By SPARK Business Works
Many companies are overwhelmed or frustrated by their lack of processes and efficiencies that prevent their business from growing faster or smarter.
While they often know technology is the answer, they may not know where to start or how to choose the right digital solution from an endless list of options. They also typically lack the internal resources, financial backing, or expertise on their team to change their operations in a meaningful way.
Founding SPARK Business Works
In 2016, SPARK’s founders—a Chief Information Officer and software developer—saw an opportunity to offer custom software development to ease companies into the modern, tech-aided business world. With a healthy attitude toward failure and a good eye for how processes can make or break a business, they formed SPARK Business Works in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
“We saw a disconnect for small and middle market firms. Many of the available software platforms required their customers to change their operations to ‘fit how the software worked, ’” explained Robert Ambrister, Founder and CEO of SPARK. “We wanted to build custom software that was unique to our clients’ operations and amplified their competitive advantage. That’s how SPARK was born.”
Solving Business Challenges With Custom-Tailored Software
Since the beginning, SPARK has positioned itself as a strategic and invested partner in the success of its clients by making critical technology accessible to today’s mid-size, high-growth companies.
SPARK builds custom digital solutions that solve their challenges, meet their goals, and deliver ROI, such as:
- Mobile apps and web applications
- Automated workflows
- System Integrations
- Real-time reporting and dashboards
- Legacy software modernization
- AI-driven solutions
“How a company operates is based on its unique capabilities. Unlike off-the-shelf products, we can look at their existing systems, talk to their employees, understand what they need, and develop solutions that are going to get better adoption,” shared Armbister. “It’s a game-changer to move to custom, integrated tools that are in sync with your operations.”
SPARK follows a proven approach to building software that is practical and innovative. As a business-savvy partner, the SPARK team helps clients transform their operations one small step at a time. We focus on discovering and prioritizing projects that both meet a core objective and their budget. Over time, this ensures that small, intentional changes to the organization are welcomed and celebrated.
As Bob Armbrister often says, “We try to hit singles and doubles, not grand slams.”
SPARK also firmly believes that successful projects can only come from collaboration, transparency, and fun. When working with clients, SPARK is known for building long-lasting relationships that thrive on mutual trust and following through on its commitments.
Rapid Growth: Hundreds of Clients Across Dozens of Industries
In its early stages, SPARK primarily served construction companies across Michigan and its surrounding areas. Custom software was a natural fit to solve the many unique and complex challenges of the industry, where no two construction firms operate the same.
Growing from 4 employees to over 30, SPARK continued to expand its expertise and services to hundreds of organizations across dozens of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, professional services, agriculture, nonprofits, and startups. Rapid year-over-year growth was mostly fueled by positive word-of-mouth and client referrals.
Strengthening SPARK With Digital Marketing Services
Existing clients soon came to SPARK looking for guidance on their digital marketing campaigns, website design, and branding. To better serve its clients, SPARK grew its team to offer marketing capabilities, such as:
- Branding and Messaging
- Marketing Strategy and Action Plans
- Website Design, Development, and Hosting
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Content Marketing
- Paid Advertising
- Social Media Marketing
- Video Marketing
- Print Marketing
“Our clients would continually ask us to build websites and support their digital marketing needs. Over time, the needs just kept growing, and we began to build out an entire digital marketing agency within SPARK,” explained Armbrister. “Now, we take the same relationship-based approach to help solve our clients’ marketing challenges as well as their internal operation challenges.”
Over the years, we’ve found this unique combination truly gives our clients a competitive advantage, enabling their businesses to thrive inside and out.
From Kalamazoo to Bloomington: Acquiring Local Agency Business Builders Marketing
In 2024, SPARK further solidified its expertise in digital marketing by acquiring local marketing agency Business Builders Marketing (BBM) in Bloomington, IL.
For over 25 years, Business Builders Marketing’s President and Owner, Jennifer McCarron, was an integral part of the team’s transformation into a leading digital marketing agency and established community contributor.
SPARK’s leadership was attracted to Bloomington for its proximity to Kalamazoo (less than a four-hour drive) and how the city and businesses within closely resemble its own community. SPARK saw an intriguing opportunity to continue its mission of enabling local businesses to thrive through the right digital marketing and custom software solutions.
“Jennifer, BBM, and the Bloomington community reminded us of ourselves in Kalamazoo, Michigan– a community where relationships matter, hard work is valued, and following through makes all the difference,” praised Armrbsiter. “BBM had a long history of delivering quality work, and we are excited to keep it going.”
One program that SPARK is especially proud to continue is the Under Our Wing Grant Program. Created by Business Builders Marketing, this special program aims to serve two local non-profit organizations per year by providing free digital marketing or custom software services. We’re further expanding the program by selecting nonprofits in Illinois, Michigan, or Texas, where our teams are located. You can learn more at SparkBusinessWorks.com/Under-Our-Wing.
“We believe in giving back because our success has been built on the support of small and mid-sized businesses, similar to the majority of the ones we serve today. By investing in our local communities, we’re also supporting the causes and interests our teammates are passionate about, amplifying the positive impact they’re already making,” shared Suzanne Motter, Vice President of SPARK. “Together, we strengthen the same networks that have helped us succeed.”
Looking Forward
As SPARK approaches its tenth year in business, its mission hasn’t changed: to help businesses move forward with technology by building and executing practical strategies that increase efficiency and deliver ROI.
“We are excited to grow in the Bloomington area and continue to serve our great clients. Our work helps make a difference to the businesses, their employee, and the communities they serve. We look forward to a bright future there and beyond,” exclaimed Armbrister.
By working at the intersection of innovative and practical, SPARK fosters clients who turn into lifelong partners. Today, SPARK has served over 300 clients across the nation through custom software and digital marketing services.
For more information, please visit SparkBusinessWorks.com.
Their full-service team of software development and marketing experts can help your business thrive inside and out.
