Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Source: Concentrate

Amplifinity is gunning for the growth trifecta in downtown Ann Arbor this year. The tech startup has been steadily hiring over the last year, is close to locking down a multi-million-dollar round of venture capital investment, and is starting to look at options for a bigger headquarters. "The size of our organization could easily double in the next year," says Eric Jacobson, president & CFO of Amplifinity. The 6-year-old company's bread and butter is software that generates Internet referrals through social media called Advocacy Management Platform. The product allows people to advocate for brands by referring new prospects, endorsing products, and amplifying marketing messages. Amplifinity has hired 12 people over the last year, including a former intern. The firm now has a staff of 37 employees and is looking to hire half a dozen more people, including software developers and client services professionals. "We're looking for people who are really good at working with other people," Jacobson says. Amplifinity is in the final stages of securing a Series B round of investment. Jacobson declined to say how much the round would amount to besides saying its worth several million dollars. Amplifinity raised a $3.5 million Series A in 2012. "We have the capital to grow," Jacobson says. "We are acquiring new customers very rapidly." The recent growth is also pushing Amplifinity toward the capacity of its office space in Ann Arbor. The firm is starting to explore options for newer and bigger offices in a broad range of locations, but Jacobson says the firm’s leadership has a preference on where it wants to end up. "We really love Ann Arbor because it’s a wonderful, creative town," Jacobson says. "It has really smart people. It allows us to grow a company here as well as our competitors, which are primarily in Silicon Valley." Source: Eric Jacobson, president & CFO of Amplifinity Writer: Jon Zemke Read more about Metro Detroit's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com.

Economic Development

Nutshell goes on hiring spree with 12 new job openings

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Source: Concentrate

For the longest time, Nutshell was a tech startup with a handful of employees. For most of its first five years it was primarily software developers and other techies building out the company’s customer relationship management software platform. That's changing this year. The downtown Ann Arbor-based software firm has hired three people so far (including one that started this week) growing its staff to a dozen employees. It is now looking to hire another dozen people in software, marketing, customer service, administration and design. "Now we're filling out the ranks of the rest of the organization," says Joe Malcoun, CEO of Nutshell. Nutshell's first years consisted of it developing its software and growing organically without any strategic marketing. It has already crossed the $1 million threshold for sales. "The company has been growing pretty steadily since it launched its first product," Malcoun says. That attracted the attention of some investors and it’s now closing on a Series A1, which is an extension of the original Series A round for its initial investors. The Series A1 is expected to come in at about $1 million, money that will allow the company to grow rapidly over the next couple of years. "I'd like to see us doing $2.5 million a year in revenue by the end of 2015," Malcoun says. Source: Joe Malcoun, CEO of Nutshell Writer: Jon Zemke Read more about Metro Detroit's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com.

Community Development

Carlisle/Wortman Associates turns interns into new hires

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Source: Concentrate

Carlisle/Wortman Associates has been doing a lot of hiring from within over the last year. The civic planning firm has made three hires over the last year, all of which are planning professionals. Two of those three for their professional start at Carlisle/Wortman Associates. "We were able to locate some pretty god talent through our internship program," says Dick Carlisle, president of Carlisle/Wortman Associates. "We hired two of our interns." The downtown Ann Arbor-based company provides consulting services to local municipalities looking to overhaul their zoning ordinances and master plans. It currently has a staff of 25 employees, three of which are working out of Carlisle/Wortman Associates' new Troy office that opened in May. The new office is serving the growing Oakland County sector, which is helping lead the spiking demand for planning services for local municipalities. Carlisle points out a number of communities that have traditionally led the way for planning activities have been leading the charge over the last year. "That is what has been keeping us quite busy," Carlisle says. "With that comes demand for updating master plans and zoning ordinances. That has increased our workload and allowed us to hire three more people." Source: Dick Carlisle, president of Carlisle/Wortman Associates Writer: Jon Zemke

