Bruce McCully, 31, got his start as the founder and supreme overlord of Dynamic Edge when he was an undergrad at the University of Michigan studying computer engineering. He has since turned the Ann Arbor-based company into a mighty successful start-up with 35 employees and two interns.
The company recently hired four people and is looking to hire more. Right now its planning to add a few programmers, network administrators and support desk folks. McCully wants to keep surrounding himself with the same type of "right" people that helped him bust Dynamic Edge out of the gate in the beginning in 2000.
Describe your business in two sentences or less?
Dynamic Edge cuts IT and computer support costs as much as 46 percent while simultaneously eliminating recurring computer problems, downtime and the threat of data loss. We have a unique process that includes strategic planning, accountability audits, network setup and optimization, server administration, and desktop support.
Why did you decide to set up shop in Ann Arbor?
I grew up on a farm in Northern Michigan, and came to Ann Arbor to go to school. The minute I arrived here, I realized that Ann Arbor was small town USA with a flare of culture and diversity. Ann Arbor quickly became home for me due to its walkable downtown and the community’s inviting Midwest feel. The small town atmosphere also allowed the business to grow quickly as people recommended us to their friends.
What are some of the advantages to doing business here?
Even in really tough times, having the University here is almost like a layer of insulation for a lot of businesses, and when other businesses are prospering, we’re prospering too. The Chamber here is also a huge advocate for businesses and is always working to help Ann Arbor businesses thrive as well. There is always something happening in Ann Arbor, bringing new people every day and spurring on different business ventures, so it’s really a great place to be.
What do you see in Ann Arbor that other people who live outside the area don't?
One of the best attributes of the City of Ann Arbor is its drive to make life better for the people living here. We’re always building, always reaching out, always thinking about the future. Ann Arbor truly is a city that strives for global relevance – and yet, most of the initiatives generated by the City Council and its’ committees are intended to benefit the individual as well as the whole. It truly is a remarkable city, and a place where I can say we are proud to run a business.
What advice would you give to someone who was thinking about opening a business in Ann Arbor?
In answering this question, I assume that someone who is about to start a business has already put together a plan and is prepared to manage culture, goals, leadership and accountability. You should be able to get these aspects down without actually getting office space.
When you get ready for that office space, pick the right location and space for your business. We look at things like: morning and afternoon traffic, parking, proximity to restaurants before we start looking at the details of rent, layout, etc. There is a lot of inventory out there so, you can take your time and really find the right location. Then build it out to fit your needs. For us, we have consultants that are driving to client sites, so the expressway proximity is very important.
If you could change one thing about Ann Arbor, what would it be?
I'd change the way people think about Detroit. People who live in Ann Arbor believe they are disconnected from the City. We are so very close to world class museums, great nightlife, and sporting events, yet if you ask around no one really leaves ‘the middle kingdom’ to go into Detroit. While trying to figure out why, I hear a lot of complains about our lack of mass transportation. To combat this, my partner, Tim Neiman started chartering buses to Detroit (inventing his own mass transportation plan). It’s a great time and I encourage everyone to try it out: http://www.getmedowntown.com – this is completely a volunteer effort; the cost of the ticket pays only for the bus.
If you think Ann Arbor’s reputation and economy isn’t affected by Detroit, next time you travel internationally try to explain where you are from without mentioning our fair Motown. It matters folks, let’s get down there, support local business and enjoy it!
Source: Bruce McCully, founder and supreme overlord of Dynamic Edge
Writer: Jon Zemke
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