Innovation & Job News

BizNet rides on 30% growth in digital marketing services

metromode Thursday, October 28, 2010

Want anymore evidence that the digital marketing revolution is well underway? Take a look at BizNet Internet Solutions.

The Wixom-based Internet marketing firm has goosed its revenues by 30 percent over the last year, allowing it to hire five new people in that time. The company expects to hire five more over the next year to augment its staff of 14 employees and a couple of independent contractors and interns.

"The awareness of digital media marketing solutions is significantly greater today than what it was a year ago," says Kevin Krason, CEO of BizNet Internet Solutions. "I credit the evolution of social media for that. Today 75 percent of American adults have a social media outlet."

Krason says this trend has transformed into a full-blown marketing paradigm shift from traditional print advertising to more interactive, web-based outreach efforts that are specifically tailored for consumers. Today, BizNet Internet Solutions helps solve its customers' problems by building websites and establish blogs for them. The demand for those services is growing.

"We're waiting for cash to catch up with demand right now," Krason says.

Source: Kevin Krason, CEO of BizNet Internet Solutions
Writer: Jon Zemke

Read more about Metro Detroit's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com.

Outside Hub plans to hire 6-10 in next year

metromode Thursday, October 28, 2010

It should come as no surprise that the people at Outside Hub Media are big fans of the outdoors. So much so that the leadership team asked if we could do the interview for this story a few days later so they could finish a bow-hunting trip. But don't be too shocked that the members of the growing startup's staff are all big fans of hunting, fishing, camping, and the like.

"It's not a prerequisite to work here," says Stephen Dooley, president of Outside Hub Media. "We just attract like-minded souls. We believe in what we're doing."

The Southfield-based company started out as a broker specializing in Internet advertising for outdoors-related sites, mainly selling banner ads. Four years later it has grown into a full-service media company, offering marketing and media services of all shapes and sizes for websites and brands associated with the outdoors.

"It is an underserved market with a large demand," says David Farbman, CEO of Outside Hub Media.

So much so that the company has grown from an initial staff of three to 22 employees and about eight independent contractors and interns today. It has hired half a dozen people over the last six months and expects to hire another 6-10 over the next year.

Source: David Farbman, CEO of Outside Hub Media and Stephen Dooley, president of Outside Hub Media
Writer: Jon Zemke

Read more about Metro Detroit's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com.

Troy-based Billhighway posts big growth in revenues and staff

Metromode Thursday, October 21, 2010

Troy-based Billhighway is continuing on its streak of 80-100 percent annual revenue growth.

The 11-year-old company has historically provided services that allow small organizations to figure out who owes what for items such as dues or dinner costs or any other miscellaneous expense. Today those small organizations include social clubs, athletic leagues, and even non-profit groups like scouting troops.

"It's really come to encompass much more than the social groups we had in the past," says Jeff Jorge, director of business development and marketing for Billhighway.

The company has hired about 10 people over the last year to create a staff of 40 employees and a couple of interns and independent contractors. It also has three open customer-relation positions and expects to continue, at minimum, the same rate of hiring. "We would probably outpace that again considering our growth," Jorge says.

Source: Jeff Jorge, director of business development and marketing for Billhighway
Writer: Jon Zemke

Read more about Metro Detroit's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com.

Verde Lifestyles focuses on best-selling green products

metromode Thursday, October 07, 2010

For Verde Lifestyles, less is more, as in less product and more profits.

The Royal Oak-based startup specializes in selling green products online. Upon its launch a year ago the company planned to spotlight a new item everyday. Today, the company has created efficiencies by narrowing its product offerings to its three best sellers: bamboo rugs, wood furniture, and organic pillows.

"We cut out a lot of work for ourselves," says Danielle Brycz, co-owner of Verde Lifestyles. "We have simplified and made it as simple as possible."

Brycz created the website with Ryan Forest while the two focused on their day jobs. It now creates part-time work for both co-founders and two interns. The partners hope a more focused inventory will allow the hiring of another intern to help with its search engine optimization and marketing work.

Source: Danielle Brycz, co-owner of Verde Lifestyles
Writer: Jon Zemke

Read more about Metro Detroit's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com.

Brand Labs e-commerce firm expands staff by 12, grows through downturn

Metromode Tuesday, October 05, 2010

Most companies that took a hit and are trying to rebound after the recession. Brand Labs isn't most companies.

The Rochester-based e-commerce firm didn't miss a beat over the last couple of years, continuing to grow and hire at an accelerated pace. It started with four people, including its two co-founders, in 2004. Today the firm employs 36 with a couple of interns and independent contractors. It has hired at least 12 people over the last year and expects to maintain that pace for the foreseeable future.

"We have seen a huge influx of business," says Kevin Skinner, director of marketing for Brand Labs. "We have been hiring steadily and we have an ad out for an associate designer right now. We have never had to let anyone go."

Driving this growth is Brand Labs' focus on Volusion, a popular software platform that provides an easy platform for businesses to establish an e-commerce presence. Brand Labs basically handles the website design, marketing, call center, and shipping. It's planning to begin a major marketing push this fall to supplement its continued growth.

