American Telegram

American Telegram started in 1986, as a Western Union Agent. In the early 90's we created our own network of Agents (10,000 nationwide and throughout Canada) to provide a great wiring service. We later acquired or created Flowergram, Candygram, Balloongram, Winegram and Bookgram. In our early days, we put American Telegram on the cover of Inc. Magazine, the founders were nominated for Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of the Year 3 years in a row and we employed a staff of 45 hard workers. We were like 'the little engine that could'. It was a very exciting time. Like Western Union, we acquired a 214 authorization from the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) and at one point was cleared in 37 states to go into Money Transfer (an area we have not gone forward with). As CEO & Founder I was able to semi-retire in 1998, putting a Management Team in charge. Later I would travel the world for 3 years, which was a great eye opener. Unfortunately, if you play you pay. We were supporting the companies financially which spiraled down a hole under bad management. We own that, because you can't oversee management from afar. It was a lesson we had to learn. 5 Years ago we got aggressively active in the companies again. And just over 2 years ago, we brought them back to California, where we originally started. We let go of all employees/or they resigned when we made the move and kept on and hired new independent contractors to help us with both sales and programming. Now, we are ready to grow our former multi-million dollar Corporate Accounts Division again, basing the training on the accounts we currently have (and have had for decades), and the industries that they currently represent. It's an easy transition to offer others in the same industry a successful service that will make the difference in their bottom line. We have a beautiful office facility in Encinitas and look forward to re-building with new strategies and new staff. There's nothing like new employees with fresh eyes. I'm excited for the future of American Telegram and its' sister divisions of 800-Flowergram.com, 800-Candygram.com, Balloongram.com, Bookgram and Winegram (last two are in development with domains owned by us).