I've been watching the evolving landscape of remote work with great interest, considering the fact that I've owned and managed a fully remote company, GearSource, since 2015. A recent LinkedIn article, paired with a Workforce Confidence survey, highlights a notable trend: remote work in the U.S. has been steadily declining since its peak in 2020, dropping from 46% in October 2020 to 26% by February 2025. Meanwhile, hybrid and onsite arrangements are on the rise, with 16% of employees working hybrid schedules and 55% working mostly onsite.
While this shift might reflect a broader return-to-office movement, GearSource, sees remote work not as a temporary response to a global crisis, but as a cornerstone of our business model—one we’ve proudly embraced for over a decade.
A Decade of Remote Work: GearSource’s Journey
Unlike many companies that pivoted to remote work in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, GearSource has been a remote-first organization for more than 10 years. This isn’t just a reaction to external circumstances; it’s a deliberate strategy that aligns with our mission to serve a global market while empowering our distributed team to live their best lives. By offering our team the freedom to work for a U.S.-based company from anywhere in the world, we enable them to maintain their lifestyles, stay connected to their communities, and balance personal and professional responsibilities in ways that traditional onsite roles often can’t accommodate.
This approach also allows GearSource to have support in the very markets we serve. Whether it’s a team member in N America, Europe, Asia, or South America, our global presence ensures we’re not just selling to these regions—we’re part of them. This localized expertise helps us better understand our customers’ needs, respond to market demands, and provide the kind of 24/7, global support that sets us apart in the industry.
The Tools That Make It Possible
Our ability to operate as a cohesive, remote-first company hinges on the incredible tools we’ve built and adopted over the years. From the beginning, we’ve invested heavily in technology to ensure our team can work seamlessly, no matter where they are. It starts with our proprietary marketplace platform, un-matched in the industry. This serves as the backbone of our operations, enabling smooth transactions, global payments and communication with customers worldwide.
We were also early adopters of tools like HubSpot, which has streamlined our sales, marketing, communications and support efforts, and AI technologies that enhance everything from customer service to inventory management. But one of the most transformative tools in our arsenal is Roam, a remote, virtual office platform we had the privilege of using as early beta testers. Roam has revolutionized how our team collaborates, allowing us to share knowledge, manage projects, and stay connected in real time. These tools don’t just facilitate remote work—they empower our staff to remain engaged, work as a team, and feel like a family, even though most of them have never met in person.
The GearSource Difference: Flexibility and Family
The LinkedIn survey poses an important question: How important is flexibility to you in deciding where to work? At GearSource, we believe flexibility isn’t just a perk—it’s a necessity. By giving our team the freedom to work remotely, we’re not only attracting top talent from around the world but also fostering a culture of trust and independence. Our team members can live where they choose, whether that’s a bustling city or a quiet village, without sacrificing career opportunities. This flexibility allows them to design lives that work for them, whether that means being present for family milestones, pursuing personal passions, or simply enjoying the freedom to work from a place that inspires them.
But flexibility doesn’t mean disconnection. Thanks to our suite of tools and our remote-first mindset, GearSource operates as a tight-knit family. CEO, Marcel Fairbairn says "our team collaborates across time zones with ease, sharing ideas, solving problems, and celebrating successes together. We’ve built a culture where every employee feels valued and connected, even if they’re thousands of miles apart."
This sense of unity is what enables us to provide exceptional service to our customers, 24/7, no matter the hour or the challenge.
Why Remote Work - Works for GearSource!
The LinkedIn data shows that many companies are shifting back to hybrid or onsite models, with 55% of U.S. employees now working mostly onsite. While this trend may suit some organizations, at GearSource, we see remote work as a competitive advantage. It allows us to tap into a global talent pool, ensuring we have the best people for the job, regardless of location. It also enables us to operate with agility, responding to customer needs around the clock and across the globe.
Our decade-long commitment to remote work has taught us that it’s not just about where you work—it’s about how you work. By leveraging cutting-edge tools and fostering a culture of collaboration and trust, we’ve created a model that benefits both our employees and our customers. Our staff can thrive in their personal lives while delivering exceptional results professionally, and our customers benefit from the round-the-clock support and localized expertise that only a truly global team can provide.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Work at GearSource
As the world continues to navigate the future of work, GearSource remains steadfast in our belief that remote work is here to stay—at least for us. While the broader trend may lean toward hybrid and onsite arrangements, we’re doubling down on what has worked for us for over a decade. We’ll continue to invest in tools that keep our team connected and empowered, from AI innovations to platforms like Roam that make collaboration effortless. And we’ll keep building a culture where flexibility, trust, and family are at the core of everything we do.
To anyone considering a role at GearSource, we’d ask the same question posed by LinkedIn: What factors do you weigh the most when considering a new role? If flexibility, global impact, and a sense of belonging are high on your list, we’d love to have you join our family. At GearSource, remote work isn’t just a trend—it’s the foundation of who we are and how we serve the world.
