In the three years since local startup GrowthPlay was founded, it’s seen significant growth, landing itself on this year’s Inc. 5000 list at No. 22.
The company, which specializes in sales effectiveness consulting, has grown by about 9,600 percent in the last three years and posted $29.3 million in revenue in 2016, according to the list. Some of their clients include Comcast, Motorola Solutions and General Motors.
Just this year, GrowthPlay acquired Chicago-based Akina, which provides sales coaching and training to lawyers, consultants and bankers. And with other acquisitions and expansion initiatives, GrowthPlay now employs about 60 people.
All this has contributed to them becoming one of the fastest-growing private companies in the country. But they're also one of the few companies on the Inc. 5000 list that was co-founded by a woman.
In 2014, Amy Dordek and Dan Weinfurter merged their startups, Uptick Associates and Silver Spruce Holding LLC, respectively, to create GrowthPlay. Dordek is the company’s Managing Director of Business Development, while Weinfurter serves as its CEO.
As tech remains an industry heavily dominated by men, Dordek has successfully tackled that obstacle at GrowthPlay, whose leadership team is predominantly female. Dordek, who started her career as a commercial real estate broker for Chicago-based Cushman & Wakefield, has now been immersed in Chicago startups for more than 15 years.
Chicago Inno talked with Dordek about what has contributed to GrowthPlay’s progress, why maintaining a diverse staff is essential and the secrets to being a successful startup in the city.
Chicago Inno: What would you attribute GrowthPlay’s growth to over the last year?
Amy Dordek: It’s a combination of good acquisitions and organic growth. We started the company with the backing of a private equity firm and then we acquired what we think were best-in-class solutions in different areas. We did a great job of acquiring companies and then growing them.
What responsibilities do you have in your role at GrowthPlay?
I have to help the firm grow. I focus on the market. I’m in both a leadership role and in a direct selling role because we’re all in sales. Everybody in our firm contributes to sales cause we have to walk the walk and talk the talk. I have a focus on the Midwest and growing all of our revenue.
"If you take care of your people, most things follow, including great financial results."
What is GrowthPlay’s office culture like?
We have a combination of people who have an entrepreneurial spirit and background combined with people who’ve had corporate experience.
What leadership style brings out the best in employees?
Very transparent leaders. People who lead by example, who truly care about their teams and organizations. If you take care of your people, most things follow, including great financial results.
What challenges have you faced as a woman in your industry?
There are not enough of us. When we come together with portfolio companies, I have been the only woman at the table. It’s just a challenge because there are not enough of us to create change and bring more women into leadership [roles]. One of my portfolio colleagues said to me, “I noticed you were the only woman at dinner last night.” And I said, “That did not go unnoticed by me.”
What advice do you have for tech companies that want to hire more women and place them in leadership roles?
Just be purposeful. Be thoughtful about it. Make it a priority. More diverse leadership teams produce better results. There’s clear data to support the fact that diverse companies do better.
What are the secrets to being a successful startup in Chicago?
Making sure that you give back as much as you take. I think the Chicago community is very close and supportive. Being connected and contributing to the community pays back in dividends.
This interview has been condensed for length and clarity.
