Smart50 rank: 37
Revenue: $1,336,410
Growth: 49.88%
Founders: Gerry Alleaume, 34
Based: Western Australia
Employees: 9
Industry: Information technology
Website: www.m8sr8s.com.au
We've all got one - that colleague, friend or family member who we call on when there is something wrong with the computer. Gerry Alleaume got so used to taking these calls that he decided he could start a business providing IT consulting services, including web hosting, web design, eCommerce and general IT services.
He also operates a successful retail business, which offers the latest in consumer electronics. "I was always the guy in the office who had the latest and greatest gadgets and tech gear, and over the years I had developed some good contacts to source products from," Alleaume says.
In the beginning, the biggest challenge was getting external help and support. "Banks and suppliers are often very hesitant to grant a line of credit and other facilities to a one man band starting up from home," he says.
"Coupled with this was the lack of prior knowledge and finding the self-motivation to keep going all the time. But I learnt that I could do it. And that what I didn't know, there was someone else I could ask, and then I would know for next time. Each day owning your own company is a learning experience."
One of the smartest things Alleaume did was to create a business with multiple divisions. This has provided him with protection during the downturn, although he admits that he had to slightly adjust his plans to double revenue when it became apparent midway through 2008-09 that the downturn was hurting the economy.
The diverse nature of the business should also mean the company comes out of the downturn in strong shape. "During the recovery period, we will watch the business to find out what it is that people and businesses are looking for and willing to spend their money on, and focus more energy into that section of the business."
Matesrates' next move is to build a retail showroom into their new premises in the Perth suburb of Subiaco, to complement the company's online store.
"We are currently gutting out a section and refitting. As an Apple reseller and Vodafone dealer, we are looking at turning the space into a high profile retail store, known for its quality goods and great service."
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