making software development predictable

History

A History of Raising the Bar

The custom software industry has a long standing reputation as being unpredictable when it comes to meeting project objectives. Knowing the marketplace craved a more predictable development process, Geneca co-founders Mark Hattas and Joel Basgall made it their mission to raise the bar on how software projects are delivered.

Their vision of a company based on the principles of making and honoring commitments, service attitude, and accountability is now a reality. Today, Geneca is a trusted technology partner to many Fortune 1000 companies and a destination workplace for IT professionals.

1998   
  • Co-founders Mark Hattas and Joel Basgall launch Geneca with a Y2K staffing project
1998 - 1999   
  • Geneca quickly moves from a technology focus to a more client value driven strategy
1999   
  • Geneca gains significant new business and adds its first anchor account
  • Doors open to Geneca’s first office (a 2-bedroom apartment in Naperville, Illinois) 
  • The first hires are official --  an IT recruiter and sales person
2000   
  • Geneca staff grows to 12 people
  • First “real” office opens in Downers Grove, Illinois 
2000-2002   
  • Geneca continues to expand staff and service offerings, including Java and QA
  • Client recognition begins for predictability and delivering value
2002   
  • Transition from IT Staffing to project-based custom software development begins
  • First Project Manager is hired
  • Proprietary development engine, Virtual Foundation, is introduced
  • Best practices around risk management begin to take shape
2003   
  • Office space is expanded to accommodate rapidly growing staff
2004   
  • First Marketing Executive is hired
  • Market strategy around project risk management is formalized 
  • First multi-million dollar project is won  
  • A period of high growth begins
2004-2006   
  • Pace for winning large custom software development projects heat up
  • Marketplace likes risk management practices and strong
    growth continues 
2006   
  • Geneca moves into its corporate headquarters in Oakbrook
    Terrace, Illinois
  • Microsoft Gold certification is achieved for the first time
2007   
  • Geneca hires Bob Zimmerman as Vice President/Managing Director 
  • Bob Introduces Getting Predictable, Geneca’s signature service, to
    the market
  • Geneca makes the Inc. 5000 list for the first time … coming in at
    #896 nationally
  • Geneca becomes one of Chicago's 101 Best & Brightest Places to Work – the first of many workplace awards
2008   
  • Geographic expansion begins with first major project outside of Midwest
  • Geneca University is established to enhance the professional development of employees
2008-2009   
  • Getting Predictable continues to gain market acceptance and becomes a powerful competitive differentiator for Geneca
  • Geneca growth outpaces the economic downturn
2010   
  • Geneca positions itself for healthy growth by improving operational infrastructure and refining organizational development practices

"Geneca brought deep technical expertise to the project and easily integrated with our team."

- Patrick O'Rahilly, CEO, Aspen Marketing Services