Technology firm finds the going is actually OK

The recession has actually been good — relatively speaking — to Joe Brachle, founder of CSI Networks, an IT and Web development firm.

The company grew annual revenues 15% in 2009 over 2008, to $1.2 million. Brachle predicts even more double-digit growth this year, to at least $1.6 million in revenues. Moreover, the Sarasota-based company hired one person last month and has plans for two new hires this month.

But more than just sheer growth, Brachle says the downturn has allowed his 12-employee company to learn a valuable business lesson: “It's not just automatic,” says Brachle. “Just because we've been in business for 18 years doesn't mean we will always get customers.”