ZapTel + Ron Reimann

There are lots of places to buy international prepaid phone cards, but no one makes it quite as easy as ZapTel. A few clicks to purchase, and your calling code is delivered via email. In additional to simplifying calling card plans, they also provide online management of call records and billing so you can track and refill your account.

Ron has founded or been involved in multiple ventures. He founded Baler software in 1989, where he met Bob Geras as an investor. He joined Doug Grimsted at Geneer and helped grow the company to $22MM. He joined Scott Woodard at ShowingTime and helped successfully reposition the firm on its current footing. In 2003, using all the experience and a desire to own a business again, he bought a modest, online phone card company. Using SEO, SEM and smart sampling, he quickly tripled the company's revenues in 18 months and now manages the very profitable company remotely from a large boat in Lake Michigan. In 2006 the company made INCs top 500 fastest growing companies.

Dimensions:  8 people x 3 years x $3MM
Funding: Founder
Customers: International students and others needing to call home cheaply
Location: Chicago [Rolling Meadows] + www.zaptel.com