When it comes to providing innovative and compassionate solutions for seniors and their caregivers, GreatCall has been at the forefront of the industry for over a decade. But have you ever wondered, how long has GreatCall been in business? In this article, we’ll delve into the company’s history, explore its milestones, and examine how GreatCall has become a trusted leader in the field of health and wellness technology.
A Humble Beginning: 2006-2010
GreatCall was founded in 2006 by Arlene Harris, a visionary entrepreneur with a passion for improving the lives of seniors. Harris, who had personally experienced the challenges of caring for an aging parent, recognized the need for a reliable and accessible means of communication for older adults. She set out to create a mobile phone service that catered specifically to seniors, with features that addressed their unique needs and concerns.
In the early days, GreatCall operated as a small startup, with a team of dedicated professionals working tirelessly to develop and launch the company’s flagship product, the Jitterbug phone. This easy-to-use device was designed with seniors in mind, featuring large buttons, loud speakers, and a simple interface. The phone quickly gained popularity, and by 2010, GreatCall had established itself as a pioneer in the senior-focused technology space.
Expansion and Innovation: 2010-2015
As GreatCall continued to grow, the company expanded its product line to include additional devices and services. In 2012, the company launched the Jitterbug Touch, a senior-friendly smartphone that offered access to the internet, email, and social media. This was followed by the introduction of the Jitterbug Flip, a flip phone designed for seniors who wanted a simpler, more traditional phone experience.
During this period, GreatCall also began to focus on developing health and wellness solutions that leveraged the power of mobile technology. The company launched its first health-related services, including medication reminders, fitness tracking, and emergency response systems. These innovations marked a significant turning point in GreatCall’s history, as the company shifted its focus from purely providing phone services to delivering comprehensive health and wellness solutions.
Awards and Accolades: 2015-2020
Over the next five years, GreatCall’s commitment to innovation and excellence earned the company numerous awards and recognitions. In 2016, the company was named one of the “Top 10 Most Innovative Companies in Healthcare” by Fast Company magazine. This was followed by awards from Inc. 5000, which recognized GreatCall as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the United States.
In 2018, GreatCall launched its proprietary technology, Lively, which integrated artificial intelligence and machine learning to proactively identify potential health risks for seniors. This groundbreaking innovation further solidified GreatCall’s position as a leader in the health and wellness technology space.
Acquisition and Moving Forward: 2020-Present
In 2020, GreatCall was acquired by Best Buy, a leading consumer electronics retailer. The acquisition marked a significant milestone in GreatCall’s history, as the company gained access to Best Buy’s vast resources and expertise. The partnership enabled GreatCall to accelerate its growth and expand its reach, further solidifying its position as a trusted partner for seniors and caregivers.
Today, GreatCall continues to innovate and push the boundaries of health and wellness technology. With a dedicated team of experts and a commitment to delivering exceptional customer service, the company remains at the forefront of the industry.
Key Statistics and Milestones
- Over 1 million customers served
- 95% customer satisfaction rate
- 300,000+ emergency response calls handled annually
- 5,000+ hours of caregiver support provided monthly
Looking to the Future
As GreatCall celebrates over 15 years of operation, the company remains dedicated to its mission of providing innovative solutions that improve the lives of seniors and caregivers. With a strong focus on health and wellness technology, GreatCall is poised to continue making a positive impact in the lives of millions of people.
In conclusion, GreatCall’s history is a testament to innovation, perseverance, and a commitment to making a difference. From its humble beginnings as a startup to its current status as a leader in the health and wellness technology space, GreatCall has consistently demonstrated its ability to adapt, innovate, and thrive. As the company looks to the future, one thing is clear: **GreatCall has been in business for over 15 years, and its legacy of care and innovation will continue to endure**.
What was GreatCall’s main goal when it was founded?
GreatCall was founded in 2006 with a clear mission: to provide seniors with easy-to-use technology that would help them stay connected, independent, and safe. The company’s founders, led by David Inns, recognized that traditional mobile phones were not meeting the unique needs of older adults. They set out to create a simplified mobile experience that would cater specifically to seniors.
