With more companies opting to outsource non-core functions, Small Business Exchange has grown from revenue of $1.3 million in its first year of operation to projected revenue this year of $17 million. While the couple is thrilled with their company's growth, they're mindful of the tough and unlikely road that got them there.
Jim Gryczewski is an accountant by trade while Linda, the firm's president, worked in customer support at SBC for many years. The blending of their skill sets, and their shared entrepreneurial spirits, led them to start other businesses before hitting on Small Business Exchange.
We started probably four or five businesses from nothing," said Jim Gryczewski. "Some were winners, some were losers. But we liked the idea of trying new things, trying something new."
But when one of his clients suggested they take over human resource function of his small business, Small Business Exchange was born.
The business now supports 11 clients in eight states and oversees roughly 750 employees for those clients. Services include everything from payroll and insurance administration to tax payment service and employee benefits. They see their business as a growth industry in a time when companies need to find more economies of scale to remain competitive.
"The challenge is educating others to what we do," said Jim Gryczewski. "Once they understand, they realize the type of benefit a service like ours can provide."

— Maripat Blankenheim