When Doug Gregory came on as the new CEO of Billhighway last summer, he had a simple plan: flatten the technology so it can grow faster.
The Troy-based company makes software that helps organizations allocate expenses for everything from dues to dinner costs. It got its start in Vince Thomas’ dorm room at Eastern Michigan University in the 1990s and has hit second stage through his leadership.
But that can only go so far sometimes. Gregory is now working to flatten the company’s leadership structure so employees can be empowered to improve
Billhighway and come up with new ideas for the firm.
"We want to be a team-oriented organization," Gregory says. He explains this helps everyone employed at Billhighway determine the company’s direction and motivates them to give their jobs their best performance. "Play fearless," Gregory says. "Don't be afraid to make a mistake."
And that team is growing. Billhighway has hired eight people over the last year, mainly in sales and client services. The company has also developed a career-path program for its employees so their careers can evolve with the company. The firm now employs close to 50 people and two interns. It is also looking to add more interns soon.
Gregory adds that Billhighway has been notching double-digit revenue growth for several years now. It has grown about 200 percent cumulatively over the last five years.
Source: Doug Gregory, CEO of Billhighway
Writer: Jon Zemke
Read more about Metro Detroit's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com.
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