Valentine’s Day is over, but Chad Perce and the staff at iMethods are still matchmaking.
Instead of first dates and romance for the information technology staffing and consulting company, it’s the art of pairing the right professional with the right client.
Perce was recognized for his efforts by the JAX Chamber, which named him its 2012 Small Business Leader of the Year in January.
“It’s a great feeling,” he said. “It’s a rewarding feeling, quite honestly.”
Perce will make the speaking rounds and become more involved with the chamber as part of the recognition.
His company, iMethods, consists of two divisions — one that handles local clients and another that focuses on national health care information technology.
The company’s national reach extends to clients as far west as Colorado and as far north as New York.
Three weeks ago, iMethods relocated from the Baymeadows area to Deerwood Park, at Gate Parkway and Butler Boulevard. “We loved the old place, but we just outgrew it,” Perce said.
He said the staff of 20 could expand by 5-10 employees over the year.
Perce said he, co-founder Clint Drawdy and the staff have maintained the company’s core principles and focused on establishing solid relationships to ensure the client-professional match can be as successful as possible. Perce said the successful placement ratio is about 90 percent.
Perce said most days are spent communicating, via email, phone or in person, and the results are 1,000-1,200 contacts weekly for the company.
That includes established clients, companies and referrals.
Perce credits much of the company’s early success to the business relationship he formed with Drawdy.
“When you find that person you can work with and believe you can succeed with, it’s a huge game-changer,” he said.
The company organized as a corporation in Florida in 2006.
Perce said many entrepreneurs think they have the right ideas and the answers, but often don’t seek the help they really need. He said that can lead to failure.
He credits his business partnership and JAX Chamber programs as reasons for his success.
“You don’t have to do it all on your own,” he said.
356-2466