Analog Angel
Michael Schneider
Fluidesign
www.fluidesign.com
Los Angeles, Calif.
Founded: 1998
Age: 24
Founded when Schneider was just 15, Fluidesign bridges the gap between the online and analog worlds -- handling Web design, search-engine optimization, and hosting as well as branding, logos, and more-traditional marketing outreach for companies small and large.
Schneider describes his growth strategy as "very organic." He has never taken on debt, which explains why the company scaled back -- rather than crashing -- during the dot-com bust.
With 12 employees and a client list that includes General Motors and Technicolor, Schneider predicts last year's $1 million in revenue will jump 50% this year.
Lesson learned:
"The nature of entrepreneurship is that you never sit back and say, 'O.K., I can take it easy.' You're always pushing forward."
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