ServiceWorld named 1999 Small Business of the Year

by Karen E. Culp

SBJ Staff

ServiceWorld Computer Center is the 1999 W. Curtis Strube Small Business of the Year.

The award was announced at a luncheon ceremony May 27, during Small Business Week. ServiceWorld was among five finalists for the award. The other four finalists were Aire-Master of America Inc., Corporate Business Systems, Ollis & Company and Springfield Mill & Lumber Company.

ServiceWorld was founded in 1991 and is located at 1620 W. Elfindale. The company performs computer service, sales and repair, network consulting, specialty software design and training, and fiber-optic cable installation. Its president is Doug Pitt and its management team comprises Bill Pitt, Rob Neal and Wayne Murphy. The company has 24 employees.

Service World has had an average growth rate of 35 percent per year. Its management philosophy, according to its application for the award, is focused on providing the maximum amount of work-related benefits for its employees: "Take care of their family before you ask them to take care of you.

"Our management philosophy is to

work with our employees, providing an example in every area of our operation. By knowing we truly have their interests at heart, they work to take care of our customers at any cost, which builds and strengthens our company," the application states.

Lu Ann Hancock, chair of this year's Small Business Award Luncheon Committee, said the commitment Doug Pitt and ServiceWorld have made both to the community and the company's employees make the company worthy of the award.

"What strikes me most about Doug is his commitment to his employees and to the community," Hancock said. Not only does ServiceWorld Computer Center Inc. contribute to our local economy through the service they provide and the dollars they are able to retain locally, but Doug's management philosophy and investment in his employees provide a tremendous return for the community. In my opinion, Doug's business epitomizes what small business is all about. His business has evolved and been able to outlast competitors through a balance of business theory and common sense."

In its application, company officials addressed the amount of similar companies entering the Springfield market, and how ServiceWorld has worked to stay competitive.

"...(O)ur research indicates that every two months, four computer-based companies form and three go out of business. ... The very fact that ServiceWorld has been able to show continued growth in this environment is a tribute to our staying power," the application states.

The Small Business of the Year Award is presented by the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce. Last year's recipient was Butler, Rosenbury & Partners.

Jim Anderson, chamber president, said, "ServiceWorld and Doug Pitt epitomize the greatness of small business in our area. They've achieved a tremendous amount of success in a relatively short period of time. I think their success is not only evident on the numbers side of the equation, but in the amount of time and energy the company has donated to this community."

One of its most notable community contributions has been a project ServiceWorld initiated to provide computers to Springfield Public Schools. The company takes donated computers, refurbishes them and donates them to the schools. The program, called Technology Today, has placed more than 150 computers and related items in the schools. In addition, the company lists 14 charities it has supported with financial or in-kind gifts during 1998 and 1999.[[In-content Ad]]