Virtual Technology Simplified Honored as Best of MichBusiness 2021
John Chwalibog, VTS CEO, Kelly Chwalibog, HR Dir. & Mike Roth, Board Member & Advisor
February 10, 2022 - Brighton, Michigan
Virtual Technology Simplified, is a Michigan based company offering 3D reality capture of buildings and structures for telecommunications, utilities and construction. VTS uses 3D capture technology, often involving drones and LiDAR, to create digital representations of structures and buildings. VTS is honored to be selected as a Best of MichBusiness. The award celebrates companies that make Michigan a great place to live, work and demonstrate outstanding leadership in times of social and economic uncertainty.
Gregg Schkade, VTS Senior Capture & Data Lead
In this first edition of the VTS Capture Chronicles, we chatted with John and Kelly about the rapid growth, remote work and changes in focus that happened in 2021. They founded VTS in 2017. Exponential growth took place in 2021 as the company launched into 3D reality capture for telecom and utilities. Milestones included crystalizing the company vision and mission and critical funding to propel the growth.
With the support from Bloomfield Hills-based Vlasic & Roth LLC, an M&A and advisory firm in Bloomfield Hills, MI, VTS closed on a funding round of $2 million. CEO John Chwalibog said the funding supported the company’s " hockey-stick growth curve." Kelly Chwalibog serves as Director of Human Resources. She has had many key roles in the company, from customer service to capture technician.
What was your company's greatest success in 2021?
Company revenue increased over 300% as we launched data capture services for telecommunications and utilities for asset management, inspections and construction support. We captured over 1,700 sites in 2021 which is increasing exponentially in 2022. Our team expanded from a handful of employees to over 20 with another 40 pilots and technician subcontractors. The growth has required implementing systems and processes to scale quickly while retaining our culture and values.”
The biggest highlight was in October when we were able to safely host an all company gathering where many of the team members met each other for the first time. We had productive meetings, and did a community service project together ‘in real life.’
“We are proud and humbled by the caliber of talent we have attracted in operations, business development and support.”
How has your leadership adapted to the changes and challenges of 2021?
As any small business, there are challenges with growth. The expansion of our services in the fast paced telecom industry required rapid training and onboarding. Each client has unique requirements and processes which need to be implemented meticulously.
At the same time, we made a strategic decision to narrow the company focus in another area that has not grown as hoped. Managing through these transitions while maintaining our values of proactive problem solvers and selfless leadership has been a big area of growth.
What best practices around employee engagement and recruitment has your company learned over the last year?
We focus on candidates eager to be involved in a young, fast-growing company that allows them to learn and grow as individuals as well as team members. Our staff has grown in the last year from a handful to over 20 employees with another 40+ drone pilots and capture technicians as subcontractors. With a fairly large number of our staff being spread throughout the country, monthly virtual Town Hall meetings have been a great way to connect and communicate progress and initiatives. Getting teams together physically every few months in either Michigan or New York will continue this year.
What community efforts or outreach has your company engaged in this past year?
Team clean up day with Life Remodeled
Our main outreach at VTS is focused on supporting Life Remodeled, a Detroit non-profit that is doing incredible work with youth, neighborhoods and small businesses.
The dynamic organization focuses on the intentional and equitable revitalization of Detroit neighborhoods distinguished by their significant need and radical hope. A highlight of our VTS company meeting was when we worked for the second year with rakes, mowers and weed whackers to clean up a block of abandoned homes in inner city Detroit.
What strategic planning initiative is your company most excited for in 2022?
With the incredible support and guidance of our investors and advisors, we plan to grow another 300% and beyond. The growth will be focused on large scale projects capturing hundreds of rooftops, telecom towers and construction projects across the country and Canada.
We are in long term development of an exciting 3D capture app and data portal that will be a game changer in our field. The launch and commercialization with our teams and partners will be the realization of years of planning.
About VTS: Virtual Technology Simplified unlocks virtual access with 3D and reality capture services across North America. VTS leadership combines 90+ years of cutting-edge technology experience with 3D, lidar and laser scanning. Digital twins and vertical data capture enable real better decisions for telecom, infrastructure, insurance, and utilities. 3D models and digital twins enable game changing advantages that streamline processes, reduce risk, and lead to significant cost savings.