From the outset, GreatCall’s products and services were designed to address the unique challenges faced by seniors, such as hearing loss, declining dexterity, and concerns about safety and security. By focusing on ease of use, simple design, and innovative features like medical alert capabilities, GreatCall aimed to empower seniors to live fuller, more independent lives.
What was the first product launched by GreatCall?
The first product launched by GreatCall was the Jitterbug phone, introduced in 2006. This senior-friendly mobile phone was designed to be extremely user-friendly, with large buttons, loud speakers, and a simple menu. The Jitterbug phone was an instant hit, attracting thousands of customers who appreciated its ease of use and innovative features like 5Star Urgent Response, which allowed users to quickly connect with emergency services.
The Jitterbug phone was a game-changer in the senior mobile market, offering a range of benefits that traditional mobile phones couldn’t match. Its success paved the way for GreatCall to develop more innovative products and services, cementing its position as a leader in the senior technology space.
What is the 5Star Urgent Response service?
The 5Star Urgent Response service was a groundbreaking feature introduced by GreatCall in 2006. This service allowed users to quickly connect with emergency services by pressing a single button on their Jitterbug phone. Trained agents would then assess the situation and dispatch emergency responders, such as ambulances or police, as needed.
The 5Star Urgent Response service was designed to provide seniors with a sense of security and peace of mind. By having access to immediate assistance, seniors could feel more confident living independently, knowing that help was just a button-press away. This innovative feature set GreatCall apart from traditional mobile phone providers and solidified its commitment to senior care.
How did GreatCall expand its product line over time?
Over time, GreatCall expanded its product line to cater to the evolving needs of seniors. In addition to the Jitterbug phone, the company introduced a range of new products and services, including the Jitterbug Touch smartphone, health and safety devices like the Lively Wearable, and a suite of health and wellness services. These innovations allowed GreatCall to stay ahead of the curve, addressing emerging issues like social isolation and chronic disease management.
GreatCall’s commitment to innovation was driven by a deep understanding of the senior market and a relentless focus on customer needs. By listening to customer feedback and staying attuned to emerging trends, the company was able to develop solutions that addressed real problems faced by seniors. This approach helped GreatCall build a loyal customer base and earn a reputation as a trusted provider of senior technology.
What role did GreatCall play in addressing social isolation in seniors?
GreatCall played a significant role in addressing social isolation in seniors, recognizing that loneliness and disconnection are major health risks for older adults. The company developed a range of products and services designed to combat social isolation, including the Jitterbug phone, which enabled seniors to stay connected with friends and family. GreatCall also introduced health and wellness services, such as the Lively app, which allowed seniors to track their health and engage with others in their community.
By providing seniors with tools and services that promoted social connection, GreatCall helped address a critical issue affecting millions of older adults. The company’s innovative approach to addressing social isolation helped to improve the overall well-being of seniors, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
How did GreatCall’s acquisition by Best Buy impact its operations?
In 2018, GreatCall was acquired by Best Buy, a leading consumer electronics retailer. This acquisition marked a significant milestone in GreatCall’s history, providing the company with additional resources and expertise to accelerate its growth and innovation. Under Best Buy’s ownership, GreatCall continued to operate as a standalone entity, maintaining its focus on senior technology and care.
The acquisition by Best Buy brought numerous benefits, including increased access to capital, expanded distribution channels, and opportunities for collaboration with Best Buy’s team of experts. GreatCall was able to leverage these resources to further develop its products and services, solidifying its position as a leader in the senior technology space.
What legacy has GreatCall left in the senior technology space?
GreatCall’s legacy in the senior technology space is one of innovation, care, and commitment. By developing products and services that catered specifically to seniors, the company helped to empower millions of older adults to live more independent, connected, and fulfilling lives. GreatCall’s focus on ease of use, simplicity, and customer-centric design set a new standard for senior technology, influencing a generation of companies that followed in its footsteps.
GreatCall’s enduring legacy is a testament to the power of innovation and care. The company’s commitment to improving the lives of seniors has left a lasting impact on the senior technology space, inspiring a new wave of entrepreneurs, inventors, and caregivers to develop solutions that address the unique needs of older adults.