About Us
Our Firm's History
By Will Bullard – Founder
A distant relative, who had spent a lifetime farming and had the hands to prove it, asked me, “Son, there are only two tools in the world. What are they?” I was clueless, so he helped me out, “The wrong tool and the right tool.” His world evolved around hand tools, whereas mine around software tools, but he was spot on – the right tool makes all the difference.
Perhaps if I were smarter, I would have started software companies that offered a “one-size-fits-all” software solution. As it turned out, I’ve started software companies that strive to provide the right tool.
My first software company offered a customizable software system for local code enforcement departments. We would begin each project with our core code enforcement software system, then tailor it to each client’s specific needs. Unfortunately, due to the technological limitations of the time, the software was rarely updated after going live.
After selling that company, my family and I moved to La Ceiba, Honduras, where I worked in development for a non-profit microcredit lender. It was a fascinating three years, but family obligations brought us back home.
At that time, my brother Jeff had written a business management program for his wife, who was an interior designer. As these things go, her friends liked it, and he started selling it. However, he already had a day job, so he graciously let me take it over. Hence, DesignSmart was launched in 2010.
The business model remained the same as before: start with a comprehensive base software system, then customize it to meet the client’s requirements. Our clients are successful firms that use QuickBooks and are unwilling to jettison the critical workflows that have helped make them successful in order to conform to the inherent restrictions of a one-size-fits-all software system. And thanks to technological advancements, now we can provide monthly updates even to those firms that have had extensive customizations.
We are now launching High Five Software because we have realized that the software we have developed over the past 15 years works just as well for a business selling widgets as for one selling sofas. The real catalyst was realizing we can create affordable mobile apps and client portals that offer significant benefits to small and medium-sized businesses.
For years, I stuck with the same brand of gas-powered lawn mower, in part because it was the one my father had always used (a “Lawnboy,” if that rings any bells), and I was familiar with it. Sloshing around gasoline and the annual struggle to get it to start in the spring seemed like unavoidable rituals. When I discovered the benefits of an electric mower that starts effortlessly, I knew I’d finally found the right tool.
So the question is, does your firm use the right software tool? Or is it the equivalent of a cantankerous, smelly, gasoline engine?
In a single call, we can discuss your current technology and pain points, and I’ll assess whether our High Five system could address them.