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In Brief

U.P. tech startup recognized

MARQUETTE — New tech start-up TempGigs was recently recognized as one of the 2019 “Best Small Businesses,” an awards program presented by Michigan Celebrates Small Business.

TempGigs is a new software in the on-demand labor industry. Agencies in that industry connect workers with companies who have a demand for temporary unskilled labor. Most labor agencies are burdened with high operating costs, high liability, expensive payroll processing costs and high advertising budgets to promote jobs to workers, a press release states.

The TempGigs mobile technology will allow companies to promote jobs and connect with workers immediately through a mobile platform. The companies also have the ability to rate the worker at the end of the job.

“This software is very complex so its development time has taken well over a year with the end-use in mind the entire time,” CEO Patrick Dunn said in the release. “In April, we’re going to launch the platform in states where we have existing beta-test clients. We’re expecting sales to exceed $10 Million in the first 36 months.”

The software idea was initially Dunn’s who brought in long-time colleague Steve Manske to help validate the idea and start the company. Manske owns a chain of temporary employment agencies across Wisconsin and brings a wealth of knowledge, perspective and experience to TempGigs. Shortly after the idea stage, they attracted former CEO of 906 Technologies and entrepreneur Lee Francisco, who has been leading the software efforts. Karyn Olsson, CEO of Marketing Department Inc, a full-service B2B agency, is bringing over 25 years of experience of building and growing brands. She will work with the team to launch the application nationwide over the next year.

Patrick also gave much credit to the local Innovate Marquette SmartZone team for providing consulting and resources during the start-up process.

TempGigs will be honored at an awards ceremony during the fifteenth annual Michigan Celebrates Small Business gala event, May 8 in Lansing.

Companies recognized as a “Best Small Business” through Michigan Celebrates Small Business were selected by their regional Procurement Technical Assistance Center, Small Business Development Center or SmartZone. Honorees are selected based on their demonstration of successful growth and contributions to the economy of Michigan. Winners were selected by Michigan-based judges from the banking, economic development, entrepreneurship development and venture capital communities.

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