Today we’d like to introduce you to Zachary Roys.
Hi Zachary, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve been helping people with their phones and tech in the Kalkaska area for about seven years. For a big part of that time, I worked at the local Verizon Authorized Retailer. While I enjoyed the technical side of the work, I grew frustrated with the heavy sales pressure and upselling that often came with it. I wanted to offer something different — honest help without someone trying to push the next big plan or add-on.
That’s what led me to start Basic Communication Solutions LLC in downtown Kalkaska. I opened the shop so I could focus on real solutions instead of sales quotas. We handle phone, tablet, and computer repairs, offer house calls in the evenings and on Saturdays, and provide small business IT support.
One of the things I’m most proud of is our 4-Point Bill Audit. A lot of people are tired of overpaying for their mobile, internet, and TV services because of hidden fees and constant upselling from big carriers. I help customers go through their bills line-by-line to find savings and right-size their plans. There’s no upfront cost — you only pay if I actually save you money. It’s my way of giving people some power back in a system that often feels stacked against them.
As an AT&T Authorized Dealer, I can also help with new phone activations and plan changes, but I do it on my terms — with transparency instead of pressure. At the end of the day, I just want to be the local guy people can trust to fix their tech and help them keep more of their money.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road. While I was consistently a top performer at the store — finishing in the top 10 out of around 450 employees across nearly 20 tracked metrics — my main focus was always protecting my reputation and doing right by the customers. I made it a point to never pass corporate pressure down to the people I served or the team I worked with.
Over time though, that constant pressure started to wear on me. I tried to stay true to my values while still working within the system, but it eventually became too much. In December of 2025, I stepped down as manager. Not long after, I realized that the only way I could continue helping people the way I wanted to was to step out on my own.
Starting Basic Communication Solutions wasn’t just a business decision — it was the only path left that let me operate with integrity. What’s made the biggest difference is the support I’ve received from the local community and businesses in Kalkaska. Their encouragement has been a huge part of why I’ve been able to build something I’m proud of.
As you know, we’re big fans of Basic Communication Solutions LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Basic Communication Solutions is a locally owned tech shop in downtown Kalkaska, Michigan, run by me, Zachary Roys. We specialize in honest phone, tablet, and computer repairs, along with device setup, data migration, and security sweeps. I also offer house calls in the evenings and on Saturdays for customers who can’t make it to the shop.
In addition to repairs, we provide small business IT support, including Wi-Fi and network fixes, and I recently became an AT&T Authorized Dealer, which allows me to help customers with new phone activations and wireless plans.
What sets us apart is our commitment to transparency and doing things the right way. I operate with a “No Guesswork” approach — if I’m not confident I can fix something safely, I’ll be upfront about it. I also offer a performance-based 4-Point Bill Audit service, where I review mobile, internet, and TV bills to help people cut hidden fees and lower their monthly costs. There’s no upfront charge — you only pay if I actually save you money.
I’m most proud of building a business that puts the customer first and gives people in our community an honest, local alternative to big corporate stores. Whether someone needs a quick repair, help lowering their bills, or support with their business tech, my goal is always the same: provide straightforward, reliable service they can trust.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Finding a mentor was never something I set out to do — it happened naturally because I focused on doing the right thing for the right reasons. I’ve always believed in treating people with respect and integrity, whether they were customers or coworkers. Over time, that approach built trust and created relationships I never expected.
While working at the Verizon store, I had customers drive or even fly in from places like Florida and California because they appreciated being treated honestly. One of those customers eventually became my biggest mentor. When I told him I was leaving to start my own business, he shared that he was a multi-business owner and wanted to mentor me. His largest company does around $80 million in sales per year. His wife also has 25 years of marketing experience in Michigan, and both of them have been incredibly generous with their time and guidance.
My advice is simple: Take care of your people. Treat everyone with respect and do the right thing, even when it’s not the easiest path. If you surround yourself with good people who are also striving to grow, the right mentors and opportunities tend to show up. I’m living proof of that. The support I’ve received from my mentor and the local community has been a huge part of why I’ve been able to build something I’m proud of.
Pricing:
- Parts at Cost + Labor — We charge the actual cost of parts with no markup, plus labor.
- Detailed Repairs & Troubleshooting — $120 labor (more complicated repairs and problem solving that require additional time and diagnostics).
- Complex Repairs — $150 labor (advanced repairs such as charging ports, HDMI ports, and motherboard-level work).
- Data Migration & Device Setup — Flat $25 fee.
- 4-Point Bill Audit — No upfront cost. You only pay if we find and help you achieve real savings
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.basiccommunicationsolutions.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zroys04/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576435473824#
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharyroysbcs/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@basiccommunicationsolitions
