3.7 Designs turns long-term work into more revenue, staff

Last year, 3.7 Designs had a goal of migrating its workload from one-off projects to more steady customers and its own software. As the Ann Arbor-based firm enters 2013, it has found its execution on this plan has led to steadier work and a bigger bottom line. Its customer base has become steadier and it has allowed the company to raise its rates. It has also hired a project manager to its staff of four employees and two interns. "It has been a win-win for the company," says Ross Johnson, CEO of 3.7 Designs. "I see us continuing to grow revenuewise." 3.7 Designs specializes in building websites. The 6-year-old company started out doing basic website work but has grown to also offering marketing and upkeep services for the websites its builds. It also creates software for things like training modules. Johnson has also moved onto teaching classes about the Internet at Michigan State University and Washtenaw Community College. Source: Ross Johnson, CEO of 3.7 Designs Writer: Jon Zemke Read more about Metro Detroit's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com.