The History of Answer United, An Answering Service Built Upon Excellence

At Answer United, our history is a story of vision, dedication, and evolution, one that has helped shape who we are today as a leader in the answering service industry.

Our roots go back to the early 1960s in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where Larry Gignac began working for the company originally known as Custom Communications. He later acquired the business, and it was renamed Michigan Message Center. At that time, answering services were a vital lifeline for businesses that needed to stay connected to their customers outside of normal business hours. With little more than determination, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to outstanding service, Larry built a business that quickly earned a reputation for reliability and professionalism.

In the beginning, everything was handled manually, there were switchboards, handwritten messages, and live operators working tirelessly to ensure every call was answered promptly and every message was delivered accurately. As technology began to evolve, Michigan Message Center stayed at the forefront, adapting to innovations like computerized messaging systems, digital paging, and eventually internet-based communications. Throughout every stage of advancement, the core mission never wavered: to provide businesses with the support they need to succeed.

Recognizing that the company’s growth had expanded far beyond Michigan, the business rebranded as Answer United. The new name reflected both a broader geographical reach, serving clients all across the United States, and a commitment to delivering unified communication solutions to a wide range of industries, including healthcare, legal, property management, and service-based businesses.

Answer United Call Center in the United StatesThat same growth allowed the company to move from Lovell Street in Kalamazoo, MI to the former AAA building at 2015 W. Crosstown Parkway in Kalamazoo, MI. It was a family affair renovating the building to suit the needs of the growing company.

The Gignac family’s commitment to excellence has continued into the next generation. Today, Scott Gignac, Larry’s son, serves as the owner and president of Answer United. Scott acquired the company in 2015. Under Scott’s leadership, the company has embraced a new era of technology-driven services while maintaining the personalized, human-centered approach that has always set Answer United apart.

Answer United’s answering services have evolved to include:

  • Absentee or Employee Call Off Services
  • 24/7 Live Answering Services
  • Overflow Call Answering
  • Virtual Receptionist Solutions
  • Secure Medical Messaging (HIPAA-compliant)
  • On-Call Web Scheduling
  • Dispatch Services
  • Customizable Customer Service Solutions

While our services have evolved and expanded, our values remain the same: commitment to excellence, attention to detail, and a passion for helping businesses thrive by enhancing their customer communication. These are the reasons why we consistently win the ATSI award of excellence for over two decades now.

Today, Answer United stands as one of the most experienced and trusted names in the answering service industry. With over six decades of experience, a dedicated team, and a forward-thinking approach, we are proud to carry on the legacy that Larry Gignac began, and to continue helping our clients succeed, one call at a time.

We are Answer United, here to honor our past and innovation to lead us into the future.