Economic Development

Vaco adds jobs in Ann Arbor as it diversifies client base

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Source: Concentrate

Staffing firm Vaco has made three hires in Ann Arbor, expanding its internal staff in Tree Town to eight people. The firm is also looking to add a couple of more internal resources (staffers) this year. "We're looking for additional recruiters that have a strong human resources and recruiting background," says Paul Bishop, managing partner with Vaco. The national company provides staffing services for technical and executive professionals. It has a couple dozen offices across the U.S., including a Metro Detroit office that Vaco moved to Ann Arbor in 2011. Vaco established itself with its staffing services in the tech industry but has expanded into the likes of accounting and finance industries recently. "As we have grown our business we have found it important to us to find more industries we can support," Bishop says. Bishop adds the increase in industry diversity has created more work opportunities for the staffing candidates it offers to business. He notices that Vaco's clients utilize the diversity of the services more. "It's creating value for our clients with human capital," Bishop says. Source: Paul Bishop, managing partner with Vaco Writer: Jon Zemke Read more about Metro Detroit's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com.

Economic Development

Blue Newt Software expands products and staff

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Source: Concentrate

Blue Newt Software is expanding its staff with more full-time employees thanks to a new addition to its business tool box. The Ann Arbor-based software company, which calls Kerrytown home, has hired three engineers over the last year. That brings its staff to six fulltime employees and six independent contractors. Blue Newt Software got its start in 3-D graphics and high-level visual graphic consulting. Recently is began producing its own software, including simulation technology for training and engineering that gamifies the experience. "We have a bunch of things our work has expanded into," says Bob Kuehne, CEO of Blue Newt Software. Part of that expansion is thanks to Kuehne’s acquisition of Renaissance Sciences last fall. The Arizona-based business specialized in producing simulation technology for the federal government. One of its largest customers is the U.S. Navy. Kuehne is using the acquisition as an opportunity to further the reach of Blue Newt Software's products. So while the two companies aren't merged together, they do leverage different synergies to help each other grow. "It has greatly expanded to bring more Blue Newt Software products to the market and expand our reach," Kuehne says. Source: Bob Kuehne, CEO of Blue Newt Software Writer: Jon Zemke Read more about Metro Detroit's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com.

Arts and Culture

Andy Ross Design fills out workload in Ann Arbor

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Source: Concentrate

Andy Ross and his wife, Amanda Ross, launched their own design firm a couple of years ago called Stunning Creative. The move was prompted by Amanda Ross' job loss and turned into an opportunity for the Ann Arbor couple to create their own business. That lasted for a year or two until Amanda landed a new job. That left Andy with a company that just didn’t quite fit right anymore. So he started a new one this year called Andy Ross Design. "I've been pretty busy," Andy Ross says. "I have done some work for some larger local clients like Aysling. It's a newer client." The design company has also been taking on more advertising agency work, including working with Lowe Campbell Ewald on its Cadillac account. Andy Ross says he has doubled his workload in the last year as more and more marketing firm take on an increased workload. "A lot of it is I have put more effort into marketing the company," Andy Ross says. "Advertising budges have increased over the last year." Source: Andy Ross, owner of Andy Ross Design Writer: Jon Zemke Read more about Metro Detroit's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com.

Feature Story

Economic Development

OpEd: Why mediation is a model for problem solving

Belinda DulinWednesday, July 30, 2014

Unresolved disputes can hurt economies or degrade the quality of life in a community. Belinda Dulin, executive director of The Dispute Resolution Center, explains why mediation is a viable alternative to costly and time-consuming court cases.

Feature Story

Arts and Culture

Going net zero energy: How one Ann Arborite embraced sustainability

Patti SmithWednesday, July 30, 2014

Over the last decade Matt Grocoff has turned his Old West Side home into a net zero energy residence, hoping to certify it as the second such home in the United States. And while that bar might be set a bit high for the average Ann Arborite, he offers some important thoughts about what we can do in our own community to live more sustainably.

