Member spotlight DMI Studios

Staying on the bleeding edge of technology

By Nancy Jean
If youre familiar with the Ask the Expert spots on Green Bays WTAQ-AM, then youve probably heard the fast-paced words of wisdom from DMI Studios (until very recently known as DMiNTERACTIVE). Owner David Troup is proud of the way the Expert segments tell the DMI Studios story of their work in the world of the Web in a quick two-minute spot, while offering some sound marketing tips to listeners. The business is taking its own advice these days and giving itself a new look to better tell its story as a major player in web design, web solutions and online marketing in Green Bay and around the globe. For example, few probably realize that it was DMI Studios that developed one of the NFLs most popular websites at www.packers.com, launching it just after the Superbowl win in January 1997. Its hard to believe now, but until then, there was no Green Bay Packers website. That accomplishment is still a very large feather in the cap of DMI Studios, said Troup from his offices at 1400 Lombardi Ave., within eyesight of Lambeau Field. He proudly notes DMI Studios had the foresight to register the www.packers.com domain name along with other related names, and continues to have a significant role in updating the very popular website. Its amazing to think DMI Studios landed what for most businesses in Wisconsin would be the big tuna, a contract designing the Packers first website when DMI Studios had just been founded in 1995 by Troup. But Troup said he understood what the Packers were looking for right from the beginning. We had to capture the Packers from the vantage point of the fans, he said. DMI Studios world is all about the Internet, and the staff -- some of whom have been with the company since its beginnings -- are ready to lead clients into their futures with an interactive vision, said Troup. On the website is a listing of many of their clients something many businesses shy away from divulging. But not Troup who is known for relishing a competitive edge especially with himself. With tremendous pride in the creative work DMI Studios does, hes not shy about saying hed be happy to fight to retain a client. If I lose it (the client) I shouldnt have it, he said. DMI Studios is at its best, he said, when a client presents them with a seemingly impossible request. Its a joke between him and his staff, he said, Ok, what did you sell that doesnt exist? Its all about pushing the envelope in technology, and more graphically he refers to it as the bleeding edge. Moving forward into the unknown, it tends to be painful, said Troup. He points with pride that a couple past employees of DMI Studios now work for Apple. At the end of the day, we want our client to succeed, said Troup. Here are some other thoughts: -- Troups heart is with his fellow entrepreneurs and risk takers. An avid wind surfer, he has sat and stared down waves all over the world, plotting how to ride them out successfully and survive. All this is akin to the business world, he explained, describing himself as a serial business owner. Hes been creating software since he was in high school, and at an early age founded Green Bays first Internet service provider Green Bay Online. I just keep starting businesses, he said. Among his businesses is Mail Foundry and Solinus, and he will launch a major sports software endeavor later this year. -- He holds a degree in artificial intelligence from Carroll College in Waukesha (a 1992 graduate), with a specialty in autonomous robotics and was offered a full ride through his doctorate from Mellon University in Pittsburgh. But the allure of entrepreneurship was already in his blood.

titletown.org

October 8, 2012

David Troup, owner of DMI Studios, has ridden a wave of technological changes in his career and enjoys pushing the company to remain on the bleeding edge of technology.

Everything Ive done has been about innovating, he said. -- The reason DMI Studios has lasted so long is that the business isnt afraid of being creative, he said. The results clients get from them is incredibly custom. And despite Troups own big personality, he describes DMI Studios itself as the quiet company. There are 26 employees. We like being small and efficient, he said. -- Last year Troup traveled 147,000 miles visiting clients and doing trade shows. Hes slowed down his travels this year because hes choosing to spend more time with family. -- He believes in complete honesty with clients. If something goes wrong, own up to it. Theres no way around the truth, he said. Relationships with clients are built brick by brick. DMIs goal is to help its client succeed. My job, he said he tells clients, is to help you get there. His strategy for hiring staff is simple: I should

be the dumbest guy in the room, he said. He added, Dont let genius pass I dont care if its not in the budget. Hes hired people and then found a position for them based on the qualities they could bring to DMI Studios. As for charitable endeavors, there are several, like the Ride for the Cure, but with his soft spot for fellow entrepreneurs he enjoys helping start-up businesses get off the ground. Im a bootstrapper, he said, explaining that when the economy bottomed out in 2001, he found himself $1 million in debt. I fixed it, he said, paying off his debt even when bankruptcy was recommended. He knows a good idea when he sees it and admits when he looks at the world, I see systems. With everything in relationship to everything else, when he gives a helping hand to a start-up, he knows in the long run theyll pay it back by coming to DMI Studios for their web solutions work in the future. Learn more at www.dmistudios.com.

ANNUAL DINNER WEDNESDAY, OCT. 24, 2012

Featuring JR Martinez as keynote speaker KI Convention Center, downtown Green Bay

CALL 920.437.8704 TO REGISTER TODAY!

ThisThis page, and information contained within, is brought to you and and sponsored by Green Bay Bay Area Chamber of Commerce (920) 437-8704. page, and the the information contained within, is brought to you sponsored by the the Green Area Chamber of Commerce (920) 437-8704.

October 8, 2012

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Chamber welcomes five new board members

Chamber Events
The Green Bay Area of Chamber of Commerce promotes business growth and retention, and strives to improve the quality of life for all area residents. Check out its latest events, designed to inform, assist and promote your business. To register for any Chamber events or to discuss Chamber membership call (920) 437-8704 or visit titletown.org.

The Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce welcomes the newest members of the board of directors. Chuck Cloninger is president of the Wisconsin Public Service Corporation. He previously worked for WPS from 1981 to 2005 and worked for Minnesota Energy Resources Corporation and Michigan Gas Utilities over the last six years. Cloninger is a member of the executive board for Trees for Tomorrow in Eagle River.

Northeast Wisconsin Chamber Coalition (NEWCC) Transportation Briefing

Tuesday, Oct. 16, 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Miron Construction Company, Inc., 1471 McMahon Dr., Neenah Wis. Cost: Free but space is limited. Registration is required by calling the Fox Cities Chamber at 920.734.7101 Northeast Wisconsin Chamber Coalition (NEWCC) invites you to attend a transportation briefing with Congressman Reid Ribble and experts for the US Chamber of Commerce. There is no cost to attend. For more information or to register please contact the Fox cities Chamber (920) 734-7101.

Michael J. Kirschling, attorney at Stellpflug Law, S.C., has represented many business owners, insurance companies, contractors and consumers in his 33 years as an attorney. He is a Howard-Suamico Optimist and served as a board member for the Childrens Museum of Green Bay for 20 years.

Business & Breakfast

Troy Streckenbach, Brown County Executive, has owned and operated six businesses in Brown County over the past 12 years. He has been involved with a variety of organizations in the Green Bay area, including the Wisconsin Tavern League and the Downtown Green Bay Inc. board of directors.

Thursday, Oct. 18, 7 a.m. registration and full breakfast buffet; 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. program F.K. Bemis Conference Center, St. Norbert College $18/person Green Bay Area Chamber members & $35/person for prospective members To register, visit events.titletown.org or call 920.437.8704. The Medical Cost/Insurance/Affordable Care Act Debacle: Next Steps! is presented by Phil Hauck, TEC - The Executive Committee. Both the problem and the challenge are greater than you think. Youll learn the extent of it, that a key is to get your employees and their families healthier to stay out of the system, and the next iteration of insurance plan designs to consider.Youll have practical takeaways for 2013 and beyond. Sponsored by: Valley Insurance Associates, Inc.

Leadership Green Bay welcomes new class

The Leadership Green Bay Class of 2013 kicked off with its Welcome Breakfast on Tuesday, Sept. 11, with these individuals on the class roster:

Dan Fabry, vice president and chief operating officer of mobile services at Cellcom. In his role, he is responsible for developing and directing all aspects of the companys wireless operations. He currently serves on the Wisconsin State Telecommunications Association board of directors and as chairperson for the WSTA Wireless Council.

Brad Toll is the CEO for the Greater Green Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau. He has worked in the tourism industry for nearly 30 years and is heavily involved with coordinating community events in the Green Bay area. Toll previously served as vice president of marketing and communications for the St. Paul Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Rebecca Afshar, ITT Technical Institute Nicole Allen, Nicolet National Bank Keri Bakken, UnitedHealthcare Kate Bartell, Bellin Health Gina Bortel, St. Norbert College Andy Braatz, Sadoff Iron & Metal Rob Carviou, Prevea Health Services Jenna Clevers, Davis & Kuelthau, s.c. Ryan Cook, Schreiber Foods Inc. Lori Cuene Kellie Diedrick, St. Vincent Hospital Kati Donaho, Johnson Bank Claire DuPont, The Marq Roger Galler, St. Vincent Hospital Kristie Haney, PMI Entertainment Group Christine Hilla, Wells Fargo Jessica Hopp, Boys & Girls Club of Green Bay Chris Howald, Tweet/Garot Mechanical, Inc. Josh Koch, Stellpflug Law, S.C. Steve Krueger,
Liebmann, Conway, Olejniczak, & Jerry, S.C.

Mark Nicholas, PAi Kyle Peterson, Ansay & Associates, LLC Rebecca Pruess,
American Foundation of Counseling Services

Dean Raasch, K&K Benefit Solutions Len Rentmeester,

Wisconsin Public Service Corporation

Mary Rochon-Jewert, Associated Bank Emily Rogers,

University of Wisconsin Green Bay

Lt John Rousseau,
Green Bay Police Department Mary Schultz, Associated Bank Jaime Schumacher, Integrys Energy Group, Inc. Paul Simons, MCL Industries

Laura Smythe,
Mediation Center Greater Green Bay Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce

Dan Terrio, Phil Turnbull, Prevea Health Services Tracy Valenta,

Green Bay Metropolitan Sewerage District

Vickie Lock,
If youre interested in becoming a member of the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, call sales today at (920) 437-8704. For questions about this and other editorial found on these pages, call Lori Kaye Lodes, marketing communications manager and editor at (920) 593-3423 or e-mail llodes@titletown.org.

Tina Van DeVen, VSI, LLC Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Aaron Matthews, Integrys Energy Services, Inc. Jenny Vande Leest, Hager, Dewick & Zuengler, S.C. Rick Moericke, Schreiber Foods, Inc. Dean Wesolowski, Georgia-Pacific Corp. Michelle Mulloy, Schenck S.C. Adam Younk, Associated Bank

This page, and the information contained within, is brought to you and sponsored by the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce (920) 437-8704.