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This client was featured in March 2004. The information in this profile was accurate at the time of writing. Please contact us if you believe something should be changed.

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Andrew Van Fleet
Darning Pixels, Inc.
Waterloo, Iowa

Follow-up to the client profile we brought you in August 2002

"Take each step one by one, know what you're getting into, then just get into it," says Andrew Van Fleet, Chief Executive Officer of Darning Pixels, Inc, and recent graduate of the UNI Regional Business Center Accelerator Program. Darning Pixels, Inc. delivers simplistic solutions to complex Internet application needs and designs award winning marketing materials for companies across the nation.

The most important lesson for new businesses to learn is the art of risk-taking, Andrew says. Not only is the analysis before each step critical, but it is equally important to actually take the step. Andrew is living proof of his own advice and has a thriving company to show for it.

Darning Pixels, Inc. launched in January of 2001 in the RBC Accelerator Program. His tenancy began as the program itself was just getting off its feet, and while both were getting their bearings, Andrew benefited from the extra attention he received as an inaugural participant. From classes and counseling, to strategic planning sessions and affordable rent, Andrew and his company made great strides in the first two years of operation.

Darning Pixels, Inc. has garnered 30 clients nationwide, from California to Iowa to New York. Revenue has increased 40% in the past year. Five contractors now work for the company. And perhaps Andrew's most visible accomplishment is the new digs in downtown Waterloo. Having outgrown his 100 square foot office at the RBC, he moved as far away as next door, to a beautiful historic building with hardwood floors, tin ceilings, brick walls, and modern technology.

Although we like to think the devoted support of RBC staff and counselors made Darning Pixels, Inc. the company it is today, Andrew's work ethic, creativity, and keen business sense made it happen. Not to mention the quality of his product. He's able to separate himself from the competition by employing APT Methodology. "Experience has taught us the Analyze, Produce, Test (APT) methodology produces the most powerful, stable and user friendly Internet applications and web sites," he says. All of Darning Pixels, Inc. projects undergo the APT system to ensure customer satisfaction.

As an entrepreneur, Andrew has experienced his share of ups and downs. The toughest part is "staying fluid," he says. Being able to move from one task to another and efficiently solving problems keeps him on his toes. But he wouldn't change a thing.

And now he's looking toward the future. His clients are displaying a new level of sophistication, and his services are expanding. In addition to custom-built web applications, Andrew is contracting with a major newspaper to provide user-interface consulting for their web efforts.

We wish Andrew and Darning Pixels, Inc. the best of luck in this next phase of their business journey. To contact Andrew directly, call 319-226-3022 or visit www.darningpixels.com.

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