Company address:
2240 N. Grandview Blvd.
Company Web site:
www.comstar.biz
Industry:
Internet. More specifically, Web site design & development
Number of employees:
12
Education:
B.S. in computer science & mathematics, Carroll College
Family:
Wife, Bryn; children, Alexander and Victoria
What was the smartest thing your company did in the past year?
“We hired Tom Palzewicz of ActionCoach as a business coach.”
What’s new at your company?
“New? I laugh at that, because things are changing all the time. We have begun guaranteeing Web site results for our clients, guaranteeing that the Web sites we produce are truly assets for them. Yeah, we’ll even go so far as to guarantee an ROI (return on investments)!”
Do you plan to hire any additional staff or make any significant capital investments in your company in the next year?
“We have hired two new people within the past month. We’re looking for another one or two right now and in the short-term (Web site designers and programmers). We’re continuing to grow so I expect that we’ll add several more, including sales staff, within the year. Earlier this year, we bought the building our offices are in, so we’ll be upgrading it from being structured as four separate suites into the feeling of a single cohesive business.”
What will be your company’s main challenges in the next year?
“Growth. We’re a growing company, adding people. That needs to be managed well. Marketing. As we grow, our need to reach out increases so that we can continue to on a healthy business path.”
What’s the hottest trend in your industry?
“Search engine optimization and search engine management. In addition to award-winning Web designs, we provide both of these services. After all, if no one is getting to your Web site, then what good is it to have one?
Do you have a business mantra?
“‘We build assets that empower businesses to reach their clients – anywhere.’ That is our vision, and we always talk about building assets for our clients.”
From a business standpoint, who do you look up to?
“I look up to those business owners who make the transition from being the wearer of many hats, doing every aspect of the business, to simply being the owner and letting other people (better people) do the work.”
What was the best advice you ever received?
“Work on the business, not just in the business.”
What’s the funniest thing that ever happened to you in your career?
“Something fun or funny happens every day. I don’t think I can recall the funniest. I remember doubling over laughing so hard several times over the years, but what caused that is beyond the reach of my memory at this moment.”
What do you like to do in your free time?
“What is free time? With business growing, I’ve gotten a bit out of balance, but I’m working on fixing that too. Mostly, I like to travel with my family. The world is so interesting and educational. When not traveling, I like to bring the world to Waukesha through refugee resettlement. Through my church and Lutheran Social Services, I help people who have lost their homelands become self-sufficient, contributing members of our society. And, I like to play Scrabble. Anyone up for a game?”
