One year on from our last chat, we met up with our friends at the Techery to hear all about their awesome work.
Around this time last year, we had an incredible chat with our friends at The Techery about their exciting start-up providing SMART technology for Highlands homes and businesses.
Since then, we’ve been cheering loud and proud from the sidelines as they smash business goals and improve Highlanders lives in the process.
And now we’re stepping back onto the field to get the full rundown on all the amazing things that have been happening with the crew and what their plans are for the future. [Spoiler Alert: They’ve got some pretty epic ideas on the cards]
We had a chat with Nicole and Casey, two of the three incredibly passionate locals behind the biz [the third owner Rueben was busy out and about helping Highlanders with their tech] and we’re sharing all the good news here.
1:: Hello again Nicole and Casey, how have you and The Techery been?
Casey: Amazing! We’ve made incredible progress from where we began, and we’re thrilled about it. Our motivation was to build a fantastic culture for both our team and customers, and we’re proud to say that we’ve achieved our vision. In the last 12 months, we’ve doubled our recurring customer base, and we couldn’t be happier.
Nicole: I’ve loved every minute of it so far. We have a caring team and we have that same caring approach with our customers. We genuinely give a hoot about things like making sure our customers’ internet is working and their tech is doing what they need from it. As a team, we’re tight-knit, no egos here. When decisions pop up, we’re all on board, supporting each other like one big tech-loving family.
2 :: How awesome! What are some of your big developments so far?
Nicole: One thing that has really developed is some incredible relationships with local businesses.
Casey: We’ve been partnering with lots of local businesses to fill any technology gaps that they might have. For example, we are currently working with a business called All In Gate Motors who install automatic gates in the Highlands. When they’re installing internet-based functions like an intercom we help them to set it up.
Nicole: We’re growing roots in the community. We’ve also been supporting local events to help set up the internet and tech for the day. It’s so exciting to have our work and our branding out there but also to be engaged with the community.
3 :: Ooo tell us more about these events you’re supporting!
Casey: A notable event is the Burrawang Easter Market happening this month with over 200 stallholders. In the past, due to internet issues, they couldn’t process online payments. But we’ve crafted a Wi-Fi solution to fix that snag. Now, stallholders can take payments online if they want to.
Nicole: It’s interesting how many local events need strong and reliable Wi-Fi and we’re thrilled to provide that support. Seeing local stallholders increase their sales through our Wi-Fi setup makes us feel pride. It’s surprising yet gratifying to contribute to the community in such meaningful ways.
4 :: Wow it sounds like the work you’re doing is rewarding, is that right?
Casey: It sure is. One thing we’ve noticed in the Highlands is that many people who live on more remote properties don’t realise that they can still have access to good, reliable internet. Or if they do, they might not be sure how to set it up. We love facilitating that setup for them.
Nicole: We also love having a shop front, it means that customers who prefer face-to-face interaction can come in and chat, see the devices and map out what they need.
5 :: What are some of the devices you think Highlanders should know more about?
Casey: Oh, there’s so many amazing ones. Good tech devices can give you full house automation from the front gate to the bathroom lights and everything in between. Technology is changing all the time and we stay on top of it.
Nicole: Many of these devices are surprisingly affordable, such as garage drivers and SMART blinds. Before getting started, we always discuss budgets and goals with our customers to ensure the best solutions for them.
6 :: SMART blinds…. Go on?
Nicole: Haha, it’s basically a device that we can help install to your blinds to make them smart, meaning that you can program them to rise and lower at times that suit you.
What’s really cool about SMART tech, in my opinion, is the use of home hubs that bring in all those devices. It allows you to set the scene in your home when you need it. For example, it’s 5 o’clock, time to turn the heating on and close the blinds, and you don’t have to think about it—it’s already done for you.
Casey: My home device is my best friend. I can’t remember the last time I vacuumed the floor because it’s automated. Imagine it’s wintertime, the heating or the fire is on, and all the blinds are closed and you didn’t have to do a thing to make that happen… all we need is a house that pours wine.
7 :: Yes, please! What other kinds of devices have you noticed to be popular?
Casey: Starlink which is the incredible internet we set up for remote areas as well as intercoms. Home security and surveillance are always popular. We have battery and solar-powered home surveillance cameras that don’t cost a fortune or need to be hooked up to a power point.
Nicole: The technology for surveillance cameras just keeps getting better and better. For whatever reason you need them, whether it’s to protect your property or to keep an eye on your pets whilst you’re away, there’s tech for it.
8 :: And are you still loving working in the Highlands?
Nicole: 100 per cent! We’re really happy that we made the call to start our business in the Highlands. It’s just an incredible community and we’re glad to be part of it.
Casey: It’s awesome how many resources we have available in the Southern Highlands today. It means we can access highly skilled locals like our field technicians. There are more and more people with an interest in technology.
9 :: And what’s on the cards next for The Techery?
Casey: We’re organising a team get-together and mapping out our plan for the next twelve months because there are many exciting things we’d like to do. We’re keen to team up with local builders to incorporate SMART tech into new builds. Anyone in the process of building a home should consider making it SMART. Planning it from the start is not just future-proof but also more cost-efficient. It’s also a good investment for built homes as well.
Nicole: We want locals to know that everyone deserves top-notch internet, even those in apartments dealing with strata restrictions. We’re here to be the voice for those feeling held back by slow connections and help them get strong, reliable internet wherever they are.
We never want to lose focus on our residential and local customers as well, like the ones dealing with pesky internet glitches or just in need of a tech-savvy friend. As we grow, maintaining our unique culture is a top priority too!
Aww The Techery are like our tech superheroes and tech wizards all rolled into one. We’re so excited for their incredible achievements so far and absolutely cannot wait to see what the next 12 months will bring.
you’re a local resident, business owner, or rural property owner, give this awesome team a shout! They’re ready to simplify your life with SMART automation technology and some darn good internet. You can contact them over the phone, through their website or at their storefront in Bowral.
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