Source: Kevin Skinner, director of marketing for Brand Labs
Writer: Jon Zemke

ePrize grows revenue 26%, posts 15 jobs

Metromode Tuesday, October 05, 2010

Pleasant Ridge-based ePrize has become so successful it can't help but feel the ups and downs of the overall economy. The 11-year-old firm took a hit when the economy tanked and big business cut marketing budgets in recent years, but is now on the rise as the economy recovers.

"This year, we're doing great," says Josh Linkner, chairman and founder of ePrize. "We're back in growth mode. We're hiring and back in the groove."

The Internet contest company now has 300 employees and another 30 independent contractors and interns. Its revenues are up 26 percent, allowing it to resume hiring. The company has 15 open positions and expects to add another 20-50 jobs over the next year.

Linkner calls the recent downturn "just a blip" on ePrize's overall growth streak. The company specializes in interactive promotions and sweepstakes and has developed and managed thousands of campaigns for major corporate brands, including: Coca-Cola, Visa, General Motors, Target, the Detroit Tigers, Sony, Blockbuster, Yahoo!, and The Gap. Linkner says the company continues to grow its client list and expand its Metro Detroit business.

"We think the Detroit region is a great place to be successful," Linkner says. "We want to be part of it."

Source: Josh Linkner, chairman and founder of ePrize
Writer: Jon Zemke

Quik Web Solutions helps small businesses harness tech

Metromode Thursday, September 30, 2010

Melinda Korenchuk knows the technology is out there to help make small businesses run more efficiently, and at a competitive price. Her new business, Quik Web Solutions, is the vehicle for making those connections.

The Rochester Hills-based business specializes in not only the typical website development and management for start-ups, it also works with those businesses to help them find the best technology at the lowest price so they can reach their full potential. Korenchuk and her two partners have been able to turn this into their full-time jobs during the company's first year.

"I am going full steam ahead," Korenchuk says. "I have a number of clients and I am looking to keep growing."

Korenchuk has more than 30 years of IT experience and teaches part-time at Baker College and ITT-Tech. Quik Web Solutions is hosting a marketing communications event on Oct. 22 called "Build Your Business," which will focus on marketing communications products and services. It is open to the public and costs $20 to attend. It will be held at Automation Alley's headquarters, 2675 Bellingham Dr, Troy. For information, click here.

Source: Melinda Korenchuk, director and owner of Quik Web Solutions
Writer: Jon Zemke

zferral launches out of N Woodward Tech Incubator

Metromode Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Troy's zferral is Metro Detroit, international, and virtual-based, all at the same time. The North Woodward Tech Incubator-housed start-up has founders and programmers here and in Poland who constantly work over Skype to build their new business.

"We're definitely growing," says Jeff Epstein, co-founder of zferral. "I expect to add some staff here in Michigan soon."

zferral allows entrepreneurs to scale their business by crowd-sourcing sales and marketing. The technology allows them to create and manage their custom affiliate and referral programs from a single dashboard. The company launched earlier this summer and has attracted close to 300 customers.

Epstein started working on another online advertising project at the North Woodward Tech Incubator earlier this year. That venture went in one direction, and he went in another.

"I decided to focus on this full-time and it has really paid off," Epstein says.

Source: Jeff Epstein, co-founder of zferral
Writer: Jon Zemke

Motor City Connect membership jumps

Metromode Thursday, September 02, 2010

Motor City Connect's membership is up.

The Bloomfield Township-based networking website site membership has grown from 300 to 3,000 people in its first year and then from 3,000 to nearly 5,000 today. And that's after its founders cut away dozens and dozens of inactive emails.

"It continues to shine a light on the great people we have in Metro Detroit," says Terry Bean, chief networking office for Motor City Connect.

The 2-year-old website provides the virtual introductions for people to set up real-life meetings and events. It's a non-profit run on the spare time of Bean and his partner, along with a few other volunteers.

Source: Terry Bean, chief networking office for Motor City Connect
Writer: Jon Zemke

Pontiac, Detroit, Hamtramck focus of MSU broadband project

Metromode Thursday, August 26, 2010

Pontiac will be one of the first cities to receive more computers and better Internet service thanks to a $6 million program Michigan State University plans to launch later this fall.

The Oakland County seat, along with Detroit, Hamtramck and Highland Park, will receive dozens of computers for local libraries, public housing centers, community centers and community colleges. This will include both desktops and laptops, along with faster Wi-Fi connections at these facilities.

"It will be a matter of computers popping up all over the place in the Detroit area," says Kurt DeMaagd, assistant professor of telecommunications at Michigan State University. "It will add up to about 70 locations in total over the first year." He adds that Metro Detroit will receive about a third of the $6 million federal stimulus grant funding the program.

The entire program expects to install 2,232 computers in 207 locations in Metro Detroit, Benton Harbor, Saginaw, Muskegon Heights and Flint. Organizers expect the new computers and increased access to the Internet will allow residents in these areas greater access to education, job training and job searchers/applications rooted in the new economy. The money will also help Michigan expand its e-Library program services.

