In this episode of the ROCC Pod, we sit down with Mark Friday of RJ Telecommunications to explore how his company has grown from a family-run operation to a full-scale managed service provider. Mark walks us through the company’s origins, starting in 1996 and his joining in 2004 as a teenager. Back then, RJ focused mainly on physical phone systems, but with the rise of VoIP and the decline of traditional systems like Nortel, the company evolved. By 2013, they were developing their own phone software and expanding into managed internet services, fiber, and network infrastructure.
We learn how this growth led RJ to become a true MSP, offering IT services, cybersecurity, and full network management while maintaining a commitment to transparency. Mark emphasizes his mission to grow honestly, in contrast to other IT vendors who often sell fear-based solutions or unnecessary services. His goal is to provide practical, effective, and affordable tech solutions—especially for fellow small businesses.
Mark also shares his experiences working with family, explaining that trust has been critical to the company’s culture and customer service. His older cousin, who once babysat him, now plays a key role in the business. As RJ has scaled from three to nine employees in just two years, he’s been able to delegate roles while ensuring the customer-first approach remains central to their work.
Looking ahead, Mark is focused on growing RJ’s presence in the IT space with integrity. He wants to build a team that can run day-to-day operations, freeing him up to engage more with the community, attend networking events, and explore interests in real estate investment. He shares his past ventures, including flipping a house and running a sandwich shop and video store before returning to RJ and becoming the sole owner.
We also touch on RJ’s approach to security camera installations, which is guided by customer needs and budget, avoiding one-size-fits-all solutions. Mark speaks positively about his experience with the Royal Oak Chamber and how its lively, supportive environment has helped RJ build local relationships.
You'll also find our how actor Donald Faison enters our conversation. More on him here:
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0265668
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_Faison
More on RJ Telecommunications: https://now.rj10.com/
Phone: 248-442-2100
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/RJ-Telecommunications-inc/61554279984531/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rj-telecommunications-inc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rjtelecommunications/
Learn more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce: https://www.royaloakchamber.com/
Connect with our hosts:
Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/
Lisa Bibbee from Century 21 Northland - http://soldbylisab.com/
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Popular Podcasts
Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang
Ding dong! Join your culture consultants, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of CULTURE. Alongside sizzling special guests, they GET INTO the hottest pop-culture moments of the day and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas. Produced by the Big Money Players Network and iHeartRadio.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
The Brothers Ortiz
The Brothers Ortiz is the story of two brothers–both successful, but in very different ways. Gabe Ortiz becomes a third-highest ranking officer in all of Texas while his younger brother Larry climbs the ranks in Puro Tango Blast, a notorious Texas Prison gang. Gabe doesn’t know all the details of his brother’s nefarious dealings, and he’s made a point not to ask, to protect their relationship. But when Larry is murdered during a home invasion in a rented beach house, Gabe has no choice but to look into what happened that night. To solve Larry’s murder, Gabe, and the whole Ortiz family, must ask each other tough questions.