. systems such as Maitre'D.
Profitech covers the security side of the business with the Talon Digital Recording Surveillance system, a system that uses digital video recording technology to replace older analog technology such as video cassette recorders and VHS tapes. Using digital recording means much faster and more efficient retrieval of surveillance information. Talon systems can pair up with a high speed internet connection, so that the business operator can watch what's going on from anywhere.
Profitech has recently added Vigil, a relatively inexpensive line of security systems, intended to compete with off-the-shelf security systems.
More information on these specific products and links to manufacturers' websites can be found at Profitech's website, <www.profitechpos.com>.
Yet another product for the hospitality business is LRS Long Range Paging Systems which offer guest paging systems and server paging systems to streamline and improve customer service.
“We're constantly striving to both bring in new products and to also keep on top with developments in the industry,” White said of the line of products Profitech handles, and of the many classes, workshops and seminars he and his associates attend to keep up with ever-changing technology. “I don't think they'll find anyone better than us.”
White reiterates the advantage of experience and bar and restaurant backgrounds when it comes to getting new systems up and running.
“I lost a deal a year ago to someone who ordered a cheap system. They went through a year of hell. You've got to have the software – but you need the expertise to back it up. Everybody is unique – you've got to do it right and not screw it up.
“Sales are just the beginning,” he says. A big part of Profitech's services is getting things set up properly. “We sell it, prepare it and support it,” White says. “We do programming and build data bases specific to the needs of our customers. Because of our prior experience in the business, it's easy for us to put ourselves in the bartender's or waitress's shoes.”
White adds, “It takes a lot of time and effort to build customer relationships – and once we're up and running, the relationship is just beginning. We're going to be together for long periods. We build good relationships by taking care of people.”
Technology changes the way people operate bars and restaurants and Profitech Hospitality Group helps businesses manage change. “After years in the hospitality industry, we know that we don't operate the way we did 20 years ago. We offer resources to make a business more profitable,” he concludes.