About Us

Since 1948, we have taken calls and dispatched calls for just about any professional you can imagine and even a few you didn't realize were in business. We have physicians, attorneys, plumbers, vending companies, heating and cooling companies, funeral homes and many other clients I didn't mention. We have expanded to so much more than taking messages. Our professional staff can offer an extension of your office. We can take any type of calls for any type of business, and customize an account according to each clients needs.

How We Got Started

The founder of our company was a disabled WWII Veteran. Cal Johnson started our company from his bedroom. He was injured and could not walk. He started answering calls for clients from phones hanging from the ceiling and writing messages. He built the business to a point he needed assistance and moved the operation to his work shop in his back yard. We continued to build clients and added on to the building for the next 50 years.

In 1986 Mr Johnson was ready to retire. He formed a plan to assist Sharon Campbell, current general manager, to purchase the company. Over the next 10 years with careful guidance he assisted Sharon in the continued growth of the answering service.

In 2004 a new building in Fairview Heights we christened. The service moved into our current facility. The new building allowed for unlimited growth. It will serve as the home for he next generation of clients for many years to come.

Products & Services
We answer all calls for companies in their absence. If you have a client meeting or if you are traveling to and from a client, we can answer your...
Recommendations Given (21)
"Richard's experience with business and business owners is 2nd to none. He is a key asset for a..." Read more "Richard's experience with business and business owners is 2nd to none. He is a key asset for a growing business."
"ITAS is a intricate partner in our business. We are happy to have them as one of our vendors!!"
Recent Activity

Sharon from Answer Direct Answered this on January 16, 2020
I think my biggest success is the passion I have to grow and learn.  That is the key to our success.  (more) I think my biggest success is the passion I have to grow and learn.  That is the key to our success. 

Sharon from Answer Direct Answered this on June 20, 2019
Follow your gut.  It will never stir you wrong.  You should never be hasty with any important decision but follow your own thoughts.  (more) Follow your gut.  It will never stir you wrong.  You should never be hasty with any important decision but follow your own thoughts. 

Sharon from Answer Direct Answered this on May 21, 2019
If you think you may need help, you most likely need help.  Many times someone on the outside can assist you with problem solving without any distractions.   Distractions may be personal relationships with employees or clients, money concerns, billing and that is just few issues that can distract... (more) If you think you may need help, you most likely need help.  Many times someone on the outside can assist you with problem solving without any distractions.   Distractions may be personal relationships with employees or clients, money concerns, billing and that is just few issues that can distract a business owner.   

Sharon from Answer Direct Answered this on September 11, 2018
We generally are looking to share business referrals.  We have many contacts and because of our long history in business many will ask us for recommendations when they are looking for a product or service.  We also are always looking to build relationships with business associates  because our... (more) We generally are looking to share business referrals.  We have many contacts and because of our long history in business many will ask us for recommendations when they are looking for a product or service.  We also are always looking to build relationships with business associates  because our best referrals are from our friends in business.  

Sharon from Answer Direct Answered this on December 06, 2017
I would say cut the strings asap. If the person isn't polite and professional early, it must not be part of the dynamic of this company. Professional and polite should be natural!! (more) I would say cut the strings asap. If the person isn't polite and professional early, it must not be part of the dynamic of this company. Professional and polite should be natural!!

Sharon from Answer Direct Answered this on November 30, 2017
Our greatest value to our clients is our commitment to provide the best service humanly possible with assistance of the most current electronic service enhancement available. (more) Our greatest value to our clients is our commitment to provide the best service humanly possible with assistance of the most current electronic service enhancement available.

Sharon from Answer Direct Answered this on November 17, 2017
Don't try to go around. You have to create a relationship in some way, shape or form. That's your key to success. (more) Don't try to go around. You have to create a relationship in some way, shape or form. That's your key to success.

Sharon from Answer Direct Answered this on October 27, 2017
We always respond that we are very competitively priced and I offer to price items apples for apples. Many times pricing questions are not always equal and in order to price competitively you should be pricing apples for apples. (more) We always respond that we are very competitively priced and I offer to price items apples for apples. Many times pricing questions are not always equal and in order to price competitively you should be pricing apples for apples.

Sharon from Answer Direct Answered this on October 24, 2017
Our service provides text message as a feature most clients require. We have to be sure applicants have basic skills. We have found simple spelling and grammar testing to be invaluable. (more) Our service provides text message as a feature most clients require. We have to be sure applicants have basic skills. We have found simple spelling and grammar testing to be invaluable.

Our Recognition

We're highly recommended by locals on Alignable

Highly Recommended

By 5+ Local Business Owners!