Forty under 40: Kristian Andersen, 34

Kristian Andersen, 34

Founder and president

Kristian Andersen + Associates

Although born in New York City and raised in Conway, Ark., Kristian Andersen thinks being in Indianapolis splits the difference between the two disparate locations.

"I have a deep, rich vested interest

The company offers traditional branding/design work, such as brand naming, corporate identity design and interactive Web site design. Founded in 1997, the company now employs seven full-time and two part-time employees. It boasts both local and national clients, including ExactTarget, an Indianapolis-based on-demand e-mail software marketing company.

"We are called upon to become experts in a field quickly," Andersen said. A majority of clients are technology startups. Andersen's company also has invested in a large number of clients.

"We have formalized the process of taking equity stakes in our clients," Andersen said. Since they have invested in the client's company, both sides work hard to succeed, he says.