GAINING MOMENTUM
The company completed its first implementation of the Navision Avista system in 1996 and the first Navision Financials system went live in 1997. Between 1997 and 1999 the company implemented more than 15 Navision Financials systems and developed a reputation for technical expertise and excellence with the product. By early 2000, word of mouth had spread about LR Data and Navision and the company realized that significant expansion was inevitable. Revenues in 2000 were $2.4M, and 14 people were employed. In 2001, a contract was signed for a $3.1M project to be completed over the next 3 years. The project involved replacement of a 400 user SAP R/3 system with Navision Financials and provided the company with knowledge and experience managing large-scale implementations and roll-outs.
1999 also marked a change in the structure of the company. As the company grew, a more formal executive team would be needed. Sean Solberg was hired and rapidly promoted to Vice President of Client Services. Shortly thereafter, Scott Frappier was hired and rapidly promoted to Vice President of Deployment Operations. Both of these individuals have incredible talent and dedication and as a team significantly improved all operational areas of the company.
In July of 2002, Microsoft Corporation purchased Navision A/S. This move legitimized Navision in the United States and provided much-needed marketing resources.
In 2004, the company authored version 1 of its implementation methodology. The purpose of an implementation methodology is to ensure each project an equal chance of success by forcing the project in to a formal project framework known to deliver positive results. The implementation methodology continues to grow and evolve but remains as one of the key elements making the company successful.
The company had long wanted to change its name from LR Data to something more meaningful. In 2004, the decision to make a name change was approved and Scott Frappier came up with the new name – Symbiant Technologies. Symbiant was derived from the root word symbiosis – meaning two interdependent organisms that each derive benefit from the other. The relationship the company strives for with each client is just that – beneficial and required for both companies. A new logo was developed and the brand launch occurred in early 2005.
2004 marked another significant milestone for the company as it completed its first acquisition. The owner of a similar company had indicated a willingness to sell, and over the course of a few meetings and arrangement was made. 20 existing customers and 5 employees would join Symbiant as a result of the acquisition. While the company had some adjustments to make, overall the transition was very smooth and all but 1 of the employees who made the switch is still with the company today.
FULL SPEED AHEAD
In 2008 the company achieved another significant milestone by taking over a 14,500 square foot building to become the new company headquarters. A state of the art presentation center was constructed, and a new training center was completed for future utilization. The move was made in July 2008 and went relatively smoothly.
For 2008 company revenues were $7.1M and employee headcount was 27. The existing customer base is growing and the systems and processes used by the company are working very well together. While 2009 poses some challenging economic times the company will still post revenue growth of more than 20%. The company continues to be led by an incredible executive team consisting of individuals whose skills are individually impressive and as a team downright astounding. Symbiant was built on the idea that the right computers and software can help companies be more profitable and productive, and that talented and knowledgeable individuals are the key to successfully realizing these objectives. Technology will change but Symbiant’s dedication to successful projects will not.