Composing Code for Growth

The president has a large corner office with a spectacular view of the Flatirons. Little else about the Boulder headquarters of Amadeus Consulting Group Inc. fits the corporate stereotype.

Behind the president's desk, a pair of stiletto-heeled shoes resides next to a stuffed toy buffalo.

When it comes to business metrics, Amadeus is more traditional. Last year, it doubled its headcount--to 30--and its revenues--to $2.6 million. That earned Amadeus a place on Inc. magazine's 2007 list of the 5,000 fastest growing firms nationwide, at a ranking of 1,155.

The company does custom software development, specializing in Web-based platforms for large-scale e-commerce. Clients range from startups to Motorola Inc.

Amadeus' management approach blends work-family balance, community engagement and dedication to meeting customer needs. Lisa Calkins, president, characterizes it as "laid-back productive."

In 1994, Calkins and co-founder John Basso set out to build a business in which they'd want to work for the long term. They named it "Amadeus" to convey creativity and excellence, and because they liked the 1984 film about Mozart.

"Our business model isn't to grow the company as fast as we can and then sell it," Calkins says. "We strive for repeat customers."

According to Calkins, the foundation for work-family balance is "attitude, acceptance and encouragement, not policy."

At team lunches, favorite new bands or upcoming camping trips share the agenda with technical and business issues. Families attend the company's two-day retreats, which may include a Rockies game or a snowshoe outing.

Calkins believes that successful businesses engage with the community. Amadeus supports walks, rides and races to raise funds for causes that employees select. Its recycling program is so extensive that the entire company needs just one trash can.

A past president of Colorado Federation of Business and Professional Women/USA, Calkins frequently mentors other women. Rebekah Fitt-peaster Martin, president of the Colorado Vacation Directory, says Calkins "listens to all the things you're not saying and finds the heart of the issue you want to talk about."