Michigan State has already begun the process of implementing these computer/broadband Internet resources and training local people how to use them. The first round of funding worth $1 million began installing 500 computers in 88 libraries across the state, primarily in rural areas that will serve an extra 13,000 people.

Source: Kurt DeMaagd, assistant professor of telecommunications at Michigan State University
Writer: Jon Zemke

Basso Design Group adds 5 staff, plans to hire 5-6 more

Metromode Thursday, August 05, 2010

Every year becomes the best year for Basso Design Group, and that's a good thing for the Troy-based firm.

The Internet marketing company has enjoyed steady growth in its seven years, even through the recent recession. It now employs a dozen people and three interns after adding four jobs and an intern over the last year. It expects to add another 5-6 positions over the next year.

"We're having our best year this year," says Dan Santonocito, co-founder of Basso Design Group. "We're on a nice little roll where every year is our best year. 2009 was our best year and 2010 is killing that year so far."

The company is focusing on building the next generation of websites for its customers and also focusing on social media services, such as managing Facebook pages for businesses. It even recently launched its own video game, Aftermath, where the player goes through a post-apocalyptic world that just happens to have Basso Design Group's brand hidden throughout it.

"That has spawned a lot of awards and a lot of interest in this sort of marketing," Santonocito says.

Source: Dan Santonocito, co-founder of Basso Design Group
Writer: Jon Zemke

AQABA Technologies expands internationally, plans to hire

Metromode Thursday, July 29, 2010

AQABA Technologies continues to pick up some big names for its client roster with the latest addition: the U.S. Dept of Treasury. It joins the likes of The History Channel and National Geographic, which has utilized the Sterling Heights firm's services.

The Internet marketing and strategies company went through its ups and downs during the recession the same as everyone else, with its staff settling on a dozen employees and two interns. Of that total, five are located in Metro Detroit. The rest are spread around the world, where AQABA has looked for its growth in recent years.

The firm hopes to hire another 2-3 people over the next year on top of a forecasted doubling of its sales. It's moving to accommodate that by expanding the space in its current home by 800 square feet.

"This year should be a better year," says Ramsey Sweis, CEO of AQABA.

The company is named for the blue resort seas of Jordan. Its focus is on web marketing and design, search engine optimization, and pay-per-click management. It is a certified Yahoo and Google ambassador that creates its own software and proprietary techniques.

Source: Ramsey Sweis, CEO of AQABA Technologies
Writer: Jon Zemke

Internet retailer PriveCo cloaks web shopping in secrecy

Metromode Thursday, July 15, 2010

One of the Internet's great attributes (or drawbacks, depending on your point of view) is its anonymity. However, maintaining that secrecy isn't always as easy as it seems. That's where PriveCo comes in.

The Troy-based firm helps Internet shoppers do their business in private. The idea is to help them avoid embarrassment and make sure their purchases don't follow them through follow-up junkmail.

"I thought the Internet would be a great way to be anonymous," says Tom Nardone, president of PriveCo. "So you could have your normal life and a private life online to do things like buy hemorrhoid cream."

The 12-year-old firm has 11 employees, three independent contractors, and is looking for an intern. It has hired two people over the last year and expects to add 1-2 more over the next year as it continues to capitalize on double-digit growth attributable to a few categories.

First is the part that lets users buy and research things they would rather not tell the world about. This service helps eliminate the need for people to ask potentially embarrassing questions they might not otherwise inquire about.

"We're trying to grow the business by offering better advice," Nardone says. "Like if your butt itches, what do you do? That's the most popular page on the website."

The other services involve sexually oriented issues and have their own URLs, such as Bachelorette.com and Vibrators.com. PriveCo actually sells so many sex toys, especially vibrators, that it rates them in a Consumer Reports style.

"It contributes the most to our growth," Nardone says. "Its revenue doubles every year. We have become experts on vibrators. We test them and do photo shoots of them so we can accurately depict their size."

Source: Tom Nardone, president of PriveCo
Writer: Jon Zemke

Detroit Start-up Weekend inspires locals to start SiteFog

Metromode Thursday, July 15, 2010

ZenaComp software firm expects to add clients and staff this year

Metromode Thursday, July 01, 2010

ZenaComp sees a break in the economy, and it's something the Farmington Hills-based firm expects to lead to more business.

The software firm has already hired two more people over the last year and expects to bring on 3-4 more within the next year. It has one job opening right now. The firm is banking on healthy companies who put a hold on software and IT work during the recent market crash to come out of their shells and update.

"Last year was terrible for most companies," says Mark Lichtman, president of ZenaComp. "Most companies that put off purchasing decisions are now feeling more confident about updating their systems."

He expects his 20-year-old firm to add 10-15 new clients this year. Clientele should range from companies taking advantage of ZenaComp's software-as-a-service sector and website creation and maintenance capabilities.

Source: Mark Lichtman, president of ZenaComp
Writer: Jon Zemke

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