Making Waves
How This CEO’s Tech Company is Shaking Up in South Bend
You may not think of South Bend as the ultimate tech hub, but Chad Gregory, CEO of the start-up GoLIMS, saw potential here and decided to build a dream in his hometown. Weathering ups and downs, he took advantage of resources in South Bend, adapted his product to the market, and walked the tightrope of a start-up with balance. We spoke to Gregory about his experience with opening this unique company and how he’s taking advantage of the small town to make big waves.
The Back Story
Scientists in research labs used to document their findings on anything they could get their hands on: Microsoft Word, Microsoft Paint or even in simple spiral notebooks scattered about the lab. This, of course, led to chaos, missing data and miscalculations. Enter LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) which scientists could use, if their lab could afford the costly installation and maintenance expenses.
Scientists and researchers in small to medium-sized labs can’t normally afford the expensive LIMS programs that some companies do provide – these LIMS made more costly by using systems which required physical maintenance on their side, through installation expenses and backups. (Think of the difference between Microsoft Outlook and, say, Gmail or Yahoo Mail; you’ve probably never had to download any new updates for the web-based email services). Gregory wanted to create a product that was cheaper, modern and more accessible for researchers, which all pointed to being a cloud-based web app which requires minimal to zero maintenance.
Tell us a bit about GoLIMS.
“GoLIMS is an advanced application designed to provide an infrastructure for researchers to organize their data more efficiently and enhance their collaboration with sharing and presentation tools,” Gregory explains. “We have created an always-available, secure, centrally located research hub that provides the functionality needed to organize any research. As a purely web-based application, customers do not have to buy special equipment or install anything – all they need is a computer or tablet with Internet access.”
This means that researchers cannot only cheaply and easily organize their data, they can view it from wherever they are, which is particularly important for that presentation in Russia or that conference in Dubai.
How has South Bend provided resources for starting a tech company?
“South Bend provides a great and reasonably affordable environment to grow a tech company from idea to completion,” Gregory tells us. “There is an abundance of talented people in this community and what seems to be a lack of progressive tech companies here to hire them.” And not only does Gregory have the resources he needs, but the nature of his company allows him to be constantly connected with his employees and customers.
While Gregory has taken advantage of talent in the area, he’s also connected with Innovation Park, which provides connections to investors and other small businesses.
“Innovation Park and its team of experts have helped us plan our approach to better connect with the research community. The Park’s guidance and commercialization support has been invaluable to our growth,” Gregory says, “and the proximity to Notre Dame has allowed us to engage them as a flagship customer and leverage that relationship with multiple universities across the Midwest.”
What problems have you encountered with a start-up of this kind, and how did you overcome them?
“Start-ups require patience and perseverance. Everyone hopes to be an overnight success, but in reality, there is quite a bit of time and energy invested before the company has a public presence. You have to bide your time and be absolutely committed to achieving your goals,” Gregory advises.
When asked about the recession’s effect on the small company, he says, “The recession’s biggest effect has been the lack of available funds to help aspiring entrepreneurs achieve their initial goals, but we have been fortunate to work through these issues and have raised enough capital to become successful.”
Meanwhile, GoLIMS has adapted their product to their customers, something all start-ups must do as they encounter their market. For example, GoLIMS has found that smaller labs don’t focus on extensive sample inventory as much as day-to-day experiments, so they’ve adjusted their product accordingly.
What do you love about being a CEO?
“I enjoy the ability to have my hands on all aspects of the business,” Gregory reflects. “In a start-up, everyone involved is required to pull their weight, and then some. There is never a dull moment. We are all in this together and will learn from our setbacks as well as celebrate our successes as a team.”
On balancing life and work, Gregory tells us: “Balance requires an enormous amount of dedication to see a start-up to success. The 24/7 thoughts about growing a business can cloud your attention to day-to-day needs of a family. In order to balance this, you must have a strong support system at home.”
What tips and advice do you have for others hoping to create a start-up?
“Everyone has a great idea, but one has to ask oneself a few questions: how will it be viewed in the marketplace? Will it be adopted and is it commercially viable? Can I withstand the ups and downs and the time it will take to be successful?” Gregory asks.
A potential CEO must do a lot of research, he advises: “Do your homework, including the market and the competition. Network extensively to seek entrepreneurial wisdom, but don’t be afraid to make your own decisions.”
For more on GoLIMS and Innovation Park, check out golims.com and innovationparknd.com.
