The Fort Worth Chamberletter

George Gdovin, vice president solutions development and Jason Smith III, president and CEO of Arcos.

Jason Smith, III looked to ancient Greek literature for his company’s name: Arcos (leader).

But the firm’s blazing futuristic trails for clients in blending the powers of technology with a multi-discipline interactive marketing firm that’s rapidly expanding — and honored as 2009 Small Business of the Year in the Emerging Business category.

As president and CEO of Arcos, Smith partners with Vice President of Solutions Development George Gdovin in offering a comprehensive suite of marketing services ranging from video-integrated Web sites and search engine optimization to electronic brochures, e-mail campaigns, social media management and more.

The SBOY award’s a blessing, Gdovin said. “We have more people seeking us out for projects and work than we ever have had in the past” and are “able to instantly establish connections from folks that were there or who are active in the chamber. We now have companies, large companies, contacting us from all over the Metroplex and North Texas.”

With a management philosophy that’s people-focused and results-oriented, Arcos has previously focused on small to mid-size businesses. Clients also include highly sophisticated institutions such as TCU where Smith and Gdovin earned BBAs, in 2003 and ’06 respectively, from the M.J. Neeley School of Business’ E-Business Program.

Both bring previous business experience to Arcos, founded by Smith in 2006, and that’s a key strength that sets them apart in delivering finely tailored services, Smith said.

“Our balance of marketing savvy and technical abilities make us very unique,” he said. “We can talk business with the CEO and technical implementation with the staff.

“We keep our clients aware of opportunities we see in our industry that can benefit them” and provide deep education in the technologies used.

Arcos gives back to the community with appearances at marketing seminars, area chambers of commerce programs and networking with giants such as the American Business Women’s Association where Smith recently saved one business owner nearly $2,000 with solutions for her online custom jewelry store.

Arcos holds Gold Member status at the Fort Worth Chamber where Smith and Gdovin participate in programs such as Minding Your Business. They deliver guest lectures at TCU’s Neeley School of Business where they also help interview candidates for admission.

Nonprofit initiatives at the YMCA, Lena Pope Home and other organizations benefit from volunteered Arcos involvement.

It’s all part of Arcos’ passion to serve, Gdovin said. “Arcos is here to stay for lasting success and long-term relationships.”

L to R: 2009 SBOY winners Glen Hahn, Innovative Designs, Inc.; Mike Micallef, Reata Restaurant; Jason Smith III, Arcos; and David Goodroe, Designs for Living.

Today’s difficult economy sets a high bar for entrepreneurs, but winners of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce’s 2009 Small Business of the Year Award have met that challenge.

They and their categories are Arcos computer systems integration and Web site design (emerging, operating less than three years); Designs for Living (1-10 employees) custom homes and remodeling; Innovative Developers, Inc. real estate development and construction (11-50 employees); and Reata Restaurant, Texas cuisine and catering (51-150 employees).

Presented by American National Bank of Texas, the Small Business of the Year award recognizes business growth and performance, sound business strategies and practices, business challenges, unique and innovative approaches, and community involvement and contribution.

Judges selected 11 finalists, all of whom discussed their practices in on-air interviews with Shivaun Palmer during January and February on Biz Radio 1110 AM. Winners were announced Feb. 12 at Mayor Mike Moncrief’s State of the City luncheon at the Fort Worth Convention Center.

Arcos (Greek for “leader”) specializes in helping businesses utilize Internet marketing, President and CEO Jason Smith, III, said.

One aspect involves demystifying social media for clients, Smith told Biz Radio. The fundamentals are the same as in personal networking, he said. “You build relationships, you look for opportunities to share business, you look for ways that you can work together.”

Design for Living specializes in custom remodeling and new-home construction, drawing on skills from master craftsmen and project managers.

Owner David C. Goodroe told Palmer of a building inspector’s reaction to Design for Living work: “You’re the most honest builder I know.” Goodroe added: “From what I’m hearing, we should be in a recession, but … we’re busier than ever.”

Glen Hahn, IDI president and CEO, and colleagues Nina Petty and Mark Presswood gave Palmer insights into their detailed approach to providing planning, site selection, design, financing, construction and management of real estate projects.

“Our processes and methodologies allow us to through every step to make sure clients are taken care of and there are no ‘gotchas,’” Presswood said.

Al Micallef, owner of the Reata restaurant and catering operation, offers Texas cuisine that draws on native and immigrant-influenced flavors, all served in a four-level downtown restaurant that features two levels of roof dining above Sundance Square.

Keys to success, Al’s son Mike told Palmer, revolve around a unique Western-themed product, “an organization that has a can-do attitude,” seven chefs and great employees. Reata’s recently published cookbook, Mike said, aims “to help brand Reata around the world.”

More links:

• Arcos Web site
• David C. Goodroe profile on LinkedIn
• Designs for Living site
• IDI Web site
• Reata Web site