Most companies spent the last two years tightening their belts, surrounded by a slumping economy. But Stanley Kania's small business, Software Link, was too busy hitting home runs.
Software Link sells accounting and management software for small and mid-sized companies. It started in 1996 with one employee, Kania, and today has 17. From 2001 to 2003, its revenues increased by 222 percent, causing the Atlanta Business Chronicle to name Software Link the 24th Fastest Growing Company Private Company in Atlanta this year.
Kania cannot explain the company's success, but credits his employees and some decisions along the way as factors. The company works with companies mostly when they need an upgrade.
Software Link's charm is to provide not only a strong product, but provide the know-how and advise the company on which product works for them. In the 1980s, Kania was the southeastern manager for HBO McKesson's IT department, overseeing the maintenance of the computers in its offices. Then he co-founded a business with his brother-in-law connecting businesses with computer service providers.
With the technical knowledge of computers, and the experience of a business owner, in 1996 Kania started Software Link to sell software and consult with companies on how to best make the product work for them.
Software Link has become one of Georgia's leading providers of accounting software by Sage Software products.
Sage Software's products are common in the business world. It created products such as ACT!, FAS Business Solutions, MAS, the Peachtree accounting products, and SalesLogix.
Its products touch every side of a business including sales, payroll, accounting, distribution and management.
Software Link sells Sage's accounting software including Peachtree Software, BusinessWorks Gold, MAS 90, MAS 200 and for its larger clients, MAS 500.
The company has grown with its clients, starting out with small businesses. Then as those businesses grew, Software Link upgraded them with bigger and more expensive products. The company went from small business to now working with companies with 1,200 employees.
Kania took some time to answer questions about his industry and his success. To see the full story, please visit the North Atlanta Business Post to read the front page article.