Meeting Room 2.0: Will this innovation transform the modern workplace?
Founded by Marty Clark in 2016, Merge Technologies is at the forefront of audio-visual innovation, reshaping how medium to large enterprises approach collaborative technologies. With a commitment to human-centric design and the launch of MergeSPACES, the company is redefining client relationships and meeting room management in a rapidly changing workplace landscape.
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In a world where quarterly results often overshadow the human element in business, Marty Clark, a self-proclaimed modern workplace technologist, sought to make a difference. When he decided to leave the corporate sector in 2016, he had a vision to challenge the status quo of client engagement and technology application. Having witnessed first-hand the disconnect between companies and their customers, Clark embarked on a journey to build a company that would put people first.
A journey born from frustration
After a decade in commission-only sales, where he hawked office technology, Clark became acutely aware of how a lack of focus on customer needs could derail an organisation. “Success is measured by how many customers are no longer your customers,” he reflects, a mantra shaping Merge Technologies’ approach. It’s a philosophy that has resulted in a mere 5% attrition rate for the company.
Merge Technologies emerged from Clark’s frustration with larger enterprises that prioritised immediate financial gains over client satisfaction. “They were all about the numbers, the bottom line,” he recalls. “I felt that customer focus was lacking, and that needed to change.”
In the backdrop of his entrepreneurial journey, the tech landscape was evolving. In 2016, Zoom unveiled its video conferencing technology, paving the way for a revolution in remote communications. Yet, established players in the market were slow to adapt, often maintaining high price points that kept many businesses on the sidelines. This gap became Clark’s opportunity.
The birth of Merge Technologies
Starting in a serviced office in Sydney’s bustling Martin Place, Clark launched Merge Technologies with a mission: to make audio-visual technology accessible for all.
The time was ripe — the corporate world was on the brink of transformation, and the onset of COVID-19 would soon turn audio-visual tools into essential business continuity instruments.
Reflecting on the industry’s shift, Clark notes, “Meeting rooms and related technology have become critical for organisations’ day-to-day operations. Through our managed services offering, we proactively maintain and support AV and meeting room environments (both on-site and remotely) to minimise downtime and provide peace of mind.”
Merge Technologies’ unique position in the market stemmed from its commitment to affordability and usability. Clark and his team sought to break down the barriers that had long kept businesses from harnessing the power of AV technology, offering solutions that could integrate seamlessly into their existing frameworks.
A customer-centric approach
Today, Merge Technologies is home to a vibrant team of 24 full-time staff across Sydney and Melbourne, complemented by a network of skilled contractors. The company has enjoyed a remarkable 30% year-on-year growth over the last three financial years and has plans to expand into Brisbane in 2025.
Their success lies not just in their technological solutions but in their unwavering commitment to understanding client needs. Clark’s belief that technology should disappear into the workplace rather than dictate its design resonates deeply: “It is important to design technology to fit people’s needs rather than people having to fit technology,” he states emphatically.
This ethos is embodied in their latest offering: MergeSPACES, a comprehensive solution designed to optimise collaborative environments.
Andrew Watson, Finance Program Manager and product co-creator says, “We operate today in an environment where so many IT and related services are pay-as-you-go. MergeSPACES allows organisations to adopt similar convenient practices related to meeting room technology.”
The future of work
With the rise of hybrid work environments, organisations are rethinking how they approach meeting spaces.
MergeSPACES not only addresses these challenges but also uses an innovative and flexible consumption model that aligns with the financial realities faced by organisations today.
Clark emphasises the value of this new offering, saying, “MergeSPACES presents an upgrade solution with a predictable cost nature in the face of uncertain economic times and changing office attendance patterns.” The platform integrates a range of functionalities that allow organisations to streamline bookings, improve collaboration, and optimise space usage – all while focusing on sustainability through certified asset recycling.
The human element
Behind the numbers and technology, is a story rich in early learning. Clark’s journey is interwoven with the lessons learned from his father, who put five sons through private school, instilling a sense of resilience and hard work in them.
Inspired by business luminaries like Richard Branson, Clark adopted a philosophy of doing things differently, where exceptional customer service is paramount. Merge Technologies isn’t just about selling technology; it’s about fostering relationships and building trust with clients.
This commitment has been instrumental in keeping their attrition rates low while expanding their customer base.
“Merge isn’t just a business; it’s a collection of skilled and passionate people with a shared vision to support and improve the way our clients work,” Clark asserts, underscoring the importance of community within his organisation.
As Merge Technologies continues to innovate and grow, its vision remains steadfast: to redefine how technology integrates into the workplace. In a landscape filled with competitors, Clark believes that their customer-centric focus will set them apart. “Technology should enhance human interaction,” he concludes. With MergeSPACES, Clark is well on his way to achieving that vision—one meeting room at a time.
What is MergeSPACES?
MergeSPACES is an innovative Australian tech solution that enhances collaborative spaces and user experiences in shared environments. It integrates various functionalities, allowing organisations to manage their meeting spaces effectively while navigating the evolving demands of hybrid work environments.
All-Inclusive: Equipment, comprehensive deployment, proactive management, and servicing solutions with uptime guarantees.
Flexible Pricing: Minimises fixed costs and improves cash flow through consumption-based pricing.
Sustainability Focus: Supports sustainability goals with certified asset recycling or repurposing.
Transparency: Offers clear insights into space utilisation and technology adoption.
Expert Training: Continuous expert-led user training ensures optimal experiences for all users.
Let Merge Technologies help you reimagine your workplace. Get in touch with the team on 1800 648 123 or via email: hello@mergetechnologies.com.au