Growth and expansion led a small business enterprise technology consulting company based in Mid-Michigan to move their creative division back under the parent company.
In May,
Courtland Consulting consolidated with Strudell Studios to better serve clients. Dubbed Courtland Creative Division, the East Lansing studio has grown 40 percent over the past several years.
"It was the right time to merge," says Steve Trudell, owner and president of Courtland Consulting. "Our customers were positive about the move, and it makes sense to our employees, too."
Trudell founded Courtland Consulting in 1990 with the goal of providing consultant services to state and local governments in policy, program administration, system design, programming, training, e-learning, project evaluation and customer service. In 2008, Trudell "spun off" Strudell Studio to focus on creative services as well as to build the web development market.
Over time, the division grew, expanded markets, and continued to serve as the creative agency for Courtland's government work and contracts. In the past year, creative projects tripled, leading to double-digit expansion of new team members in sales, customer service and quality assurance.
Then as now, Courtland and its creative division serve a large number of community-based organizations, nonprofits, small businesses and local governments. The company recently celebrated 25 years in the Lansing community. Many staff work off-site, with others occupying a 2,000-square foot office space at 1500 Watertower Place in East Lansing.
"Giving back is a big part of what we do," says Trudell. "We believe in volunteer work. And on the business side, we're always sharing insights through blogging, speakers, and through involvement on economic development groups."
Courtland Consulting currently has 25 employees, with about half in the creative division. Trudell says the company is looking to double the staff by the end of 2015.
Source: Steve Trudell, Owner and President, Courtland Consulting
Writer: Ann Kammerer, News Editor
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