When Christopher Irion launched mobile phone data security and recycling company e-Cycle in 2005, he was confronted with the challenge of managing triple-digit growth while establishing a best-in-class company culture. Over seven years later, Irion continues to deal with his company’s rapid growth and the obstacles it brings. Recently, SmartBusiness spoke with Irion to discuss his secrets on finding the right people to fulfill his passion and overcoming growing pains.

“I feel blessed that [e-Cycle] can grow over 100 percent per year, but as opportunistic as growth is, it’s also a big challenge for us,” says Irion.

Shortly after starting his cell phone recycling business, Irion realized that having a strong management structure would support growth. When a business has only one employee reporting to the CEO, the system will be effective, however when a business grows to an 85 plus member organization, multiple supervisors need to be put in place. Therefore, setting up an efficient managerial infrastructure was key to e-Cycle’s success.

e-Cycle was founded on a passion for the environment, a love of technology and a devotion to charitable giving. Irion’s passion for these three values was able to keep him going during the rough patches and when times got hard. When new business owners are trying to get a business off the ground, they may be working until 2 a.m. every night. They may be anxious about how they will find their next client or how they will make payroll a year down the road. It’s their passion that gets the founders through the bumpy period of establishing a new company. Passion will win over prospective clients because they see the enthusiasm and the drive to meet their needs. Passion will evoke dedication in employees because they share the company vision and will work hard to help accomplish it.

According to Irion, business should narrow down the company’s values and keep them at the core of all that the organization represents. Instill these values in your employees and ensures that all aspects of the company’s culture revolve around these core values. Always keep your client first and do what’s in their best interests. Building this idea at the core of your company culture will always put you ahead of the competition.

To view the full article written by Dennis Seeds, visit http://www.sbnonline.com/2012/05/christopher-irion-keeps-ahead-of-the-curve-as-e-cycle-grows/.