|
|
||||||||||||
| Software
firm finds its workers around the world, enabling it to grow VirtuaLabs Software Services, Inc. president G. Kelly says the software consulting firm's ability to recruit and operate internationally has helped his company grow and compete with larger firms. "The biggest thing in this industry is getting qualified people," Kelly said. "In the U.S. there is a shortage of skilled programmers and programmer analysts. We get our people from the international market so we've been able to grow." In its first year, VirtuaLabs reported annual revenues of about $200,000. Kelly is expecting revenues of $10.5 million by 2004. VirtuaLabs' headquarters is located in the heart of Downtown Columbus. In addition to building an international recruiting network, Kelly said the company listens carefully to its existing employees. He estimates that between 30 percent and 35 percent of VirtuaLabs' new employees are referred internally. Finding qualified people is only part of the job, Kelly said. All potential VirtuaLabs employees are subjected to a five-part screening process that tests their ability to adapt to continuously changing work situations, their technical skills and their communication skills. Because of that, Kelly said, the company can provide high-quality services to its clients. Kelly and his two partners have 30 years of experience in the software-consulting field among them. The company's consultants average more than five years of experience in the information technology industry, with experience in a variety of industries, including finance, education, government, distribution, retail, manufacturing, electronics and utilities. "What we offer is very high quality at a reasonable price," he said. VirtuaLabs may charge $75 an hour for the same service for which a Big Six firm might charge $300. And, Kelly said, VirtuaLabs can provide a much quicker response than the larger firms - as little as two weeks versus seven weeks. In fact, some of the nation's largest consulting firms hire VirtuaLabs consultants. Those clients include Corning Inc and account for 40 percent of VirtuaLabs' revenue. Some of the company's other clients include Nationwide Insurance, Qwest, LCI, Airtouch Cellular and Bank One. But, Kelly said, there are some challenges to having employees spread out at project sites across the country. "Communication becomes in issue sometimes," Kelly said. "The other challenge is to keep people in one location. It's hard on them and it's hard on us because of the expense." To combat that problem, Kelly and his partners make sure employees have their home telephone numbers and feel free to use them. And the company tries to hold frequent get-togethers, wherever employees are located. "We tell people up front before they join the company exactly what to expect," Kelly said. "They appreciate the honesty and openness." |
