Developers at
Gaslight Software have done what many just daydream of doing. The young software development company was forged by freelancers, many of whom left corporate life.
"We were independent contractors. Most of us met at what's now called
Cincinnati Agile Roundtable," says Gaslight developer Doug Alcorn. "After a few years, we decided we could do better if we worked together instead of on our own. We have no titles, no boss. This is 100 percent team-driven."
A dozen developers work in Gaslight's Blue Ash office, helping clients develop mobile- and web-based applications that improve efficiencies and promote business growth.
Gaslight works with growing companies and startups across the country. Among applications they've developed are
Tweethopper, which allows you to manage multiple Twitter accounts;
WebPulp.tv, a video podcast that explores the inner workings of scaling a web ap; and
Vendor Wizard, which securely automates the tracking and management of vendor relationships and documents.
"We want to make an impact, and work to benefit our clients in tangible ways. We want to feel we're part of their team in developing software and not just a vendor," says developer Peter Kananen.
Gaslight works to cultivate a culture of community and teamwork that carries into the wider Cincinnati tech community. The company participates in a number of local developers' groups, including
Cincinnati Ruby Brigade and
Cincinnati Lean Startup Circle. They're also the lead organizer of the first
Queen City Merge web conference May 10 and 11.
"There's a lot of talk about brain drain in the city. It's a constant battle. We want to highlight tech in this city, get people together and have them look around to see what's going on around them," Alcorn says.
By Feoshia Henderson
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