066: From the Parents House to Software Solutions… The Safari of Sid Bala & Alligatortek

Background on Sid Bala of Alligatortek:

Sid Bala is an experienced software solutions industry executive with a proven record of helping businesses grow through the application of technology. In over 20 years at Alligatortek, Sid has built a thriving organization with a team-first, innovative culture. He oversees the business development, identifies opportunities for growth and better customer service, and drives the Gator culture rooted in teamwork, focus, and determination.

Sid is proud of his team’s ability to quickly interpret their clients’ business challenges. With a wealth of subject matter expertise, Sid and his team approach each project from an “owner’s perspective,” which means establishing the ROI and ensuring that their solution provides the ROI and serves as a valuable investment for the clients.

Alligatortek began partnering with clients more than 20 years ago to provide custom software applications. Its extensive portfolio includes the design and construction of software solutions for the Web, mobile devices and desktops to meet the needs of its nationwide clients and their employees, partners, and customers. With a strong focus on identifying bottlenecks in business processes, the company brings deep industry knowledge and expertise to every project, enabling its team members to quickly identify and design solutions for unique business challenges.

Time-Stamped Show Notes:

[1:15] Sid Bala, the CEO of Alligatortek, came up with the company name because he wants it to be catchy and different.
[3:28] Sid and his family are from Chicago, but his parents came from India in the 1960s.
[4:40] After he got a degree in Computer Science, he worked for a short while in banking, and then he started Alligatortek.
[9:43] Sid joined a local chamber of commerce where he met a lot of entrepreneurs, CEO, and business owners.
[12:50] In the early days of his business, Sid learned the importance of being tenacious and persistent when pursuing a goal.
[14:05] Sid knew that in order to grow, he needs to hire more people.
[19:57] Sid finds the A players or top quality people using a process called Top Grading.
[24:38] He believes that there are areas where he is good at and there are areas where he needs to grow.
[26:58] “It’s easy to blame the individual, but it’s really up to the coach to bring out the talent and the performance.”
[27:53] It is imperative in business to hire the brightest people as early as possible.
[29:59] Sid pointed out the importance of being a good communicator and leader.
[32:47] Sid has successfully balanced his time between family and work, and now he is focusing on being healthy and taking care of himself and everyone around him.
[33:59] Sid promotes practices that provide energy such as better sleep quality, good diet and eating on time, and drinking a healthy amount of water.
[36:40] Trello was huge help for Sid’s organization in managing tasks.
[37:50] Sid’s biggest advice to fellow entrepreneurs is “look for an opportunity where you will be able to really solve a need in the marketplace.”

Fabulous 4 Questions:

📖📚 Favorite Book(s)? Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult, Power of Full Engagement by Jim Loehr & Tony Schwartz
🙌😎 Favorite Amazon.com purchase? Airpods & Tiles for misplacement
🌱💸 Favorite Tool that's GROWN your Business? Trello
💭💡 BIGGEST Challenge keeping your Business from GROWING? Around hiring best people & hiring as early as you can.