27. Over The Wire
The thought of listing on the ASX is unlikely to cross the minds of many Australian small business owners, but after doing so in 2015, Over The Wire has seen nothing but growth.
Revenue: $53.6 million
Growth: 124.66%
Founders: Michael Omeros (46), Brent Paddon (43)
Head Office: Brisbane, QLD
Employees: 120
Industry: Information and communication technology
Website: overthewire.com.au
IT services provider Over The Wire has experienced impressive growth over the last three years, with revenue up 125% to $53.6 million.
Founders Michael Omeros and Brent Paddon negotiated a float of the businesses on the ASX in December 2015, and have used the injection of capital to grow their client list, providing data networking, voice, colocation and cloud management services.
Their strategy is relatively simple given how complicated their line of business can be.
“Our long-term growth strategy is as a combination of organic growth along with strategic, accretive acquisition,” Omeros says.
Late last year the business did just that, acquiring Access Digital Networks and Comlinx for $30 million, picking up about 250 extra clients in the process.
With everything going on, Omeros says having the right company culture for the 120 workers at Over The Wire has been imperative.
“People come up with new ideas continually, and it’s the challenge as a growing business to enable a structure and culture that allows these ideas to be heard,” he says.
To make sure everyone is on the same page, a problem that often faces businesses achieving scale, Omeros says feedback is prioritised.
“We include all staff in discussions about company goals, product roadmaps and long-term strategy to make sure everyone is aware.
“We then seek feedback from all levels of the organisation to ensure everyone’s voice is heard,” Omeros adds.