Arts and Culture

Local artist in the CriticCar spotlight

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Source: CriticCar Detroit

We've put our own spotlight on Cre Fuller and his fantastic Angry Tin Men in Concentrate in the past. Now, sporting a pair of award ribbons from Maker Faire, Detroit's CriticCar gets even more of his story. Watch the video here.

Arts and Culture

Candidates for local political offices weigh in on the arts

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Source: The Arts Alliance

The Arts Alliance conducted a survey of candidates running for office in Washtenaw County regarding their views of arts and culture. The results of their questionnaire have been gathered in this pdf document. Interesting to see how many voice strong support for public art and its community importance but only hand-full seem to actively support public funding of the arts. You may conclude from that what you may. Read the candidate answers here.

Arts and Culture

Ann Arbor startup lands on CNN's list of "game changing gadgets"

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Source: CNN.com

Ever want to be Jordi from Star Trek? Or Lobot from Star Wars? Have no idea what those references are? Don't worry, not being a geek doesn't mean you can't think these 3D goggl;es aren't cool. Excerpt: "From Michigan-based Avegant, the Glyph headset looks like a chunky set of headphones with a pop-down, "Star Trek"-style visor. (They promise a sleeker look for the final product). It hooks up to a smartphone, TV, gaming device or laptop and uses a system of 2 million microscopic mirrors to beam the images directly into your retinas." Read the rest here.

Community Development

Bank of Ann Arbor takes on the big boys

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Source: Crains Detroit Business

While banks and bankers may not be the public's favorite folks in our age of controversial bail outs and investment instruments, The Bank of Ann Arbor is proving that a local institution can sometimes outperform a multi-national corporation. Excerpt: "In 2007, before the recession hit, the Bank of Ann Arbor was sixth in deposit market share with 8.04 percent in the city, with deposits of $329.8 million, according to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. KeyBank was No. 1 at 16.45 percent with deposits of $675.1 million. As of June 30, 2013, the latest date for which data are available on the FDIC website, Chase was No. 1 at 17.3 percent with deposits of $901.6 million, while the Bank of Ann Arbor had climbed into second place at 12.38 percent and deposits of $646.2 million. " Read the rest here.

Community Development

Kiwanis Thrift Store plans to purchase larger Scio Twp facility for warehouse

Natalie BurgWednesday, July 30, 2014

Source: John Dahl, Kiwanis Club

A new home could be in the future for one of two Kiwanis Thrift Sale locations. The Kiwanis Club of Ann Arbor is under contract to purchase a 121,651 square foot Scio Twp building that was once the location of Sheridan Books. "We are in an agreement that says at any point, within 90 days, we could lose our location by Costco," says John Dahl, president of the Kiwanis Club. "That's why we've been looking at this for the last year. We've looked at possible sites in the Ann Arbor area." Operations at the Kiwanis Thrift Sale downtown will continue as normal, but the new location will give the organization's warehouse facility, which has primarily focused on furniture sales, to make better use of its space. While part of the building is occupied by renters, Dahl says about 45,000 square feet of space is available for Kiwanis's use and to lease to additional renters. He expects the store will use about 20,000 square feet of that space, up from the 15,000 square feet utilized at their current warehouse. "From our customers' standpoint, what this will do is allow us to spread things out better than what we're currently doing right now," says Dahl. "Especially in our downtown location, we'ed like to make better use of our space, and this allows us to do a better job in terms of displaying our merchandise. Should the transaction move forward according to plan, Dahl hopes to close on the new facility in late October or early November and begin the transition from their current warehouse. He anticipates the organization would use sales to clear out excess inventory rather than transport it all from one place to the other. Source: John Dahl, Kiwanis Club Writer: Natalie Burg

