Growing Software Consultancy Invests in Future with Larger Space
Atomic Object will extend its tenancy into an additional floor of its office in downtown Ann Arbor today. The renovated third story will serve as a client hosting and event space for the growing company that builds custom software applications for businesses across the country.
Founded in Grand Rapids in 2001, Atomic Object established its Ann Arbor presence in 2013 with the acquisition of SRT Solutions. Since then, the employee-owned Certified B Corporation has embedded itself in the Ann Arbor community—building software for more than 30 clients, partnering with local schools and nonprofits, and hosting meetups. Meanwhile, Atomic’s Ann Arbor contingent grew to 20 people—mostly software developers and designers.
Atomic Object CEO Carl Erickson says the new space is an investment in Ann Arbor and its future.
“This city has turned out to be an excellent market for hiring talent,” he said. “It’s also a very interesting market for the kind of clients we love to work with: people who are investing in software to be their driving force and companies that are adequately capitalized.”
One element of Atomic’s growth strategy is its career development program called the Atomic Accelerator. The program brings on three to five recent Computer Science graduates at a time in close-knit cohorts. Over a two-year curriculum, the new hires learn how to be consultants and build professional skills through mentorship, conferences, and group activities. The program has brought 19 full-time employees to the company since the summer of 2016. Atomic’s Ann Arbor office will begin recruiting for the next cohort this fall.
Looking ahead, Erickson says he’s optimistic about Atomic’s growing presence in Ann Arbor.
“We have the two elements we need to thrive,” he said, “a pool of clients who need our services and smart people who want to work for a company where their work matters.”