By Megan Ion
While the titans of technology like Nortel Networks and JDS Uniphase teeter, one young innovative Ottawa firm is soaring with success.
Questcom Consulting Inc., a high-tech based company that aligns corporate business plans with technology and advises clients on computer system integration, was honoured as Canada’s high-tech Up and Comer of the Year last week by Branham Group Inc., an Ottawa high-tech consulting firm.
The award carries no monetary prize.
Wayne Gudbranson, CEO of Branham and 20-year high-tech veteran, says what sets Questcom apart from the competition is their business approach.
“They plan and design technology systems which is impressive for a small company. Their quality of approach and commitment to excellence makes them a good quality team.”
The idea for Questcom came after three entrepreneurs saw a gap in the National Capital Region technology service sector.
President of Questcom Marc Sigouin credits the company’s success to hard work and long hours.
“We work on sweat equity,” says vice president of marketing David Pennett.
“We have a blue-collar work ethic for a white-collar business.”
With less than 10 employees, there is a lot of work to be done.
Not even two-years-old, Questcom has already built an impressive client base.
Clients include the National Gallery of Canada, The Standards Council of Canada and Government Policy Consultants International.
“I look at our client base and I see clients that would probably take most organizations four to seven years to acquire, and we did it in 15 months,” says Pennett.
Another factor that sets Questcom apart from many other technology companies is that Questcom doesn’t have private investors.
“For a company like Questcom to come along and do what they are doing without any [private] investors is just amazing,” says Gudbranson.