I Support Learning, Inc.

The company’s unique product line includes Video Game Design, Artificial
Intelligence & Mobile Robotics, Cartoon Animation, Horticulture and Residential Home
Design.

The founder, Steve Waddell, spent several years working in the educational software industry. After taking a FastTrac™ class at the Kauffman Foundation, he decided to start ISL. He had a vision, “to change education and how students learn,” that would differentiate his company.

Steve first came to the KSBDC in 2003 to determine how the organization might be able to assist his business. He had just launched I Support Learning, Inc. and wanted to discuss how to take the business through the start-up phase.

Consultant Malinda Bryan-Smith and the ISL team have accomplished the following:

• Development of Business Plans – These plans were developed to gain focus, provide an operational plan and obtain financing.
  
• Structuring Financing –A total of $565,000 in the form of debt or equity has been
  invested in the company.
  
• Review and Analysis of Financials – Steve realized that one of the first positions he
  needed to fill was in recordkeeping. Financials are reviewed by Steve and Malinda at every
  meeting. ISL sales increased 24.5% from 2005 to 2006.
  
• Building a Management Team – Identifying Steve’s
  strengths and weaknesses were instrumental in building the
  management team. In addition, there are more opportunities
  than money, so prioritizing the hiring of key positions has
  been discussed in depth. To date a Chief Operating Officer
  has been hired.
  
• Development of Human Resource (HR) Policies and
  Procedures – Steve had a vision for the company culture
  he wanted to create, but needed to get an HR infrastructure
  in place.
  
• Pricing of Products – Steve began to understand the importance
  of pricing as his overhead expenses increased when
  he added employees and moved into a commercial space.
  
• Maintaining Focus on Priorities – Because Steve is an
  “idea” person who sees an opportunity at every turn, he realized
  that he needed people who could help him maintain
  focus on his priorities.
  
• Mentoring Management Team – Malinda has mentored
  Steve as well as the COO. In addition she has worked with
  each to find mentors in the community.
  
• Balancing Work / Family – When Steve came to KSBDC
  to discuss his business, his wife was pregnant with their
  first child. Steve and Malinda spent time on how to balance
  work and family.

“Without Malinda Bryan-Smith’s support, advice, and encouragement, my business would not have survived. She has demonstrated that a valued mentor can make a significant difference between success and failure. I believe that building a thriving business requires a team effort. Malinda and the KSBDC have always been integral members of my team and key to our success.”