Technology
FINALIST
Dinesh Ravishanker and a team of graduates from the University of California, Irvine, did not have a lot of money in 2004 when they set out to launch what has become a game-changing business in CallFire.
But they had a passion for innovation and the energy to build a company that would transform the way the business world communicates. The result is a company that has grown its customer base to more than 100,000, with 15,000 new users coming aboard in 2012 — without a dime of venture capital.
CallFire simplifies telephony, making sophisticated and expensive carrier-class telecom capabilities available through affordable and easy-to-use graphical user interface and application programming interface platforms. Any business, from start-up to large enterprise, can reach its customers on any device using text message or voice.
Ravishanker, CallFire’s co-founder and CEO, is committed to building a company that will have staying power and be able to evolve as the fast-paced world of technology moves forward. In order to do that, he knows he’ll need employees who have a diverse skill set and a willingness to tackle new challenges as they come up.
CallFire has a number of health initiatives in place including nutritious food alternatives on-site and the promotion of athletic activities. Ravishanker also encourages employees to continue learning and attend seminars to gain new skills that can help them be more productive in their work.
He wants to build a brand that people associate with a strong work ethic and a spirit of customer service. But Ravishanker also wants the brand to stand for love of community and compassion for those who haven’t experienced as much success in life.
During a vacation, Ravishanker traveled to Nicaragua where he worked with a group of speech pathologists to help children overcome their speech problems. He also helped renovate two orphanages. This spirit to help is what he encourages in his people as they seek their own path to give back.
How to reach: CallFire, www.callfire.com
