Rolling toward higher sales
New hires and better systems keep an emergency-vehicle provider traveling in the fast lane.
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| Nomad's founders (from left) Will Schmautz, Shane Ackerly, Clay Binford and Seth Schmautz |
(Fortune Small Business) -- Shortly after Fortune Small Busines's experts left Nomad Technologies' headquarters in Kalispell, Mont., the business moved into a larger space across town - its fifth relocation in five years ("How to Fan Fiery Growth," November 2007). The firm, which produces custom emergency-response vehicles outfitted with advanced communications technology, continues to grow rapidly. Sales, which topped $3 million in 2006, jumped another 38% last year.
Growth has been a constant for Nomad, but the firm now has the infrastructure to support it. The four founders took our experts' advice and hired in all areas, says president Will Schmautz, 32. They also formally defined their roles, which helped identify gaps for new employees to fill.
Nomad's core clients are federal, state, and local government agencies. When VP of marketing Clay Binford, 31, wrote to FSB last year, he hoped to expand into the private-sector market. Nomad still sells mainly to the government but is also targeting the health and energy-exploration industries. The firm is currently fielding calls from prospects, Schmautz says.
To better track their customers, Nomad's owners took one expert's advice and replaced the company's Excel spreadsheets with CRM Software. They've also restructured the firm's IT service plan, creating standardized tech support packages for Nomad vehicle owners.
One tip that Nomad hasn't yet acted on: Form a board.
"We considered it strongly," says Schmautz. "But we haven't had the chance to assemble the board we want." Sometimes even a booming business needs outside perspectives. 
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