Company address: 375 Bishops Way, Ste. 105, Brookfield, WI 53005
Company Web site: www.syslogicinc.com
Industry: Custom software development and information technology consulting
Number of employees: 16
Education: BBA, University of Wisconsin-Madison; University of Copenhagen, Denmark; Darden School of Business
Family: Foster daughter, Margaret Woolridge, 17
What was the smartest thing your company did in the past year?
"We added gender and ethnic diversity. It has changed the dynamics of the company and encourages us to look at a given scenario from multiple perspectives."
What’s new at your company?
"We saved 34 percent on health care expenses by switching to an HSA (health savings account) plan that offers comparable or better benefits."
Do you plan to hire any additional staff or make any significant capital investments in your company in the next year?
"We plan to hire five to seven additional employees to meet increasing demand from our clients in the health care and life sciences and financial industries."
What will be your company’s main challenges in the next year?
"No. 1, staying on top of emerging technology trends so we are best-positioned to bring innovation to our clients, and No. 2, staying ahead of the trend toward global outsourcing. Global outsourcing continues to put pressure on local markets because of lower-cost and highly skilled talent across the oceans."
What’s the hottest trend in your industry?
"Applications for mobile devices and wireless technology."
Do you have a business mantra?
"Integrity will get us through the tough times."
From a business standpoint, who do you look up to?
"My Uncle Seymour, because he always tells it like it is in two sentences or less."
What was the best advice you ever received?
"Listen."
What’s the funniest thing that ever happened to you in your career?
"Interviewing a job candidate that had a cheat sheet of notes written on his hand."
What do you like to do in your free time?
"Volunteer for my various nonprofit passions, play tennis, listen to live jazz and figure out effective ways to be a good parent to my foster daughter."
April 1, 2005, Small Business Times, Milwaukee, WI