Economic Development

10,000 sq ft Ypsilanti Town Center renovated for success

Natalie BurgWednesday, July 30, 2014

Source: Steve Campeau, Beal Properties

A long vacant Ypsilanti Twp. property will soon be getting a makeover, and, should all go according to plans, new tenants. "We are going to name it the Ypsilanti Town Center," says Steve Campeau, a partner in the property's redevelopment with Beal Properties. "We want to make it the premier location for office suites in town. We're committed to fixing it up, making it look nice and continuing to add value to the community." The 9,960-square foot building is divided into 14 suites that Campeau says can be combined or renovated to suit the tenants' needs. The partners are asking $9 per square foot for the commercial space. Formerly a medical building, Campeau says the facility is ideally suited for similar uses, but are available for other uses as well. "The township really wants to get this building occupied," Campeau says. "They are working with us to get any kind of business in there." Campeau believes the property has been vacant for about seven years. Exterior work is underway on the building now, but the partners plan to wait until tenants have been secured to renovate the interior, so each suite can be built to suit the business's needs. Source: Steve Campeau, Beal Properties Writer: Natalie Burg

Entrepreneurship

Excel Dental brings patient focus, four jobs to Traver Village Shopping Center

Natalie BurgWednesday, July 30, 2014

Source: Laura Reeves, Excel Dental

In most dental offices, patients are used to the same routine during their first visit. They fill out a long form with lots of questions. At the new Excel Dental on Plymouth Rd. in Ann Arbor, however, they do things a little differently. "We go out of our way and take the patients in the back and do a patient interview. It gives us a chance to get to know our patients," says Excel Dental Patient Coordinator Laura Reeves. "Dr. Sandra strives toward patient care and patient courtesy." A family atmosphere is the aim of Dr. Sandra Shrimankar's Excel Dental. According to Reeves, Shrimankar decided to open her own office after working in different clinics in the area and wanting to be closer to her home and two children. She accomplished that by finding a space in Traver Village Shopping Center, near Kroger. "We are in the the best spot," says Reeves. "We have all the Kroger traffic, but we also have all of the senior complexes behind us. We've seen kids as young as three so far up to the 90s." Excel Dental opened in April after a total renovation that began in February. The clinic currently employs a staff of four, and Reeves says she expects the staff will grow along with the clinic. They business is currently looking to hire one associate dentist. Source: Laura Reeves, Excel Dental Writer: Natalie Burg

Healthy Communities

Wolverine State Brewing Co expands operations in Ann Arbor

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Source: Concentrate

Wolverine State Brewing Co grew its kitchen last year and is planning on expanding the rest of its business this year. The Ann Arbor-based brewery specializes in producing, which means it requires more time and resources to produce its brews. The 8-year-old craft brewery opened up its own tap room on West Stadium Boulevard in the old Big George's space in 2010. Last December it added a kitchen, which meant it needed to hire another six people to serve as kitchen staff. It now employs 18 people. "It's like two totally different businesses," says Josh Evans, house manager for Wolverine State Brewing Co. "In terms of the way it runs, the way it looks, it's just so much more polished." He adds that the expansion prompted Wolverine State Brewing Co to become more professional in its appearance and operations. That is setting the table for an even bigger expansion for the brewery later this year. The firm currently produces 2,200 barrels of beer a year, a number Evans expects to go up significantly next year. "We plan on ratcheting that up substantially in 2015," Evans says. "We're expanding everything but the retail space. Basically everything you don’t see." Source: Josh Evans, house manager for Wolverine State Brewing Co Writer: Jon Zemke Read more about Metro Detroit's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com.

Economic Development

Imetris adds staff as it eyes double-digit sales increase in 2014

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Source: Concentrate

Talent is a key word for Imetris when its hoping to achieve another key word: growth. The Saline-based IT company has made a handful of replacement hires over the last year and it's currently looking to hire two more tech people. "Local talent," says Chandru Acharya, president of Imetris. "That's what we're looking for." Imetris currently offers tech services in IT and data management, specifically managing data storage area devices for large corporations. It has grown its staff to 110 people over its 17 years. "We have been able to upgrade our talent and existing employees," Acharya says. "That's part of the reason clients come back to us." Imetris grew its revenue about 6 percent last year through growing its workload with existing clients and adding a few new ones. That number was a bit of a disappointment for Acharya who aims for consistent double-digit revenue growth each year. To Acharya a lack of growth means a business isn’t moving forward. It’s why he expects Imetris to grow 15-20 percent this year. "That's a reasonable number considering out overhead and increasing costs over time," Acharya says. Source: Chandru Acharya, president of Imetris Writer: Jon Zemke

