Enmark Systems was at a crossroads in the early 2000s. Some of its key employees were either ready to buy the business or break out on their own. They ended up buying it (for a handsome price) and have grown the software developer significantly.
At the time, sales had slid from a high of $4.6 million in 2000 (thanks to the Y2K build up) to $2.4 million in 2002. Shortly after the employees took over. Since then they have built sales up to $5 million this year. They have also doubled the number of employees to 30, along with an intern and independent contractor.
"When you boil it down, they buy our product to save money," says John Bilek, president of Enmark Systems.
That means the client either reduces costs, increases sales or both. Enmark has been able to do this by developing new software products for metal service center distributors. It's also allowed the company to spread their its base across North America, helping keep their bottom line growing.
Even though Bilek is bracing his company for the worst, with the current state of the economy, he does see hope. For instance, he sees big potential in President-elect Barack Obama's pledge to heavily invest in the county's infrastructure.
"That's huge for our business," Bilek says.
Source: John Bilek, president of Enmark Systems
Writer: Jon Zemke
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