Economic Development

Phire Group hires 3 on slow and steady growth trajectory

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Source: Concentrate

Slow and steady doesn't just win the race. It also builds a successful company. That's Jim Hume's opinion. The principal of Phire Group preaches deliberate and modest growth as the smart way to grow a company. It's been the secret sauce for his own full-service marketing firm. "We have been fortunate to grow at a consistent, steady pace," Hume says. "That's unusual for marketing firms that are usually boom or bust." The downtown Ann Arbor-based company takes a longterm approach with its clients and avoids churn and burn work. Treating its long-term clients well produces more referral work and increased workload with existing clients. For instance, it started doing project work with MASCO Cabinetry and is now its agency of record for some of its brands. "That growth has been slow and steady over the years," Hume says. That enabled Phire Group to hire three people over the last year, including positions in public relations, web development and strategy. It now has a staff of 20 employees and one intern. Hume plans to add a handful more people over the next year. All of it part of the company’s slow and steady growth plan. Source: Jim Hume, principal of Phire Group Writer: Jon Zemke Read more about Metro Detroit's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com.

Healthy Communities

White Pine Systems converts part-time workers to full-time employees

Jon ZemkeWednesday, July 30, 2014

Source: Concentrate

The staff at White Pine Systems is in transition. Normally that's not a sign of good things, but it is for the Ann Arbor-based company . The software firm has made a handful of hires from its own ranks in the last year, bringing on a new CTO and a few web developers. "We've gone from more part-time contributors to full-time people," says Doug Dormer, founder & CEO of White Pine Systems. The 8-year-old company’s technology specializing in sharing information between health-care providers. The idea is to streamline the healthcare system (primarily in the behavioral health and traditional healthcare) by making closely guarded personal information readily available to the people who need to see it in a timely fashion. White Pine Systems has been able to bring on more work with existing clients and land a few new ones. It’s adding new modules beyond its normal behavioral health which also is expanding its workload. "It's a combination of the market is getting good with regulations, our work is being recognized, and our marketing efforts are working," Dormer says. Source: Doug Dormer, founder & CEO of White Pine Systems Writer: Jon Zemke Read more about Metro Detroit's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com.

Healthy Communities

Flipsi Bottle pivots with new baby bottle product

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Source: Concentrate

Flipsi Bottle is pivoting. Not a lot but noticeably, especially for those who are old enough to drink from their own cup. The Ann Arbor-based startup got its start with two brothers making a sport bottle that could be turned inside out for easy cleaning. The company prototype is made out of food-grade silicone that is flexible and non-toxic. Now Flipsi Bottle is making a bottle for babies that it plans to market as Flipsi. "That is virtually done with development," says Jeff Plott, CTO of Flipsi Bottle. The 1-year-old company and its team of three people plan to take the product to the ABC Kids Expo in Las Vegas this fall to find a strategic partner. It hopes to begin production early next year. "We were able to crack the baby bottle first," Plott says. "We also saw that there is a big market for the baby bottle." Flipsi Bottle has raised about $40,000 in winnings from business plan competitions this year. Among those wins was a second-place showing at the Greenlight Business Model Competition in March, which came with a check for $10,000. Source: Jeff Plott, CTO of Flipsi Bottle Writer: Jon Zemke Read more about Metro Detroit's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com.

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Hasini and Harshini Anand are members of Corner Health Center's Youth Leadership Council and mental health advocates.

Voices of Youth

Concentrate's Voices of Youth series features content created by Washtenaw County youth in partnership with Concentrate mentors, as well as feature stories by adult writers that examine issues of importance to local youth. Click here for a full list of the latest content from this series.